Company News Archives

Staffing the Front Lines of Cybersecurity with New Recruits

As cybersecurity attacks continue to escalate across the globe, securing refinery and manufacturing systems from threats is a hot topic. To spark student interest in pursuing career opportunities in cybersecurity and address the workforce gap, Whatcom Community College’s (WCC) National Cybersecurity Training & Education Center (NCyTE), in collaboration with the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Office of the National Cyber Director (ONCD), hosted the Community College Cybersecurity Strategic Summit on December 8 and 9, 2022.

Laurie Grey, Anvil’s Cybersecurity Analyst and CRC Coordinator of Technology and graduate of WCC’s IT Networking/Cybersecurity Bachelor’s Degree program, was one of a panel of industry experts to discuss her hiring experiences in the cybersecurity industry and the challenges of finding employment in this growing field.

“This event gave past students the opportunity to talk about their individual path towards finding a cybersecurity position after graduating,” Laurie noted.

It even started an interesting dialogue about the fact that employers want advanced cybersecurity skills and experience for entry-level positions.

Laurie Grey is interviewed as part of a live panel.

A Fortune.com article published in July 2022 emphasized the criticality of filling global cybersecurity jobs in the next two years. “By 2025, there will be an estimated 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs across the globe.” It’s a job in demand that not only pays well but provides a meaningful career as cybersecurity is critical to preventing an attack or catastrophic event that could cripple our nation’s economy and security. For example, the CISA’s Internet Crime Complaint Center cited 641 cyber-attacks to U.S. critical infrastructure in 2021. This figure is expected to increase in 2022’s report.

“Over the next ten years, the need for cybersecurity professionals will continue to skyrocket, and colleges are ramping up their degree programs and recruitment efforts to increase both the number and diversity of available workers within the field,” Laurie said.

Anvil welcomed the opportunity to again partner with NCyTE and WCC and to talk about our Cyber Range and the professional opportunities it represents.

“The Cyber Range hosted on our Bellingham campus provides WCC students with critical and valuable hands-on experience with ICS hardware and software to prepare them for future employment. It’s an important contribution to filling the gap with qualified cybersecurity applicants,” Laurie said. “I was proud to be able to identify myself as a member of Anvil’s InfoSec team and the coordinator for the Cyber Range.”

WCC students giving a presentation in the Cyber Range.

“It was an honor to participate in very productive discussions throughout the two-day event and to have the ear of important decision-makers from Washington, D.C. who would be able to put our ideas into effect on a national level,” concluded Laurie.

Anvil Attends bp Cherry Point’s Annual Safety Fair

On Thursday, September 8th, Anvil attended bp Cherry Point’s annual Safety Fair at their refinery in Blaine, WA. Our team – together with about two dozen other local engineering and construction businesses – showcased their contributions in ensuring the overall safety of our shared industry.

Anvil was represented by Jim Holien, Kyle Brooks, Austin Brooks, Jen Desrochers, Eric Peterson, and Tom Butenschoen.

Guests visiting Anvil’s tent were treated with presentations of our 3D modeling and laser scanning technology.

Designed to digitally map out our clients’ facilities, a set of cameras and lasers are operated to scan the complex and crowded machinery of the refineries we work in. Present in each of our resource disciplines, this method often allows members of our team to accurately tour refineries without even having to step a foot inside one.

This practice also allows our team to design projects in the most cost effective, efficient, accurate, and – most importantly – safe manner possible.

“Using laser scanning and 3D modeling improves safety and efficiency for all stages of an Anvil project, which leads to safer designs for our clients,” Eric says. “Laser scans reduce the number of field walks required for Anvil employees while improving the accuracy of our designs. 3D model reviews allow for input from the client and constructors, resulting in safer designs and construction of projects.”

“We scan practically everything before most projects,” Austin says. “We put it all together back at the office.”

According to Austin, small projects sometimes only take a day to complete while larger projects can take weeks. Anvil is often tasked with providing 3D models for new refinery units – even for those we’re not involved with on the engineering side of things.

A 3D model of an Anvil project created through laser scanning.

“This type of technology was revolutionary to the work we do at Anvil,” Austin says. “I don’t think we could ever go back to the way things were done before.”

As the team wrapped up for the day, Jim Holien, Bellingham Branch Manager, remarked on the importance of the Safety Fair.

“It’s great that bp does this every year – it’s a fantastic way to bring local members of our industry together,” Jim says.

Anvil wants to thank bp Cherry Point for continuing to hold their annual Safety Fair – our team will gratefully take any opportunity to celebrate the various professionals who help keep our industry safe.

Celebrating International Women in Engineering Day

Anvil is constantly evolving. Whether it’s expanding the scope of our projects through technological innovation or even improving the level of benefits we’re able to offer our employees, Anvil has always known that engineering and progress go hand in hand. With this belief in mind, it’s no secret that our industry, and company, have undergone many changes over the years.

A Series of Interviews with the Women of Anvil

Alissa Engelby, a Lead Structural Engineer out of our Anchorage branch, has witnessed some of these changes first-hand.

“When I first started in engineering, I was usually the only woman in the room or even within a company,” Engelby said.

An engineer for over twenty years, Engelby was forced to endure discrimination early on in her career before making her way to Alaska and Anvil.

“At my first job, my boss got a few phone calls that some clients didn’t want to work with me,” she shares. “He told them to give me two weeks, and to come back to him if there were any issues. I worked very hard to make sure there were no issues.”

Despite the adversity she’s faced, Engelby has enjoyed a successful career in our industry, and is hopeful for the next generation of female engineers.

“Have confidence in yourself,” she tells them, “and if you have a strong work ethic, you’ll succeed. When I first started, there was always the assumption that I didn’t know what I was talking about. I think the opposite is now true.”

Cynthia Greene, a Project Controls Lead in Billings, holds similar sentiments.

“The message that is given to women early on in education has changed,” Greene said. “Working together we can accomplish amazing things.”

Greene, who’s been with Anvil for nearly twenty years, has grown to appreciate the value of working on a unified and diverse team.

“At Anvil, we work for each other, and each person’s individual success elevates us all,” she said.

This sense of unity, shared among all women in the engineering industry, transcends work at Anvil. For Greene, professional inspiration is drawn from a figure from within her own family: her sister-in-law.

“She has accomplished so many things as an engineer and manager in the field of aerospace,” Greene said. “She is a leader, mentor, and inspiration to many. She has given me the renewed energy to continue to improve and achieve new accomplishments.”

As Greene alludes, a strong sense of ambition is a common trait among women in this industry. Kari MacDonald, a Project Manager in Anchorage, isn’t afraid to push boundaries whenever she can.

“Within this industry, initially, it seemed like women were only in administrative roles,” MacDonald said.

MacDonald recalls a story from early in her career, an instance where the extent of her skills weren’t being properly utilized.

“I hate filing and, unfortunately, it was a large part of my first job in oil and gas,” she remembers. “However, my boss believed that the success of our team hinged on working together. He really enjoyed filing and felt I was better on the phone talking to candidates, so we divided and conquered. I’ll always remember this – it showed me the value of a team and not a position.”

As our industry continues to evolve, Anvil pledges to progress alongside it. On this International Women in Engineering Day, we applaud the careers of all women at Anvil – your unique experiences and unrivaled dedication make Anvil the company that it is today.

Whatcom Community College and Anvil Corporation Partner to Launch a New National Cybersecurity Training and Education Center on Anvil’s Campus

Bellingham, Washington – June 22, 2022, Whatcom Community College (WCC), the National Cyber Security Training and Education (NCyTE), and Anvil Corporation were joined by Mayor Seth Fleetwood on Anvil’s campus on May 18, 2022 for a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house to launch an official Cyber Range training center on Anvil’s campus.

Bellingham, Washington – June 22, 2022, Whatcom Community College (WCC), the National Cyber Security Training and Education (NCyTE), and Anvil Corporation were joined by Mayor Seth Fleetwood on Anvil’s campus on May 18, 2022 for a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house to launch an official Cyber Range training center on Anvil’s campus.

Attendees included Dr. Kathi Hiyane-Brown, WCC President; Dan Lewis, Anvil CFO; Joe Timmons, NW Washington Regional Representative, Office of Jay Inslee; Sean Connell, Whatcom County Liaison, Congressman Rick Larsen’s Office; Ann Larson, NW Regional Director, Senator Patty Murray’s Office; and Senator Simon Sefzik. Also, in attendance were Anvil clients and employees, WCC employees and students, and representatives from the National Cybersecurity Training and Education (NCyTE) center. Students enrolled in the WCC Computer Information System program provided real-time demonstrations on how to apply cyber security defense measures to thwart potential attacks on Industrial Control Systems (ICS) in manufacturing and refining facilities.

“Launching the Cyber Range training center in partnership with Anvil at their Bellingham campus is the perfect example of the power and momentum that can be achieved by collaborating with our industry partners. These relationships benefit our local community and beyond and are critical to preparing our students to enter the workforce with competitive skills. We are enormously grateful to Anvil’s collaboration with WCC.” said Dr. Kathi Hiyane-Brown, President of Whatcom Community College.

The purpose of the Cyber Range is to provide hands-on education and simulation environments to advance cybersecurity education and support WCC students to attain multiple WCC Computer Information Systems (CIS) program degrees offering WCC students high demand, high wage, high-tech occupations. The NCyTE Cyber Range also assesses and tests cyber vulnerabilities to Industrial Control Systems, advancing Anvil’s cyber defense engineering capabilities.

“Our clients know that the greatest risk is the one you cannot see. For Anvil, rapidly advancing a comprehensive set of engineering solutions to address ICS vulnerabilities will meet the needs and requirements of multiple clients across multiple industries,” remarked Cody Steinmetz, Anvil COO. “Anvil’s advanced controls and process teams incorporate industry standard cybersecurity defense methodology and techniques into processes our clients already use to reduce risk.”

“This partnership with Anvil is a unique opportunity to pair WCC’s CIS students with working industrial engineers, providing real-world, hands-on learning scenarios, and this type of learning environment is a significant advantage for students. NCyTE will seek to replicate this model across the nation to help other colleges and industry partners create similar environments that support the cyber defense of critical infrastructure,” said Corrinne Sande, NCyTE Principal Investigator and Director and Director of CIS and Computer Science at WCC.

“The NCyTE Cyber Range represents a commitment to the future of Whatcom County by creating internships and jobs in the engineering and technology sectors,” said Dena Lund, Anvil President & CEO. “The Cyber Range is also an asset that supports preparedness in the defense against cyber-attacks on the critical infrastructure that Anvil’s clients operate.”

About NCyTE: The National Cybersecurity Training & Education (NCyTE) Center is funded by the National Science Foundation. NCyTE’s mission is to advance cybersecurity education in the U.S. to support tomorrow’s workforce. The NCyTE Center is based in Bellingham, WA at Whatcom Community College. For more information visit www.ncyte.net.

Whatcom Community College is the host institution of two national centers, the CAE Candidates National Center (CCNC) and the National Cybersecurity Training and Education (NCyTE) Center. Funded by NSA the CCNC, is the entry point for all colleges and universities applying for CAE designation and provides mentoring, resources, advice, and support for applicants.

The National Security Agency (NSA) redesignates WCC as a CAE-CD. This signifies that WCC is committed to producing the cybersecurity workforce responsible for reducing vulnerabilities in our national infrastructure. WCC supports higher education and research in cybersecurity through their leading-edge Computer Information Systems (CIS) program. To achieve this designation, organizations must complete several, months-long application processes and meet rigorous curriculum and program requirement reviews.

About Whatcom: Whatcom Community College in Bellingham, Washington is regularly recognized as one of the top community colleges in the nation for student outcomes. The College is a destination for cybersecurity, healthcare and business studies, and offers two Bachelor of Applied Science degrees, transfer degrees, career and workforce preparation, online courses, and community education classes. Whether a recent high school graduate, laid-off worker, seasoned employee, or future university student—all students count on WCC to support their academic and career goals. For more information, visit www.whatcom.edu.

WCC: Media Contact & Public Information Officer: Marni Saling Mayer, PIO and Director of Communications & Marketing, pio@whatcom.edu, Phone: 360.383.3312

NCyTE: Toyo Garber, NCyTE Center Marketing & Communications Manager, TGarber@whatcom.edu, Phone: 360.383.3176

About Anvil Corporation: For over 51 years, Anvil has provided clients across multiple industries and locations with innovative and quality engineering and procurement solutions to build, transform, and safeguard their critical infrastructure including, refineries, gas processing plants, and manufacturing facilities.

