Our Team

Neil Wildgust is the President and CEO of Carbon Management Canada (CMC), responsible for leading the organization in supporting industry, governments and other organizations attempting to reduce emissions and meet their net-zero goals.

Neil has been a champion of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies for the past two decades, bringing over 35 years of geoscience expertise to our team. Prior to joining CMC, Neil had left his role as Director for Cordilleran Research at the British Columbia Geological Survey, to consult independently on CCS and risk assessment. He has also held past roles within the IEA Greenhouse Gas (IEAGHG) R&D Programme, the Petroleum Technology Research Centre leading the IEAGHG Weyburn-Midale Program, the Global CCS Institute in Calgary, and the Energy & Environmental Research Center in North Dakota. Neil also served as an Associate Editor of the International Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control between 2016 and 2021 and was a recipient of a Plains CO2 Reduction Partnership (PCOR) Partnership Pioneer Award in 2015.

With Neil’s guidance, CMC strives to position Canada as a global leader in carbon management, providing deep expertise and CCS research and recommendations where they’re most needed.

Karim Teja is Carbon Management Canada’s (CMC) Chief Financial Officer. Karim is an accomplished financial and operations executive with over two decades of success in technology commercialization, operations management, financings, investor relations, mergers and acquisitions. 

With an extensive background in bringing new products in health and green tech to market, Karim has travelled to the US, China, Korea, India and Western Europe to negotiate distribution contracts and conduct business. 

In 2006, Karim was one of the winners of the coveted Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award for his instrumental work in rapidly commercializing and distributing a new healthcare product globally.

Karim capitalizes on his strong business acumen and experience to resolve critical financial and business decisions. He is acknowledged as a trusted business advisor with integrity, credibility and character.

Kirk Osadetz is the Programs Development Manager at Carbon Management Canada (CMC), responsible for developing and demonstrating technology and practices that further assist Canadian corporations with carbon management and subsurface containment issues and requirements.  

Kirk is known as a leader in the Calgary geoscience community, holding positions as the Past-President of the Canadian Society of Petroleum Geologists (CSPG) and Secretary of the CSPG Foundation. Kirk has extensive experience in the field. He was even a major contributor to the PTAC Unconventional Gas Technology Roadmap, receiving a PTAC Volunteer Achievement Award in 2009.  

 Kirk has an accomplished background in providing both laboratory and interpretational support to dozens of Canadian petroleum companies, including Cenovus at Weyburn. He has advised Canada’s Oil Sands Innovation Alliance (COSIA) concerning innovative technology opportunities and also participated in numerous industrial joint industry partnerships (JIP) conducting research that was subscribed to by Canadian, American and European petroleum companies (e.g.,, Institut francais du petrole’s “Subtrap” Industrial Consortium).  

Kirk has made more than 130 contributions to the peer-reviewed journal, monographic and conference literature working as an exploration geologist for PetroCanada Exploration Inc. and Gulf Canada Resources Ltd., all of which can be found in online databases today under his surname.

Marie Macquet is Carbon Management Canada’s (CMC) Manager of Subsurface Research and Project Delivery. Today, Marie focuses on the geophysical monitoring of the subsurface applied to CO₂ sequestration.  

Marie completed her M.Sc. in Planetology in 2011 at the University of Nantes (France) and graduated with her Ph.D. in Geophysics in 2014 from ISTerre laboratory, University Joseph Fourier (Grenoble, France). At the time, Marie was working on the crustal tomography of mountain ranges. By 2016 Marie changed her focus toward CO₂ monitoring and storage, starting at CREWES (University of Calgary) and CMC.

Brendan Kolkman-Quinn is the Geophysicist I.T. at Carbon Management Canada (CMC), responsible for the processing and analysis of seismic monitoring data gathered at the Newell County Facility.  

Brendan completed a B.Sc. with Honors in Physics from the University of Alberta and a B.Sc. in Geophysics from the University of Calgary (U of C). Moving forward, Brendan worked in oil and gas exploration and development with ConocoPhillips Canada, interpreting 3D seismic data covering dozens of townships in Alberta’s Deep Basin, before returning to the U of C to complete an M.Sc. in Geophysics with CREWES. 

Hamid Behmanesh is the CCS Reservoir Modeler at Carbon Management Canada (CMC). With over 7 years of industry experience in the North American Production and Oilfield Service sectors; his primary responsibility is to provide technical expertise to full chain CCUS projects.

Hamid’s experience has allowed him to develop into a quickly adaptable Petroleum Engineer. Hamid is currently involved with supporting and developing our CCUS company portfolio, as well as creating, and updating models for the purpose of safe injection and CO₂ storage. Hamid is also responsible for representing the subsurface and integration with multidisciplinary teams (e.g., well, facilities, permitting etc.).

