Earth Data Welcomes Neil Winner

Earth Data is pleased to announce that Neil Winner has joined its dedicated team of groundwater professionals as a senior groundwater/technical consultant.

He recently joined Earth Data after retiring from the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) Water Supply Program, where he held two primary roles—Division Chief of Engineering and Technical Assistance and Division Chief of Compliance, Tracking, and Operator Certification, which also included the State Board of Well Drillers. He led the division that oversaw operation and inspection of public drinking water systems. He was also responsible for reviewing engineering designs for the construction of new and updates of current water systems, issuing Certificates of Potability (COPs) for new public water supply wells, and participating in the issuing of water system construction permits.

Neil, a licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.), has a broad and comprehensive knowledge of well construction, pumping equipment, and water treatment processes and facilities. His responsibilities at Earth Data will include business development, project management, planning, and contract administration. Because of his extensive experience, he will also provide engineering design and evaluation input on well construction, redevelopment, and testing projects.

A native New Yorker, Neil was born in Manhattan and grew up in Yonkers, New York. He attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. After graduation with a Geology degree, he began his career as a water treatment plant operator trainee in Troy, New York. He spent six months training and realized how much he liked it. He continued in that profession and became the chief operator for Saratoga Springs, New York. Interestingly, while the chief operator, he used the available Saratoga Springs water treatment plant as he worked on his master's degree in environmental engineering. By applying what he was learning during his master's degree work, he saved the city money, gave the town of 25,000 people great water, and passed the class. "I've been on all four sides of the table," is how he explains his work in water treatment facilities. He has been involved in operations, worked in designing facilities, overseen construction, and helped administer water regulations. His technical knowledge and practical experience allow him “to see issues that others may not immediately notice.”

A love of water defines his hobbies as well. He and his wife are at home kayaking on the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. Both are members of the Chesapeake Paddlers Association. He is also an experienced motorcyclist. But his riding is not only for his enjoyment. He is a member of the Water Buffalos—a group of water industry employees from across the United States who promote the awareness and construction of safe and reliable water and wastewater systems to those in need. The group has raised over $1.1 million from its annual charity rides for Water for People and Community Engineering Corps