Board Members

Alvin H. Montana II – Presiding Officer

Alvin H Montana II has been a licensed 3A Wastewater Operator since 2008. Alvin started his career in 2002 at the Herkimer County Sewer District. During this time, Alvin has worked multiple roles starting as an Assistant Wastewater Treatment Operator, then transitioning into the role of Industrial Pretreatment Laboratory Technician, and later becoming the Shift Operator. Finally, in 2022 Alvin was promoted to the role of Chief Operator.

Alvin H Montana II received an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration from Herkimer County Community College in 2016. In 2018, Alvin received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Empire State College. He uses his experience and education to manage the Herkimer County Sewer District and takes pride in keeping the facility at peak operation, which can be seen by the district’s loyal staff and high-quality effluent.

In his spare time, Alvin’s passions are fly-fishing for trout, paddling, hiking, and spending time in the great outdoors. Through these passions, he has had the opportunity to give back by serving on the NYSDEC Region 6 Fish and Wildlife Management Board, and most currently, Alvin was appointed to the NYSDEC Regional Advisory Committee.

Alvin was elected to the Central Chapter Board of Directors in 2023. Alvin was elected by the Central Chapter Board of Directors to be the Presiding Officer starting in 2024.

Elena Araya – Secretary

Elena graduated with a B.S. in Environmental Resources Engineering from SUNY ESF in May 2019. Elena Araya became involved with NYWEA as a sophomore at SUNY ESF, where she ultimately became the student chapter president from 2017 to 2019. In the summer of 2019, Elena began her engineering career in the Environmental Group at Ramboll in Syracuse. Since then, Elena has earned her Engineer in Training (EIT) certification and has become a Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control in Training (CPESC-IT). Elena is in pursuit of becoming a Professional Engineer (PE) and a full CPESC.

Elena is passionate about being an advocate for the environment by reducing her consumption of single-use plastic, picking up litter, and being a conscious consumer. During her free time, Elena enjoys hiking, camping, and kayaking – particularly in the Adirondack Park. In March of 2021, Elena became a 46’r on Saddleback Mountain.

Elena was appointed to the Central Chapter Board of Directors in 2021 following a vacancy. Elena is a co-chair of the Young Professionals and Student Chapter Committees. She also contributes as a member of the Scholarship Committee.

Elena was elected as the Central Chapter Secretary in January 2023.

Hannah Sheehan – Treasurer

Hannah is a Design Engineer and graduate in the study of Environmental Engineering, pursuing her certification as an Engineer in Training and eventually her Professional Engineer (PE) licensure. Hannah has 5+ years of professional experience as an Engineering consultant. She serves in many roles, including Design Engineer, Resident Project Representative, and grant writer for drinking, storm, and clean water (i.e. wastewater) projects. Hannah became involved with NYWEA as a student at Clarkson University, participating in weekly meetings and attending events and conferences. Her involvement as a student member heavily influenced her decision to enter the water/wastewater industry as a professional.

Hannah is a die-hard Boston Red Sox fan and always will be. In her free time, Hannah enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and snowboarding, as well as camping with friends and family.

Hannah joined the Central Chapter of NYWEA in the summer of 2020 by filling a vacancy for the Social Media and Communications Coordinator (SMACC). Hannah was elected to the Central Chapter Board of Directors in 2022. Hannah also contributes as a member of the Program Committee and as a co-chair of the Young Professionals Committee.

Hannah was elected as the Treasurer-Elect in 2023. She began her tenure as the Treasurer of the Central Chapter in July 2023.

Angel French – State Board Rep

Angel is currently the Laboratory Technician at the City of Watertown Pollution Control Facility. Her water career began at the Village of Carthage, NY WRRF in August of 2010 where she earned her 2A wastewater license. She transferred to the City of Watertown Pollution Control Facility in April 2012. The same year Angel attended Jefferson Community College, earning her Associate’s Degree in Individual Studies. She continued her college career at Columbia College of Missouri earning, a BA in General Studies in 2014 and a BA in Business Administration in 2016. During her college studies, she progressed through her wastewater licenses earning a 4A in 2015. Since 2010, Angel’s career path included: operator trainee, operator, process worker II, senior operator, and her current position as Lab Tech. In 2019, she was awarded the NYWEA operator scholarship resulting, in her attendance at the NYWEA Annual Conference in NYC. Here, she learned about the Operations Challenge. Recognizing the benefits NYWEA and Operations Challenge could bring to her facility, she planned a strategy for her team to compete. In 2020, the newly formed Ops Challenge Team, Watertown Water Bears made their debut at the virtual WEFtec 2020 Virtual Conference, and at WEFTEC 2021 the Water Bears received 2nd in Division III.

