Fort Saskatchewan resident Joy Wesley was elected Fort Air Partnership’s (FAP) new chair at its Annual General Meeting on May 27. She replaces Keith Purves, who stepped down after 13 years in the position. FAP has eight public, five industry and two government members.
As part of her graduate degree (M.Sc. in Environmental Engineering), Wesley wrote a thesis on acid rain dry deposition, which led to her interest in the role of airsheds in Alberta. This interest led her to join FAP as a public member in 2009. She has been Vice-chair for the past four years
“I feel strongly about the importance of air quality and FAP is an excellent way for me to contribute locally to help monitor and provide information about what’s going on,” she said. A resident of Fort Saskatchewan for the past 20 years, Wesley is also a member of FAP’s Technical Working Group. This scientific advisory body oversees the operation of the regional monitoring network, assesses data, and reports on ambient air quality.
Purves is continuing his support of the FAP Board as Vice-chair. A public member since 1999, his many contributions have included helping to establish FAP as a society and as an Alberta airshed, securing funds to develop numerous communication materials, including a junior high school curriculum education kit, recruiting many valuable public members and beginning the transition to a regional air monitoring network, all while consistently being able to meet internal and external challenges.
“Keith always communicates the importance of FAP’s values in everything that he does. He has respect for people and the health of our community and our environment. He does things with honesty and integrity, and through open dialogue, transparency and credibility,” remarked Nadine Blaney, FAP’s Executive Director.