Supporting Alaska's Oil and Gas Industry since 2017.
Our team
Mike Helms
President, Principal Scientist
"As an Environmental Consultant in the Oil and Gas industry, I have gained valuable experience in a highly specialized field. My ability to solve complex problems and my passion for achieving clients' goals and ensuring compliance with regulations allow me to create value for my clients. I am dedicated to providing quality service and to achieving objectives in a sustainable manner. Strong attention to detail and excellent communication skills allow me to effectively communicate with clients, colleagues, and regulatory bodies. Overall, my professional work experience and personality help me to be a diligent, solution-oriented individual who is highly motivated and committed to achieving positive outcomes for clients and the environment."
Chris Ellis
Operations Manager, Environmental Coordinator
"As a lifelong Alaskan, and in my nearly two-decade career as an Environmental Specialist in the Oil and Gas Industry, I've focused extensively on the distinctive environmental challenges presented by Alaska's Arctic and maritime environments. With profound dedication to environmental stewardship, I've actively contributed to incident response, pollution control, and regulatory compliance assurance efforts spanning across the globe from Alaska’s North Slope, Aleutian Islands, Bering Sea, Bristol Bay, Kodiak Island, Prince William Sound, and Cook Inlet to the Gulf of Mexico and South America. My proactive approach and comprehensive understanding of regulatory standards have positioned me as a trusted leader and subject matter expert in the field.
Beyond my technical expertise, I prioritize collaboration and community engagement, working closely with industry partners, regulatory agencies, and local communities to foster dialogue and implement sustainable environmental practices and solutions. My unwavering commitment to protecting Alaska's environment and natural resources for future generations drives my work, as I continue to advocate for responsible stewardship and strive to uphold the highest standards of integrity in our industry.”
Danielle Flaherty
Administrative Coordinator
Danielle grew up in Anchorage and has been fortunate to experience the beauty and adventure that Alaska offers from a young age. Her commitment to community and environmental stewardship fuels her pride in supporting the talented team at Williwaw Environmental Consulting.
Danielle holds a degree in Culinary Arts from the University of Alaska Fairbanks and brings a background rooted in food service and culinary education. Her years in the service industry have uniquely prepared her for her transition into this support role. In 2019, Danielle was honored to be recognized as one of Alaska’s “Top 40 Under 40,” a milestone that coincided with her journey at Williwaw as Administrator.
Since joining the company, Danielle has felt privileged to witness the growth of Williwaw’s exceptional team of professionals. As the Environmental Team continues to deliver outstanding value to clients, she remains dedicated to supporting their work and contributing to the company’s continued success.
Deb Heebner
Field Environmental Coordinator
"I came to Alaska in 1976 for my Masters of Science study in Wildlife Management from the University of Alaska, and due to my awe of the northern environment and all its beauty. My experience working as an Environmental Specialist for the Oil and Gas Industry on Alaska’s North Slope provides me with valuable knowledge in waste management, oil spill reporting, permitting and compliance under various federal, state and local government regulatory programs. My experience in permitting exploration, pipeline replacement, remediation, operation and maintenance activities provides me with the perspective to create positive solutions. This informs my regulatory analysis/interpretations, identifying necessary permits and working with project managers to identify and mitigate environmental concerns."
Cory Walch
Field Environmental Coordinator
“I came to Alaska in the summer of 2011 for a temporary wildlife biology job, and quickly decided to stay, making it my new home. In the next several years I met my wife (a lifelong Alaskan), and we started our own family, settling in Palmer. Professionally, I made the transition from biology to working in oil & gas on Alaska's North Slope as an Environmental Compliance Consultant. I’ve been fortunate to work on a multitude of projects for various operators across the slope, gaining me experience in all facets of compliance in this dynamic setting. This experience, coupled with my passion for the outdoors/environment, allows me to provide excellent support for any client or project.”
