Company: Ames Construction
Born: Montgomery, Alabama
Education:
Master’s Degree in Geology, Arizona State University (1999)
Bachelor’s Degree in Geology, Commonwealth University-Lock Haven (1993)
Certifications:
Erosion Control Coordinator, Arizona Department of Transportation (2025); CISEC, Ecopliant Environmental, Inc. (2024); Certified Erosion, Sediment and Stormwater Inspector (CESSWI), EnviroCert International, Inc. (2023); Qualified Compliance Inspector of Stormwater (QCIS), StormwaterONE (2023); Qualified Preparer of SWPPPs (QPSwppp), StormwaterONE (2023); 40-Hour HAZWOPER, ETC Compliance Solutions – Environmental, Health & Safety Training & Consulting (2023); Maricopa County, AZ Rule 310 Fugitive Dust from Construction Operations, Maricopa County (2022); OSHA 30-Hour Construction, OSHAcademy Safety and Health Training (2020)
Career:
Environmental Manager for the West, Ames Construction (2024-Present)
Environmental Manager Southwest, Ames Construction (2016-2024)
Storm Water Specialist, AMEC Environment & Infrastructure (2013-2015)
Owner, Hike Bike & Run (2012-2013)
District Environmental Manager, Kiewit (2007-2012)
Senior Exploration Geologist, Resolution Copper (2005-2007)
Exploration Geologist, Round Mountain Gold Corporation (2004-2005)
Adjunct Instructor, Chandler/Gilbert Community College (2000-2004)
Exploration Geologist, Cripple Creek & Victor Gold Mining Company, Inc. (1999-2000)
Physical Scientist, Geologist, USGS (1996-1999)
Civic:
Environmental Steering Committee Member, American Association of General Contractors (2023-Present); National Climate Change Working Group, Association of General Contractors (2023-Present)
Creative Works:
Presenter, “Construction Challenges in a Changing Climate: Planning for Success,” 2025 Annual Tri-State Seminar, Stormwater Track (2025); Presenter, “Linear Construction Challenges in the Face of the Unforeseen: Planning for Success,” AZ Water Association (2024); Presenter, “Best Management Practices in a Changing Environment: Planning for Success,” Association of General Contractors of America Annual Construction Safety Health and Environmental Conference (2024); Co-author, “Development of ADOT Application Rate Guidelines for Winter Storm Management of Chemical Additives Through an Ambient Monitoring System, Federal Highways Administration” (2015); Co-author, “Winter Storm Management Manual”, Arizona Department of Transportation (2014); Co-author, “Geohydrology of Monitoring Wells Drilled in Oasis Valley Near Beatty, Nye County, Nevada,” U.S. Geological Survey (1997); Co-author, “Geologic Map of Oasis Valley Spring-Discharge Area and Vicinity, Nye County, Nevada,” Scientific Investigations Map 2957, U.S. Geological Survey (2007); “Structural and Geologic Evolution of the Pioneer Mining District Including Resolution, Pinal County, AZ,” Rio Tinto Internal Paper (2006); “Upper Plate Deformation in a Low Angle Detachment System, Fluorspar Hills, Nevada,” 1999, Master’s Thesis, Arizona State University, Arizona State University
Awards:
Recipient, Achievement in Science Award, Commonwealth University-Lock Haven
Memberships:
Member, International Erosion Control Association (2015-Present); Member, Arizona Chapter Association of General Contractors (2008-Present); Member, Geological Society of America (1993-Present); Member, American Association of General Contractors
Family:
Son of Harry William Ryder and Elizabeth Jean (Teuscher) Ryder
Married: Mike Zivanov
Hobbies:
4×4 Off-roading; Overlanding; Photography; Mountain biking; Hiking; Camping; Spending time with his Labrador dogs; Spending time with family
Biography Sources: