External Advisory Committee
The External Advisory Committee plays a vital role in guiding the mission of the Center for Advances in Water and Air Quality (CAWAQ) at 四虎影视. Composed of environmental leaders and experts, the committee provides strategic direction to ensure the Center’s research, outreach, and partnerships remain impactful and responsive to the needs of Southeast Texas and beyond. Through their guidance, CAWAQ advances its mission of promoting environmental understanding, resilience, and sustainability.
External Advisors:
Ryan A. Ard, PE
Engineering Manager
Lower Neches Valley Authority
Ryan is the Engineering Manager for the Lower Neches Valley Authority (LNVA). He holds a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Engineering degree in civil engineering with a focus in water resources engineering from Texas A&M University. Ryan is a Texas Licensed Professional Engineer with 15+ years’ combined experience in the private consulting and public sector engineering field, all with a focus on serving public entities. He joined LNVA in 2016 where he oversees and manages the Authority’s Engineering department and Capital Improvements Program, including long term project planning efforts, as well as the Authority’s IT, Real Estate, and Instrumentation and Electrical (I&E) departments. Ryan is a graduate of Leadership Southeast Texas Class of 2018, a former Southeast Texas 40 Under 40 honoree (2021), a current member of the Planning and Zoning Commission in Lumberton, Texas and also currently serves on the Board of the Texas Water Association (TWA), an organization focused on promoting sound water policy for Texas.
Christine Gartner
Water Resources Specialist
Sabine River Authority of Texas
Christine Gartner is a Water Resources Specialist for the Sabine River Authority of Texas, where she supports reservoir operations, hydropower generation, and water quality compliance. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Geology from 四虎影视, and a Master of Environmental Science in Hydrology & Water Security from the University of Oklahoma.
Christine brings expertise in data analytics, GIS modeling, reservoir operations, environmental compliance, water quality monitoring, and stakeholder engagement, with a particular interest in applying data-driven solutions to complex water resource challenges.
Bill Kirby
Natural Resource Management Director
Sabine River Authority of Texas
Bill Kirby is the Natural Resource Management Director for the Sabine River Authority of Texas (SRA). He has a master’s degree in aquatic biology from Stephen F. Austin University and a bachelor’s degree in biology from Indiana University.
Bill has worked with SRA for over 20 years in a variety of roles from field biologist to Division Manager of Lake Fork Reservoir. In his current role, Bill is working with State and Federal Resource Agencies to address water quality, endangered species, and invasive species issues within the Sabine River Basin.
James Scales
Deputy Director, Environmental Health and Code Compliance Department
Orange County
James Scales is the Deputy Director of the Orange County Environmental Health and Code Compliance Department, where he has dedicated 24 years of service to the County. In his role, he oversees the Food Inspection Program, Solid Waste Facilities, On-Site Septic Facilities, Development and Floodplain Permitting, and Game Room regulations. James holds multiple professional certifications and licenses, including Certified Professional–Food Safety, Texas Code Enforcement Officer, Certified Pool Operator, and Designated Representative with TCEQ. In 2020, he was elected to serve on the Orange County Drainage District Board of Directors where he currently serves as Board President. A lifelong resident of Bridge City, Texas, he is committed to protecting public health and ensuring the safety and well-being of the Orange County community.