Geoff Kany
Field Environmental Coordinator
"I moved to Alaska in 1988, where I worked as an Environmental Engineer at the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) on the Exxon Valdez oil spill and in the Hazardous Waste and Contaminated Sites Remediation Programs in Juneau. I traveled extensively throughout Alaska performing RCRA inspections and corrective action at military bases, pulp mills, oil & gas production facilities, marine terminals, refineries, and at many other hazardous waste generators in Alaska. In 1995 I completed a Master of Studies in Environmental Law from the Vermont Law School and worked briefly as an Environmental Specialist at the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation before moving to Anchorage in 1998. For two years I worked as a hazardous waste consultant for Philip Services Corp before onboarding with BP Exploration (Alaska) Inc. (BPXA) in 2000. I worked for BPXA for twenty years in the Anchorage Tower as a Subject Matter Expert, an Environmental Advisor at Milne Point, Northstar, Endicott, Badami, and in Prudhoe Bay, and as the North Slope Environmental Team Leader. Based on this experience, my strengths have been in on-site compliance for oil & gas exploration, development, and production sector waste management, oil discharge prevention and response, and day-to-day compliance with environmental laws, regulations, permits, plans, and procedures. I joined Williwaw Environmental Consulting, LLC in 2023"
Steven Orizotti
Field Environmental Coordinator
"As a lifelong Alaskan I have a great respect for the Oil and Gas industry, as well as the pristine environment Alaska boasts. I obtained my engineering degree from the University of Alaska-Fairbanks and immediately started environmental consulting work on the North Slope. My eagerness to help responsibly develop Alaska’s natural resources has driven me to gain valuable knowledge of regulatory compliance and environmental procedures unique to Alaska’s state and federal requirements. My experience working as a coordinator for exploration, ice road construction, seismic, and geotechnical projects equips me with the expertise and ability to ensure environmental stewardship on large scale projects. Through my sharp attention to detail, proactive communication, and a solution-oriented attitude, I am committed to helping clients ensure regulatory compliance while responsibly developing Alaska’s future."
Meghan Dotten
Field Environmental Coordinator
“As an interdisciplinary scientist, I hold a dual degree in Environmental Science and Marine Biology from Alaska Pacific University. Since completing my degree, I have built a career in environmental services across a variety of industries, including mining, utilities, fisheries, and oil and gas. My expertise spans air quality and meteorological monitoring, fish and wildlife management, pollution control, and site remediation practices.
Driven by a passion for environmental stewardship, I have gained extensive technical experience in regulatory compliance through hands-on Arctic fieldwork. I am known for my attention to detail and my dedication to delivering results that meet the highest standards. I combine scientific knowledge with practical experience to support industry needs while promoting sustainability and responsible resource management.
My strong communication skills enable me to collaborate effectively with clients, regulatory agencies, and stakeholders. Whether conducting fieldwork in challenging Arctic conditions or providing insights into complex environmental issues, I am committed to delivering thoughtful and informed solutions that address both immediate and long-term environmental concerns, while aligning with client goals. Above all, I am dedicated to making a positive impact on Alaskan industries and ecosystems, while continuing to grow as a versatile and capable environmental scientist.”
Alex Reyes
Field Environmental Coordinator
"With over 25 years of experience as an environmental professional serving Alaska’s oil and gas industry, I am passionate about protecting the environment and protecting our client’s interests. I have many years of experience in spill prevention and response, waste management, air quality, water quality, wildlife, construction project work, and regulatory agency interaction.
I am excited to continue to be a part of Williwaw’s extraordinary team of environmental professionals and look forward to providing service to our clients and future challenges.”
Kyle McMillan
Field Environmental Coordinator
“I grew up in Juneau, Alaska and being a part of protecting Alaska's environment will always remain important in my life. I studied at the University of Washington and Columbia University, obtaining a degree in Conservation Biology with a focus on Environmental Sustainability. I served in the US Air Force for 8 years and worked for the US Antarctic Program for a 7-year period including as part of their environmental team. I am a member of The Explorer's Club and assist in their sustainability efforts. I spent a year working with SLR as an Environmental Advisor before joining Williwaw Environmental Consulting in 2024.
I have developed a wide range of skills in state and federal regulatory compliance, hosting agency visits, managing permits, assisting in spill prevention, fish and wildlife management, while improving site sustainability all in a very detail-oriented approach for the client.”
Ben Peck
Environmental Technician
"As an Environmental Technician on the North Slope of Alaska, I bring a proactive and resourceful approach to environmental compliance and field operations. My previous roles include developing SPCC plans, conducting sampling, and supporting compliance for remote drill operations. These experiences have strengthened my ability to adapt to diverse challenges in dynamic environments. I’m passionate about learning and continuously expanding my expertise to contribute effectively to environmental stewardship and operational excellence."
Will Mans
Environmental Scientist
Will Mans began working in environmental science in 2016, analyzing walrus data at the Alaska Sealife Center. After multiple technician jobs in fisheries and graduating from Montana State University, Will served as an officer in the Alaska National Guard before pivoting to environmental consulting. Will has worked on a wide range of development projects in multiple capacities: delineating wetlands, surveying birds and wildlife, scouting invasive plants species, and writing permits and NEPA documents. His primary focus now is aiding in permitting and compliance for oil and gas projects.
When not working, Will enjoys exploring the outdoors via skiing, mountain running, and fishing. He also is an avid chef, reader, and guitar player when not running around outside.