Anvil is a 100% ESOP-owned company that believes in building solid client relationships and meeting all stakeholder commitments. With five branch offices across the Western USA and deep expertise in revamping and retrofitting large-scale infrastructure, Anvil is the premiere engineering partner for clients looking for long-term dependability and results.

For more information visit www.anvilcorp.com.

Anvil Corporation: Derek E. Toffer Business Development and Marketing Manager, dtoffer@anvilcorp.com, Phone: 360.937.0333

Anvil Celebrates an All-Time Safety Record of 9 Million Hours

Anvil achieved yet another safety milestone on April 8, 2022, by reaching 9 million hours without a lost time injury since 2011 – with over 1 million of those hours worked by Anvil employees inside client refineries, plants, and industrial facilities.

“The dedication to safety that Anvil employees demonstrate every day in the workplace and at client locations is a benchmark of excellence in our industry,” said Dena Lund, Anvil President. “I am proud of what we have achieved and want to congratulate all of our employees for reaching this significant milestone.”

As a result of an embedded safety culture and mindset, Anvil employees continue to remain alert in spotting possible hazards or near misses, both in the office and at client sites.

“This impressive achievement is built on a foundation of people genuinely caring for each other,” noted Cody Steinmetz, Anvil Chief Operating Officer. “We share a cultural fabric with our clients that allows us to learn from each other, watch out for one another, and ultimately return home safely to our loved ones.”

The company’s Anvil Target Zero program acknowledges employees who demonstrate exceptional dedication and leadership in advancing Anvil safety in the workplace. Since the launch of the program in 2014, 105 employees have been recipients of the Anvil Target Zero award.

“Employee commitment to heightened situational awareness, safety training, and following safety protocols prevent incidents from happening and escalating into major events,” noted Eric Peterson, Anvil Safety Manager. “This not only reduces risk to daily business operations, but it also ensures employee and client safety and security and compliance with OSHA standards.”

Whether preventing a slip hazard in the office, detecting a chemical leak in a refinery, noticing incorrect equipment installations in a gas plant, or identifying process safety issues in an industrial facility, Anvil employees watch out for each other and provide their clients with another level of safety oversight.

Congratulations to all Anvil’s employees for achieving yet another major safety milestone in the company’s 51-year history.

Anvil Announces the Appointment of Emily Zanto to Board of Directors

Effective as of December 2, 2021, Emily Zanto joined the Anvil Board of Directors where she will serve a two-to-three-year term as a rotating Board member. Appointed by the Board, Emily will fill the vacancy left by Rhonda Laughman when she participates in her last meeting in March. Emily will serve as Board Secretary and as a member of the Governance Committee.

She joins the Board with over a decade of process engineering experience in the oil and gas industry. As Process Work Group Lead in Anvil’s Billings office, she leads the Mountain Process Program for the Billings and Denver locations. Emily holds a B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering from Montana State University. Her affiliations include the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Society of Women Engineers, and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers.

“Emily brings a different perspective from years of experience working at multiple Anvil branches and for Phillips 66 at their Billings refinery,” noted Gordy Lindell, Anvil Chairman of the Board. “Her unique insight will infuse the Board with a deeper understanding of client needs and requirements, both short and long term, and future industry trends.”

“On behalf of the Board, I want to express our gratitude to Rhonda Laughman who served for three years as a valued Board member,” Lindell said. “As Anvil’s first internal director chosen from the staff, she is well-respected, intelligent, connected to our people, and knows how our business functions successfully. We wish her the very best in future endeavors.”

Emily brings in-depth industry knowledge and expertise in all phases of refining projects—from design conception and definition to detailed design. Her experience spans optimizing and running refinery process units, participating in plant-wide turnarounds, scope development, hydraulic analysis, refinery unit process hazards review, and PSV sizing and evaluation.

“As a Board member, I can bring a different voice to the conversation with my past experience as a client and now an Anvil employee,” said Emily. “I especially want to engage the younger demographic employees in the company who have an interest in new technologies and a fresh perspective.”

