Welcome to the 2016 Sustainability Forum. This year's event is the 7th Annual Forum in Aliso Viejo. On April 21st, industry leaders will discuss their innovative approaches to efficiency and sustainability. This year's Key Note Speaker is Steve Delson, Chief Executive Officer of Gate 5 Partners, Inc., based in Aliso Viejo.
Michael J. Silva, PhD PM/Civil Engineer
CR&R
Michael Silva has more than thirty years senior level solid waste management experience, with responsibility for increasing revenues, efficiencies and profits while maximizing customer service, safety and employee morale. Dr. Silva has expertise in technology development and construction management, and is currently in charge of CR&R’s anaerobic digestion projects, building the largest anaerobic digestion plant in the country, handling some 335,000 tons per year and generating in excess of 4 million gallons of renewable carbon negative fuel.
The Eco-Stride First Step Award
Each year, local businesses, schools and members of the community have the opportunity to nominate the Eco-Stride First Step Award recipient. This organization or individual is recognized for implementing sustainable practices as part of their business, and has demonstrated success while conserving limited resources and preserving the natural environment.
CONGRATULATIONS! to ValleyCrest Landscape, the 2013/2014 Eco-Stride First Step Award. ValleyCrest was recognized for its extensive environmental efforts and ongoing influence in their industry, leading by example and creating positive effects in the communities they serve.
Steve Delson Chief Executive Officer
Gate 5 Energy Partners, Inc.
Mr. Delson serves as the Chief Executive Cfficer of Gate 5 Energy Partners, Inc. and is also a Co-Founder and member of the Company’s Board of Directors who brings more than three decades of engineering, consulting, business and management experience to the company. Early in his career, he served as a project manager for a leading civil engineering firm, Jack G. Raub Company.
2016 Speakers
Kyle Matthews Habitat Restoration Sciences
Habitat Restoration Sciences
Kyle Matthews is a biologist and habitat restoration specialist with over 5 years professional experience working as an environmental specialist on a variety of public and private projects with Habitat Restoration Sciences Inc. (HRS). He has extensive experience with habitat restoration projects involving sensitive resources, including rare plant species, wetlands habitats, and habitats for endangered wildlife.
Valerie McFall Chief Environmental Officer
Transportation Corridor Agencies
As Chief Environmental Planning Officer for California’s largest tolling agency, the TCA, Ms. McFall's responsibilities include managing the agencies’ nearly 2,200-acres of open space, preparing environmental documents, managing grants, identifying properties for acquisition of open space, obtaining permits from federal and state resource agencies and reporting on all mitigation obligations.