Board of Directors

The QWEL Board of Directors provide independent oversight of the QWEL program and includes representation from water utilities, landscape industry, educational institutions, and QWEL instructors. The roles and responsibilities of the QWEL independent oversight committee include supervision of the QWEL program, establishing policies and requirements with respect to the QWEL program, consideration of new professional certifying organizations, update and development of QWEL curriculum, and reviewing technical content of the QWEL exam.

 

MEGAN ALLISON, Co-Chair


  • Bachelor of Science in Ornamental Horticulture from Cornell University.
  • Master's of Landscape Architecture from the California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.
  • Horticulture Department Chair and Instructor, MiraCosta College, Oceanside, CA.
  • Certified Professional Horticulturist.
  • Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper and QWEL instructor.

PAUL PIAZZA, Co-Chair


  • Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies from UC Santa Cruz.
  • Certificate in Ecological Horticulture Center for Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems, UC Santa Cruz
  • Water Use Efficiency Manager, Sonoma Water, Santa Rosa, CA.
  • Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper.

PETER ESTOURNES, Member at Large


  • Former Vice President/COO of Gardenworks Inc., Healdsburg, CA.
  • Member of California Landscape Contractor’s Association (CLCA).
  • Past President and Board Chair of CLCA North Coast Chapter, Santa Rosa, CA.
  • Co-Director of CLCA Water Management Certification and Performance Program.
  • Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper and QWEL instructor.

CARRIE POLLARD, Member at Large


  • Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies from San Jose State University.
  • Water Use Efficiency Manager, Marin Water, Corte Madera, CA.
  • Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor, Irrigation Association.
  • Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper.

CHRIS McNAIRY, Member at Large


  • Hunter Industries, Sales Manager – Northern California.
  • Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.
  • Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper.

DEB LANE, Member at Large- Outgoing


  • Bachelor of Administration and Legal Processes from Mills College, Oakland, CA.
  • Water Resources Analyst, City of Santa Rosa, CA.
  • Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor, Irrigation Association.
  • Certified Water Manager, California Landscape Contractors Association.
  • Bay Friendly Landscape Professional.
  • Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper.