Eight staff run OBWB programs that serve 13 municipalities, three regional districts and four First Nations communities in the Okanagan Basin. We serve the diverse interests of residents, governments, businesses, non-profit organizations, and visitors in all aspects of water use in the Okanagan.
Executive Director
Anna Warwick Sears, PhD – Anna is responsible for the day to day operations of the Okanagan Basin Water Board including the collaborative water management initiative, water quality improvement programs and aquatic weed management. Anna has a background in population biology and watershed planning, and was previously the Research Director for an environmental organization in Sonoma County, CA. In her free time, Anna likes to cook exotic food and go berry picking. E-mail: anna.warwick.sears@obwb.ca ; LinkedIn
Chief Operating Officer
James Littley, CD, MA – James oversees OBWB’s core programs, including milfoil control, invasive species prevention and grants programs, and helps lead financial management, and partnerships with local governments, Indigenous communities, and stakeholders. Since joining OBWB in 2012, he has played a key role in expanding invasive species prevention efforts, securing funding for water initiatives, and strengthening the organization’s operational capacity. He holds an M.A. focused on Sustainability Planning, and a Diploma in Local Government Administration. Born and raised in the Okanagan, James is passionate about supporting a sustainable water future for the region.
E-mail: james.littley@obwb.ca ; LinkedIn
Office and Grants Manager
Carolina Restrepo Tamayo, M.Sc. – Carolina’s responsibilities include office management, planning and coordination of events, payment and procurement services, and general management of the Water Conservation and Quality Improvement (WCQI) Grants Program. Carolina has a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering from the National University of Colombia and a MSc. in International Development with an emphasis on agriculture and sustainability from University of California, Davis. In her free time she enjoys hiking, cooking, Colombian dancing and spending time with her husband and two kids.
E-mail: carolina.restrepo@obwb.ca ; LinkedIn
Water Stewardship Director
Nelson Jatel, DSocSci. – Nelson joined the OBWB’s senior management team in 2007. His leadership roles involve supporting the Board’s technical advisory body, the Okanagan Water Stewardship Council, governance initiatives, and project management. He has managed various projects, including watershed data management, flood risk mapping, ecosystem economic analysis and the newly developed OBWB hydrometric program. He is a professional Agrologist with a doctorate in Social Sciences, an M.A. in governance and economics and a B.Sc. in limnology. Previously, Nelson was the Executive Director of the Okanagan Partnership Society. Nelson is a professional B.C. fishing guide in his spare time, sits on several corporate and volunteer boards and is actively involved in the family vineyard on the beautiful Naramata bench..
E-mail: nelson.jatel@obwb.ca ; LinkedIn
Water Science Specialist
Sandra Schira, BESc. and MSc. – Sandra’s responsible for water and climate trends research in the Okanagan, including data analysis, writing and presenting technical reports, as well developing and implementing projects to help tackle these issues. She developed and maintains the OBWB’s Climate Indicators Dashboard and supports its Hydrometric Monitoring Program. With a Bachelor’s of Environmental Science and a Masters in Science, Sandra brings a unique interdisciplinary blend of technical environmental science skills and knowledge of global change topics, including climate change and biodiversity issues. In her spare time, she loves running, playing boardgames, and bouldering.
Email: sandra.schira@obwb.ca ; Linkedin
Communications Manager
Carmen Weld – Carmen’s a storyteller at heart, with a knack for visuals and creating content that connects. Her background includes nearly a decade in journalism, from video journalist to digital editor, before a move to municipal communications in 2020. She enjoys helping organizations and causes she’s passionate about including recent work with a local dog rescue and a pediatric cancer event. Combining her love for learning and wine, Carmen recently completed the Wine & Spirit Education Trust – Level 2 with Distinction. When she’s not working, you’ll find her exploring all the Okanagan has to offer with her husband, two kids, and their rescue pup.
Email: carmen.weld@obwb.ca ; LinkedIn
Communications Coordinator
Amanda Burnett – Amanda is a marketing and communications specialist, savvy in social media, and with experience working in the Okanagan food and wine scene as well as with non-profits. She is passionate about environmental issues and has worked with grass roots advocacy movements to help raise awareness about important issues impacting underserved communities. Amanda grew up in the South Okanagan and enjoys watercolour painting, spending time with her family, and lounging on Okanagan beaches.
E-mail: amanda.burnett@obwb.ca ; LinkedIn
Eurasian Watermilfoil Control Crew
Pat Field supervises the milfoil team, provides operational planning and logistical management for the milfoil control program throughout the Okanagan Basin. Pat is the longest serving staff member of the OBWB, joining in 1991, and has been involved in the development of the control program, design and procurement of new equipment, and the modernization of the environmental mapping and permitting process. Pat also contributed to the community through his role as a coach for junior hockey for 18 years. Pat enjoys golfing and fishing on his off time.
David Hoogendoorn joined the OBWB as a Milfoil Control Operator in 2015. As an experienced heavy equipment operator, Dave runs the machines that remove milfoil from valley lakes, conducts maintenance on the machines and assists with procurement. David has been instrumental in the process to modernize work tracking systems, including updating GPS and electronic mapping systems. David loves the outdoors and camping with his family.
Darby Taylor is the newest member of the OBWB milfoil team, joining as a Milfoil Control Operator in 2021. Darby has extensive management experience as a former foreman, lead hand, and business owner in various landscaping companies. Darby also competes and coaches in Jiu Jitsu, helping kids to develop self defense and self confidence. Darby enjoys camping, barbecuing and spending time with his wife and kids.