Ovivo’s Women for Water presents: Regina Hanson

Unlocking the Potential in Biogas and Product Managers

Regina, inspired by her father’s career as a metallurgical engineer and her inclination towards mathematics, chose to study engineering. However, it was her love for fluid mechanics and thermodynamics that ultimately drew her to the water industry. With her expertise, adaptability, and ability to build strong relationships, she has developed a unique and successful sales management style of her own.

About Regina Hanson

Regina began to focus on fluid mechanics in college and was mentored by the head of the thermal department. She earned her degree in mechanical engineering from California State University, at a time when the labour market was down, and jobs were scarce. She feels blessed that she could not land a design-related job as it brought her to accept a position in a valve company as a sales engineer, a position that she now finds suits her best. Several years later, she went on to work as a product manager for Varec Biogas. Her ability to adapt to change was essential as the company underwent several acquisitions before being acquired by Ovivo in 2019.

Her Career in Water

Regina is currently the Sales and Marketing Manager for biogas and biosolids at Ovivo USA. She has worked for over 25 years in the wastewater industry and developed her niche in biogas systems. She is recognised for her expertise in guiding and assisting engineers in the design of new systems and retrofits. “Biogas is very corrosive and taxing on any equipment or piping. It’s also an energy source. It’s gratifying to have engineers come to us for help in specifying equipment requirements,” says Regina. Working hand in hand with engineers from design to completion builds strong relationships as the process can take up to five years.

Regina also serves on the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) 820 committee, which focuses on fire protection in wastewater treatment and collection facilities. This committee establishes minimum requirements to prevent fire and explosion hazards specific to this industry.

Now leading a team of product managers, Regina has a macro management style. Her approach is centred on trustworthy relationships with her team and sharing her knowledge with them to become successful product experts. “When reviewing designs, you must have knowledge of the process, and your product. Your knowledge will sell your product.”

Regina finds her job meaningful because it allows her to help reduce pollution by converting organic waste into biogas, a renewable energy source, through the process of anaerobic digestion. “It’s rewarding to know that I took part in the design of projects where we have converted biogas to natural gas quality that can be piped and sold as natural gas to run vehicles,” explains Regina.

Regina’s journey from a sales engineer in a valve company to a sales and marketing manager for biogas and biosolids serves as a source of inspiration. Her passion and dedication to the water industry have enabled her to become an expert in her field, and she is now passing on her knowledge to a new generation of product managers.