Howell’s experience in the energy sector is extensive. He has over 30 years of senior management experience in maintenance, construction, engineering and operations as well as strategic planning implementation processes, internal and external communications, financial management, recruitment and retention strategies, contract negotiations, and community and business relationship management. He has worked with Flint Energy Services, Husky Energy and Syncrude Canada and is now chairman of the board for Tartan Canada Corporation. He also served as Tartan Canada’s president from 2007 to 2011.
With the college’s recent development and expansion of courses targeting the petroleum sector that include off-site and online power engineering courses, oil and gas training, a newly proposed two-year diploma option for its heavy oil operations technology program, and introductory training for aboriginal students at Onion Lake, Howell’s knowledge of the petroleum sector will bring to the board value-added benefit. Milt Wakefield, Lakeland College board chairman, explains.
“Darrel’s extensive experience, not only in the petroleum sector but also in company management and governance, will be of significant value to the board and the college as we work to address all of the college’s cornerstone priority areas,” says Wakefield.
Howell holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s of science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Alberta. He has also completed numerous courses on a variety of technical subjects, finance, maintenance, project management, native affairs, leadership and team building.
Howell is a member of the Association of Professional Engineers, Geologists and Geophysicists of Alberta. He is actively involved with community and industry boards including the Lloydminster Regional Health Foundation and the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce. He previously served on the University of Calgary Senate, the Alberta Chamber of Resources, and the Construction Owners Association of Alberta.
Howell served on the college’s board of governors in the 1990s and is pleased to have been appointed again.
“I regard education as a key building block to a successful life and a functioning society,” says Howell. “I believe Lakeland College has a unique role to play in meeting the huge upcoming demand for well-educated and highly skilled people. I will try to do what I can to help,” says Howell.
Lakeland College has campuses in Lloydminster and Vermilion, Alta., and serves over 8,000 students per year. This year’s class includes students from Alberta, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland & Labrador, Northwest Territories and Yukon. There are also international students from Barbados, Jamaica, United States, Hong Kong, Kenya, Mexico, China and Uganda.
May 1, 2012