Prior to water resource recovery, Angel spent nine years in the Navy as a Nuclear Machinist Mate. Angel loves to spend time with her family, which brought her back to Northern NY after her time in the service. She enjoys riding ATVs, camping, seeing new places or discovering new experiences, and any activity involving time with her daughter.

Angel was elected to the Central Chapter Board of Directors in 2022. Angel took over as the Central Chapter State Board Representative in 2023.

Taylor Bottar – Member at Large

Taylor is a Senior Project Engineer with over 8 years of experience in the water/wastewater department at Barton & Loguidice, D.P.C. He is a 2010 graduate of Rutgers University with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and is a New York State licensed Professional Engineer. Mr. Bottar specializes in project management of engineering design and construction phase projects, project development, technical design and evaluations, preparation of construction plans and specifications, regulatory approvals and permits, and project funding. Taylor is a member of NYWEA and the American Public Works Association and has presented at various technical conferences. A lifelong resident of Central New York, Taylor enjoys the area’s natural environment through activities such as fly fishing, spending time with his dog, and hiking.

Taylor was elected to the Central Chapter Board of Directors in 2019.

Tom Bullard

Tom Bullard has been a member of NYWEA and the Central Chapter for over ten years. Tom Bullard works for the Camden Group as Area Coordinator for Central New York Operations. In this role, he is responsible for oversight of the nuclear power plants Fitzpatrick and Nine Mile Point, as well as wastewater treatment facilities in the Village of Parish, Village of Camden, Town of Oswego, and the Town of Salina landfill pre-treatment plant. Tom assists clients in budget preparation, special project oversight, and general management of their facilities. Prior to joining Camden Group, Tom worked in the nuclear industry specializing in maintenance and management skills. His experience at Nine Mile Point in the Buildings and Grounds Department as a Utility Mechanic, and eventual Site Facility Manager, allowed him to take on the Management of the Town of Scriba water system in 1994. Tom was responsible for spearheading a major expansion and modernization of the system and at this time obtained his NYS Water Operator Certification. During his tenure, he was able to oversee several water expansion projects that brought drinking water to 80% of the residences of the Town of Scriba. Tom also has experience working with the Village of Mexico, where he played a major role in expanding the Village water system and became a liaison with the Camden Group. As the Superintendent of the Village of Mexico, Tom oversaw the major upgrades to the Village’s wastewater treatment plant and lift stations.Tom Bullard was elected to the Central Chapter Board of Directors in January 2024. As a Director, Tom wants to raise public awareness of critical wastewater infrastructure needs and help his communities flourish.

Eric Cushing

Eric Cushing is the Chief Operator of the Village of Minoa Wastewater Treatment Facility. He began working for the Village in 2015 as a laborer. In 2018, he obtained his 3A license and became Assistant Operator. Eric took over as Chief Operator in 2019. He is a 2014 graduate of SUNY Morrisville State College, with an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science and a concentration in Aquaculture and Aquatic Science.

Eric lives in Kirkville, NY with his wife Angela and son Colt. He enjoys spending time with his family, raising animals, and gardening on his hobby farm, as well as hunting and fishing.

Eric was appointed to the Central Chapter Board of Directors in 2022 following a vacancy.

Valarie Ellis

Since graduating from the University at Buffalo’s School of Engineering and Sciences with a Bachelor of Science degree in 2002, Valarie Ellis has continued to build a career founded in environmental engineering. Valarie was a member of the student design team which received the first-place prize in the 2002 WEFTEC Student Design Competition. In late 2004, Valarie began her career with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation in the Division of Water. Her focus is on the SPDES wastewater program. Valarie is actively involved with the permit compliance of very small, private, commercial, and industrial wastewater plants, as well as overseeing the compliance of the largest municipal wastewater facilities in our Region. This oversight includes evaluating proposed engineering designs for technical feasibility in accordance with standard design practices; managing enforcement cases; reviewing CLA applications; permit writing; handling citizen complaints; training new engineering staff; and providing supplementary support for wastewater treatment operators with regulatory guidance and technical assistance.

