Feature Article

Say Hello to FET’s New President, Troy Thompson

As of July 1, FET began its new fiscal year with a new leader at the helm:  Troy Thompson as FET President.  As he begins his term, Troy sees opportunities for growth and the continuation of the good things that FET has done.  He is grateful to past leaders of the organization, including Laura Mushinski, who finished her presidential term last month. 

He has a number of areas to focus on in the coming year: a balanced budget; increased attendance at FET seminars; identifying new approaches to marketing FET; identifying and reaching out to portions of our membership that may be underserved; identifying one or more emerging topic areas that FET can address; and continue expanding scholarships and outreach to students.  We are pleased to present Troy as FET’s July 2008 member profile:

Name & Profession:  Troy Thompson, PG, CPG, CHMM

Troy is a Senior Hydrogeologist with various environmental consulting companies, and lives in Menomonee Falls.

Birthplace, Education:   Born and raised in Green Bay, he has a bachelor’s degree in Geology with a minor in Latin American Studies from UW-Eau Claire, and a master’s degree in Geology from the University of Utah.  Troy started his career as a petroleum exploration geophysicist in Houston.

Dream job when you were young:   I wanted to be a lunar geologist and go to the moon.

FET Member Since:  A member of FET and the Wisconsin CHMM Chapter for almost 5 years, he has served FET as Vice President, Finance Chair and also serves on the Conference Committee. 

Initial Reason for joining FET?  Professional advancement, development and connecting with others in the environmental field   

Value of FET and CHMM memberships?   An opportunity to develop my career, and also connect to others; an opportunity to give back to the profession, and share in the advancement of FET ideals and the environmental industry’s professional standing in the community.

Biggest change you’ve seen?  I joined FET when it was in transition from an Administrator to an Executive Director and a more active Board of Directors.  FET has made this change successfully.   

What challenges do you see for FET?  Helping members meet the challenges of changing fields as well as keeping up with changing technologies in delivering information to FET and CHMM members. 

Favorite Quote you live by:   When I’m feeling down: “Life isn’t fair.  Life doesn’t care.  Deal with it and move on.”

First car you owned:  A 1976 pea green Monte Carlo

Favorite Food:   Tenderloin Steak  

Family:   Married to Rene, who works at Northwestern Mutual; and sons Christopher, age 23, who just graduated from UW-Eau Claire in physics and biology, and Paul, age 20, also at UW-Eau Claire, majoring in actuarial science. 

When not at work or at an FET activity, what are your hobbies?  Reading, travel, attending different cultural events, including wine tasting  

Three things you cannot live without?  Books, variety, family

Favorite Sports Team:   Lifelong Packer fan – my Dad has had season tickets since Lambeau Field opened in 1957

One thing people might be surprised to know:   In first grade, I attended a Navajo Indian Reservation school in New Mexico for six weeks. 

Final thoughts as you begin your Presidential Term:   I am pleased with the caliber of volunteers who are involved in FET, and invite others to share their ideas and energies to make the most of your membership.  Looking forward to a great year ahead!