Millar Western’s Ray Hilts honoured with CAPFT Professional Achievement Award
Millar Western Planning Superintendent Ray Hilts has been honoured by the College of Alberta Professional Forest Technologists (CAPFT). At a ceremony held April 18, the College presented Ray with its inaugural Forest Technologist Professional Achievement Award, recognizing his proficiency in the field of forestry and his contributions to the development of the profession of forest technology.
In presenting the newly created award, College President Bruce McGregor cited Ray’s long record of service to CAPFT, where he provided leadership as a council member during the college’s formative years, as well as to the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT), where he has served as an advisory committee member and awards reviewer. He also noted Ray’s many career accomplishments with Millar Western, including his advancement to his current role of Planning Superintendent, responsible for long-term forest management planning, land-use administration, GIS services, and First Nations consultation.
Said McGregor, “Ray Hilts has been a proponent of technological advances that have improved the practice of forestry in Alberta. He has been active in enhancing forest management consultation with aboriginal communities and other stakeholders, and involved in the development of the province’s forest management processes. He has acquired a wealth of knowledge in forest management planning, and been generous in sharing his wisdom and experience with others. I cannot think of anyone who better exemplifies the ideals of his profession.”
Ray said it was a great honour to receive the CAPFT recognition, noting, “It’s important to emphasize that this award reflects the outstanding work done by all my colleagues at Millar Western, and would not have been possible without the strong support our company has shown for the advancement of the forestry professions.”