“We look forward to Emily’s leadership and counsel going forward,” said Lindell. “She is a valuable part of the Board’s conversation when discussing the direction Anvil should be going. She shares one more perspective that the Board would not have otherwise as Anvil continues to expand its portfolio and forge into new markets.”

Membership diversity is essential to the Board’s business and governance in a rapidly changing oil and gas industry. Anvil’s Board of Directors remains committed to bringing in new members with the unique expertise, insights, and perspectives needed to enhance the Board’s leadership and vision of continued growth and success.

Anvil Promotes Jim Holien to Bellingham Branch Manager

Anvil is pleased to announce that Jim Holien will serve as Anvil’s Bellingham Branch Manager. Jim joined Anvil in 2000 and has over 20 years of program management, project management, project controls, engineering, and operations management experience in the energy industry. Most recently, he served as Anvil’s Cascadia Program Manager and has held diverse roles, including Project Controls Work Group Lead, Project Leader, and Assist Program Manager for various clients.

Anvil is pleased to announce that Jim Holien will serve as Anvil’s Bellingham Branch Manager.

Jim joined Anvil in 2000 and has over 20 years of program management, project management, project controls, engineering, and operations management experience in the energy industry. Most recently, he served as Anvil’s Cascadia Program Manager and has held diverse roles, including Project Controls Work Group Lead, Project Leader, and Assist Program Manager for various clients. He holds an M.B.A. in Finance from California State University Hayward and a B.S. in Metallurgical & Materials Engineering from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.

As the Bellingham Branch Manager, he will work closely with Anvil’s senior management to set branch strategies, goals and targets, and collaborate with Business Development, Program, Project, and Resource Managers to successfully execute project plans.

Please join us in congratulating Jim in his new role! We appreciate his willingness to accept these responsibilities and look forward to the continued growth and success he’ll bring Anvil.

ANVIL CORPORATION PARTNERS WITH THE NCyTE CENTER AT WHATCOM COMMUNITY COLLEGE TO DEVELOP CYBER RANGE ON ANVIL’S BELLINGHAM CAMPUS.

On August 31, Anvil signed an agreement with Whatcom Community College (WCC) and The National Cybersecurity Training & Education Center (NCyTE), funded by the National Science Foundation, to build a Cyber Range on Anvil’s Bellingham campus, to serve WCC students and faculty, the NCyTE team, and Anvil employees. A Cyber Range is a virtual computer network that simulates the real-world Industrial Control Systems (ICS) environments found in process facilities and municipal utilities.

Bellingham, WA – On August 31, Anvil signed an agreement with Whatcom Community College (WCC) and The National Cybersecurity Training & Education Center (NCyTE), funded by the National Science Foundation, to build a Cyber Range on Anvil’s Bellingham campus, to serve WCC students and faculty, the NCyTE team, and Anvil employees. A Cyber Range is a virtual computer network that simulates the real-world Industrial Control Systems (ICS) environments found in process facilities and municipal utilities.

The Cyber Range, which will combine the design and operations expertise of Anvil engineers and the cutting-edge cybersecurity technical knowledge of WCC and NCyTE, will provide valuable real-world experiences for WCC students and all involved.

The Cyber Range will also support cybersecurity skills training and certification for Anvil engineers and access to equipment for Anvil’s own internal training and project development. We will have the capability to develop, test, and simulate industrial control networks and test them against potential threats.

“Cybersecurity is an important topic for our clients and our community, especially in the industrial space, so we are very excited to be part of this program to help further WCC and the NCyTE’s regional and national cybersecurity initiatives. This is also a great opportunity to help bring internship and job opportunities to Whatcom County,” said Anvil President Dena Lund.

The partnership will serve WCC and Anvil by providing internship and job opportunities for qualified cybersecurity students and graduates. Located on Anvil’s campus, the cyber range will be an environment for WCC students and Anvil engineers to work together in a simulated environment to test ideas and solve complex cyber problems. It will provide performance-based learning and assessment, real-time feedback, and job experience.

“Anvil’s large client base all utilize industrial networks where a breach could threaten safety, the environment, or energy supply. Having a cyber range on our Anvil campus and the ability to test the security of control system networks is a resource we expect will benefit our clients regionally and nationally,” added Lund.