Franki Race is the Assistant Manager, Technical Operations at Carbon Management Canada (CMC). Beginning at CMC as a summer student with the project of completing a life cycle assessment for the Newell County Facility, Franki is now involved in data calibration, analysis and her favourite part of her position, attending the Newell County Facility to do hands-on work.

Franki graduated from the University of Calgary, obtaining her B.Sc. in Natural Sciences with Energy Science and Geoscience Concentrations. Much of her past research and work has been focused on nuclear energy, attending many nuclear conferences through the Canadian Nuclear Society and Canadian Nuclear Association.

Franki is also a strong advocate for Women in Nuclear, winning the WiN Undergraduate Student Scholarship in 2019. Today, Race is passionate about clean energy sources and their implementation in society.

Perry Manning is CMC’ s Newell County Facility Field Operator, responsible for maintaining the site, operating our injection and helping organize activities, tours and projects at the facility.  

Previously, Perry worked for CDN/Inphase, managing their shop, and assisting with solar farm installations. Perry also has over 10 years of experience installing well-heads, acting as an operator in the oil and gas industry as well as becoming an RV mechanic by trade.  

With extensive field experience and a passion for the outdoors, Perry’s helping hands are essential to the ongoing activities happening at our Newell County Facility.  

Don Lawton is Director of Science at Carbon Management Canada (CMC) and Professor Emeritus in Geophysics at the University of Calgary (U of C).  He is a sought-after expert advisor and thought leader to industry, government, the research community and other stakeholders involved in the carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) environment.   

 Don led the development of the CMC – U of C Newell County Facility in Southern Alberta where monitoring technologies are being developed and evaluated to verify the secure storage of CO2.  He was awarded the Canadian Society of Exploration Geophysicists (CSEG) Medal in 2000 and received Honorary Membership in the Society in 2014.  He also recently was a co-recipient of the 2022 Patricia J. Lee Trailblazer Award from the Canadian Energy Geoscience Association (CEGA) and his team was awarded the 2023 Project Achievement Award from the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA). 

Adam Hayman is Carbon Management Canada’s (CMC) Senior Manager, Technical Operations for the Alberta Methane Emissions Program (AMEP), responsible for designing and implementing a comprehensive data governance framework.

Adam is a professional geologist with 10 years of experience in upstream energy operations in Western Canada, where he successfully developed several plays. During this time, he developed his data science and analytics skills, leading to the successful implementation of cross-discipline programs that resulted in an 80% increase in production by quantifying qualitative geological risks and uncertainties.

After a decade of experience in oil and gas, Adam pivoted his career towards clean energy and emissions management. Before joining CMC and AMEP, Adam worked as a methane technologist at a leading emissions consulting firm in Calgary. He was responsible for developing emissions reduction strategies using numerical simulation modelling and policy analysis.

In addition to developing and managing the AMEP data protocols, Adam has designed and implemented AMEP Technology Development Trials testing protocols to establish performance metrics; intended to improve knowledge and confidence for regulators and duty holders.

Today, his interests include machine learning, automation, and ESG policy development and reporting.

Negar is Carbon Management Canada’s (CMC) Emissions Analyst for the Alberta Methane Emissions Program (AMEP), responsible for interpreting and analyzing methane emissions data using unique statistical techniques. 

Negar is a geoscientist with more than 10 years of work experience in both the industry and academic settings. After receiving her MSc in Petroleum Geoscience from the University of Aberdeen, Negar began working for the National Iranian Oil Company as a petroleum geoscientist. After six years in the workforce, Negar returned to academia to complete her PhD in Geoscience, focusing on geomechanical modeling of induced seismicity caused by hydraulic fracturing operations in Canada.  

Today, Negar is passionate about applying her past experiences from the oil and gas industry into better understanding the detection, quantification, and mitigation of methane emissions in Alberta. 

Michelle Unsworth is a project manager at Carbon Management Canada (CMC), responsible for leading the carbonNEXT program. Her master’s in Environmental Geology complements her industry experience in oil and gas as well as environmental monitoring and assessment. Michelle’s background also includes implementation of strategic initiatives, having dedicated two and a half years to the National Research Council’s IRAP program where she was a strategic advisor responsible for driving innovation program delivery and optimization. Michelle strives to play a key role in assisting CMC and our partners in deploying groundbreaking carbon management solutions.   

Eric Salkauskas is Carbon Management Canada’s (CMC) Senior Technology and Business Analyst, responsible for coordinating the Canadian CCUS Research and Technology Network and providing technical analysis on carbon capture technologies for specific industrial assets.

Eric aims to make sustainability a priority for every government body, multinational, or small to medium-sized enterprise he works with, so Canada can be a worldwide leader in environmentally friendly practices.

