Meet The Team

Owner & Director

James Howey MBA (Exec) MSc (Env Man) BSc (App Chem)

James is a recognised industry leader in water quality risk assessment and auditing, with more than 20 years across Australia's public and private water and environment sectors. He founded Viridis Consultants in 2008 and continues to lead the firm as Director.

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An Exemplar Global–certified Lead Auditor in Drinking and Recycled Water Quality Management Systems — underpinned by a BSc (Applied Chemistry), MSc (Environmental Management) and Executive MBA — James is engaged by utilities and regulators nationwide for his technical expertise, impartiality, and a frictionless, can-do approach to complex projects.

Manager - Consulting and Auditing

Tasleem Hasan M.Sc B.Sc

Tasleem is a highly regarded drinking water quality specialist with more than 20 years' experience across Australia and the Pacific. A trusted advisor on regulatory compliance and water quality risk, he has developed, reviewed or audited risk management plans for many water utilities — from water corporations to remote and regional councils.

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An Exemplar Global–certified Lead Auditor for Drinking and Recycled Water QMS, holding an MSc (Chemistry) and a Postgraduate Certificate in Integrated Water Resources Management, Tasleem brings deep technical expertise and calm, impartial judgement to every engagement.

Senior Consultant

Cassandra Budd BSc (Food Science) Grad Dip (Env Health)

Cassandra is a Senior Consultant with extensive experience in drinking water quality, regulatory compliance, risk management and auditing. Her career spans the water, wastewater, food manufacturing and government sectors, where she has worked with organisations to strengthen quality systems, improve compliance outcomes and manage public health risks.

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Before joining Viridis, Cassandra held senior regulatory and compliance roles responsible for assessing Drinking Water Quality Management Plans, reviewing drinking water incidents and providing regulatory advice to water service providers. She also brings significant experience in quality management and food safety systems across a range of manufacturing environments.

Water Industry Analyst

Kelsey Hannah PhD (Env Sci) BEnvMgt

Kelsey holds a PhD in Environmental Science from the University of Queensland, where she designed and led an independent multi-year research project from scoping through to completion.

Her technical toolkit spans quantitative data analysis, spatial analysis (QGIS/ArcGIS), statistical modelling in R, and professional reporting for government, industry and community stakeholders. With additional experience at CSIRO, Kelsey brings a rigorous, evidence-based approach to water quality and environmental consulting.

Water Industry Analyst

Emily Cox BCompSci/BSci

Emily holds a double degree in Computer Science and Biomedical Science from the University of Queensland. She brings strong data analysis, statistics and machine learning skills to the team, with a background in academic tutoring that speaks to her ability to communicate complex ideas clearly.

Emily brings fresh analytical thinking and an enthusiasm for applying science to real-world environmental challenges.

Administration

Deborah Amsler  

Deborah has been with Viridis for over six years and plays an instrumental role supporting the team and the day to day activities of the business.

Her experience in executive administration, events coordination, stakeholder engagement, complex projects, and systems design and management, has seen her work across industries spanning property, arts, tourism, sports, health, medicine, education, and infrastructure/asset management.