Construction of the Cyber Range has begun and is expected to be completed and operational by January 2022.

About Anvil: Anvil is an employee-owned engineering consulting firm that provides full-multidiscipline engineering, design, project management, and procurement solutions for critical infrastructure. Our 400+ skilled employee-owners deliver safe, quality, efficient projects to clients throughout the U.S. and internationally. They work together to help our clients Engineer the Future of Energy. Our 50-year history illustrates our long-term dedication to clients. Anvil is headquartered in Bellingham, WA and has branches in Anchorage, AK (Doyon Anvil), Billings, MT, Concord, CA, and Denver, CO. For more information on our services and solutions, please visit www.anvilcorp.com.

About NCyTE: The National Cybersecurity Training & Education (NCyTE) Center is funded by the National Science Foundation. NCyTE’s mission is to increase the quantity and quality of the cybersecurity workforce throughout the nation. NCyTE Center is based in Bellingham, WA at Whatcom Community College. For more information visit www.ncyte.net.

About Whatcom: Whatcom Community College in Bellingham, WA is regularly recognized as one of the top community colleges in the nation for student outcomes. The College, a destination for cybersecurity, healthcare and business studies, offers two bachelor of applied science degrees, transfer degrees, career and workforce preparation, online courses, and community education classes. New high school graduates, laid-off workers, seasoned employees, future university students — all students count on WCC to support their academic and career goals. For more information, visit www.whatcom.edu.

Anvil Names Dena Lund as New President

Anvil is pleased to announce Dena Lund as Anvil’s new President effective July 15, 2021.

Dena Lund joined Anvil in 2019 as an Independent Board Director. She brings decades of field operations/engineering experience and a proven record of successful leadership roles, including Executive Vice President – Chief Operating Officer at Sterling Energy Investments and various leadership and commercial development roles at Encana Corporation. Dena holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Colorado Boulder.

Anvil is pleased to announce Dena Lund as Anvil’s new President effective July 15, 2021.

“I am honored and thrilled with the opportunity to serve as President of an engineering company built on a portfolio that spans 50 years of excellence. I look forward to working with Anvil’s incredibly talented team as we advance our services to support clients in an evolving energy landscape. The opportunities in front of us are substantial, and I am committed to driving our strategy as we continue to engineer the future of energy,” said Lund.

Dena will succeed Gordy Lindell, Anvil’s current President, who will serve as Managing Director through the end of 2021 and then return as Chairman of Anvil’s Board of Directors in January 2022. He’ll continue to work closely with Dena and the senior management team.

Gordy and Anvil’s Board believe that Dena’s extensive industry experience, coupled with her leadership skills and fresh ideas, will ensure Anvil’s continued success in the industries we currently serve and expansion into new markets.

Please join us in welcoming Dena to her new role!

Anvil President Dena Lund — Anvil President, Dena Lund

Anvil Celebrates 50 Years

This year Anvil is proudly celebrating our 50th anniversary. Over the past 50 years, much has changed but we’ve remained committed to forging long-term relationships with clients and providing quality engineering, design, and project management services to help engineer the future of energy.

This year Anvil is proudly celebrating our 50th anniversary with a dedicated webpage. Over the past 50 years, much has changed but we’ve remained committed to forging long-term relationships with clients and providing quality engineering, design, and project management services to help engineer the future of energy.

Larry Levorsen founded Anvil Corporation on February 2, 1971 to provide engineering services to the Pacific Northwest refineries. Throughout the years, we’ve grown and established our reputation as a multi-discipline engineering, design, procurement, and project management consulting firm. With over 300 employees and 5 branch offices throughout the United States, Anvil remains committed to providing clients with innovative solutions, experienced teams, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

“Over five decades we’ve stayed true to our belief that if service providers meet or exceed client expectations, they will be rewarded with more work – and we have. We could not have achieved this milestone without the dedication of our talented Anvil team who always puts the client first. And thank you to our clients, some who have been with us all 50 years, for continuing to support and trust us,” said Anvil President Gordy Lindell.

As the world and energy industry continues to change, so does Anvil. We look forward to continuing to expand and grow with the energy industry and into others. We’re excited to see what the next 50 years brings.

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