Preceding employment with NYSDEC, Valarie’s career began at Stearns & Wheler (now GHD) where she began to cultivate her engineering design skills by designing pump stations for a downstate community. The consulting field also provided opportunities to expand her engineering horizon as she worked with colleagues on the design of a variety of wastewater and water treatment facilities, performed evaluations of hazardous waste sites, and created stormwater pollution prevention plans for municipalities. Valarie also earned a BA in psychology at the University of California, Santa Cruz.

Valarie was elected to the Central Chapter Board of Directors in 2022. Valarie is a co-chair of the Program Committee.

Dale Lockwood

Dale began his career as a Jr. Wastewater Operator Trainee with Oneida County in 2013. In 2015, he obtained his 3A Operator certification and was promoted to Sr. Operator shortly thereafter. After gaining experience, he sat for and received his 4A Operator certification in January of 2019. Shortly after, the Chief Operator announced his retirement and Dale was offered his position. In the years of his tenure as Chief Operator, he has overseen a nearly $400M upgrade and expansion program.

Dale was elected to the Central Chapter Board of Directors in January 2024. Dale became a Director to help others in the water resource recovery field by sharing his experiences and lessons learned. Dale knows the water industry is always evolving and is eager to engage more directly with members around the Central Chapter to gain more experience. Dale is a resident of Oneida County and has been a member of NYWEA and the Central Chapter for 4 years.

Sara Martin

Sara Martin is the owner of Critical Path Engineering Solutions, PLLC a New York State Registered Women-Owned Business. Sara is a licensed professional engineer with over 25 years of experience in project development, management, and design of various municipal and industrial water, wastewater, and utilities projects. Her experience also includes design-build implementation, start-up, operation, and troubleshooting of anaerobic and aerobic wastewater treatment systems specializing in food and beverage wastewater treatment.

Sara lives in Cazenovia with her family and enjoys boating, skiing, and spending time with friends and family.

Sara was appointed to the Central Chapter Board of Directors in 2022 following a vacancy. Sara leads the Central Chapter as the TACNY Representative.

Albert Park

Albert Park has been an active member of NYWEA for 6 years stemming from his college days at SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry. Albert is currently an engineer working for GHD in the Greater Syracuse Area. He currently resides in Onondaga County.

Albert attributes the growth of his professional career to his involvement with NYWEA and the vast networking opportunities within the Central Chapter. As a board member, he hopes to provide future CNYWEA members with the same level of commitment that past board members had shown him when first joining the Association. He strongly believes in the current Board’s efforts to grow the Central Chapter throughout the southern counties of our region. He hopes to support these movements by forming relationships with various municipal treatment plant operators throughout our southern counties who may not know about CNYWEA. Providing opportunities to students throughout our region is something Albert is greatly passionate about, and he is hopeful that opportunities provided for students via the Student Scholarship Fund can foster the development of students into future members of NYWEA and the Central Chapter. Albert hopes to make use of every opportunity presented to him to continue to support CNYWEA as it has for him.

Albert Park became a Director because he is invested in the continued growth of the Association. Albert was elected to the Central Chapter Board of Directors in January 2024. He currently champions the Scholarship Committee as Chair, a role he has served since 2020.

John Revette

John Revette, PE BCEE has 18 years of experience in the Water and Wastewater Industry. He graduated with a BS from Clarkson University and then decided that “ya, I just spent 4 years at Clarkson, warmer is probably better” and moved to the DC Metropolitan Region, where he worked as an engineer while also obtaining a Master’s of Science from Johns Hopkins University.

While in DC, John heard great things about the Central Chapter of NYWEA and decided that was a good enough reason to uproot his family and bring them back north. He also wanted to force them to “know what it’s like to really be cold”. John currently works as an Inside Sales Engineer for Koester Associates.

When he’s not working, you’ll find John chasing around 4 kids, a basketball, or maybe running from the tree he just tried to cut down.

John was elected to the Central Chapter Board of Directors in 2022. John leads the Central Chapter as the Chair of the Sponsorship Committee and co-chair of the Program Committee.

Board Members​