He has an academic background in civil engineering and business management with a specific focus on sustainable practices and entrepreneurship. With professional experience in the agriculture, construction, and mining industries, Eric brings a well-rounded approach to problems in the CCUS field.

Mansi Dhaundiyal is Carbon Management Canada’s (CMC) Technology & Business Analyst. With a background in chemical engineering from the University of British Columbia, Mansi is integral piece behind many of our key projects. 

Mansi’s passion for CCUS shines through her work as an adept analyst and engineer. Her experience spans technology development analysis, strategic and engineering analysis, and comprehensive process design. 

Mansi has a track record of successfully leading engineering and volunteering projects at her school. Meanwhile, her engineering journey has taken her across diverse landscapes, from Calgary and Vancouver to the vibrant city of Bangkok! 

CMC is lucky to have Mansi on our team to continue paving the way to a net-zero future. 

Breanne O’Reilly is the Director, Program Development & External Relations for Carbon Management Canada (CMC) as well as the Program Director of the Alberta Methane Emissions Program (AMEP), providing strategic oversight for the organization. Breanne manages communications projects to engage and educate stakeholders on industrial emissions reduction solutions.

Breanne leads the Canadian CCUS Research and Technology Network, providing innovators and industry with efficient, coordinated and collaborative access to Canada’s world-class CCUS technology commercialization infrastructure and expertise. The Network brings together like-minded organizations with expertise, facilities and equipment to help demonstrate, scale and validate technology. She also oversees the Carbon Tech team, conducting industry and government outreach and providing project management expertise to support the advancement of CCUS technologies.

Zoe Hardowa is Carbon Management Canada’s (CMC) Communication and Marketing Specialist, responsible for creating branded written and graphical content as well as providing additional support to CMC’s continuous communication efforts.

Zoe is a recent graduate of Mount Royal University (MRU), obtaining her Bachelor’s degree in Communication and Public Relations. Prior to joining CMC, Zoe had worked as an intern for the PetroLMI Division of Energy Safety Canada, fostering her appreciation for creating strategic communications. Today, Zoe is passionate about creating engaging communication pieces that educate and attract both internal and external stakeholders to CMC’s initiatives.

Shaun Crawford is the Marketing and Communications Advisor at Carbon Management Canada (CMC), responsible for developing content and campaigns to engage the industry and increase the public understanding of CCUS.  

Prior to joining the team, Shaun worked as a triple threat (writing/directing/producing/managing) with Mammoth XR, developing virtual and augmented reality content for multiple companies involved in the energy industry. Shaun also has past experience in advertising, acting as a senior copywriter. 

Shaun is passionate about independent filmmaking, producing multiple feature-length films on HBO, the Movie Network, Showtime, Superchannel, and Prime Video. He was also featured on Calgary’s “Top 40 Under 40” in 2022! When Shaun is taking a break from work, he enjoys spending time with his family, looking for inspiration in movies and mixing in a game of basketball with friends.   

Shamez Kotadia is Carbon Management Canada’s (CMC) Business Manager. For over 20 years, Shamez has been helping companies leverage technology solutions to increase their decision-making capability and enhance operational effectiveness. Today, he works to facilitate the growth and networking of large technology companies.

In the past, Shamez has held roles in strategic planning, program management, project management, and technical leadership. Shamez has worked in both private and not-for-profit companies, covering a wide range of projects in industries such as telecommunications, defence, energy (e.g., oil and gas, pipelines, and utilities), agriculture, manufacturing, security, labour, and health.

Shamez graduated from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and a PMP certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI).

Kenna Aulakh is Carbon Management Canada’s (CMC) Office Coordinator, responsible for effectively managing all office operations and administrative procedures within our company.  

Kenna holds a Bachelor of Computer Science Degree as well as an Associate Degree in Information Systems. Prior to joining CMC, she held positions at the California State Government, Robertson College and Optional Rehabilitation Services. From developing curriculums to teaching computer programming to students and staff, Kenna is well versed when it comes to managing groups of people.

Madison Paulson is Carbon Management Canada’s (CMC) Executive Assistant, responsible for strategically managing the time of CMC’s President and Chief Executive Officer, delivering critical documents for the Senior Leadership Team, supporting the preparation of government grant claims and assembling Board materials to ensure quick and thorough communication between both parties. 

Prior to joining the CMC team, Madison held an Executive Assistant position during her time at Rohl Projects, a telecommunications sub-contractor operating across North America, Madison provided all administrative, communications and leadership support for the President of Rohl Projects. Even preparing sub-contractor bids for fibre optic installation projects.  

Madison has a Practical Nursing (LPN) Diploma from Assiniboine Community College. Also returning to post-secondary to complete her Business Administration Diploma at Red River College Polytechnic, which was awarded to her in 2016.