Zachry Owens

Vice President / Executive / Technical Recruiter
For Water / Wastewater Treatment, Environmental and Infrastructure positions including Senior Management, Sales, Marketing, Business Development, Manufacturing, Operations, Engineering

Zachry brings a wealth of experience and opportunities to Jeff Smith & Associates as the company expands its marketplace and increases the value for our clients and candidates.

Zachry attended Texas State University where he studied Business and Communication.  He has been a life-long entrepreneur who has played a critical role in many start-ups focusing on sales, business development, and marketing.  His strong communication skills, and likable personality combined with his ability to form long-lasting relationships have defined his career.

He spent five years in the environmental, water, and wastewater industries working with industrial customers to find innovative solutions to their needs.  As a principal of Sustainable Water Technologies (SWT), Zach was in charge of Business Development identifying industrial customers experiencing water and wastewater issues, and then working with technology suppliers and engineering firms to provide viable and cost-effective solutions.

Prior to SWT, Zach acted as a Project Manager and then Sales and Marketing for Oxy Technologies. Zachry has extensive experience with In-Situ and Ex-Situ chemical oxidation applications in environments ranging from remote Arctic sites to the downtown areas of major cities.

Zachry is an outdoor enthusiast and driven athlete who enjoys mountain biking, trail running, hiking, kayaking, swimming, reading, and all things technology.

Peter Black

For Water/Wastewater Treatment with a focus on Senior Management, Sales, Marketing and Business Development

Peter attended school at Nichols College where he studied Business Management. Since then, Peter has worked for a financial advisory firm, working in operations and M&A. Peter brings his experience and opportunities to Jeff Smith & Associates as the company expands its marketplace. Peter’s focus is on Senior Management, Sales, Marketing and Business Development, as well as Field Applications Engineers and other Sales Support positions in Water and Wastewater.

Peter enjoys building relationships and understands how important it is to find the right candidate for the right opportunity. He’s passionate about matching exceptional talent with great companies but also ensuring it is the perfect match for both parties.

Outside of work, Peter enjoys spending time with his wife, two sons and dog, playing golf, pickup basketball, being outdoors and anything competitive.

Christl Ganz

Technical Recruiter / Researcher / Operations / Marketing

Christl has been with JSA since 2016. She has over thirty years of experience in technical writing and project management in the environmental, water, wastewater, and consulting industries. Her expertise is in researching candidates, and data mining. A graduate of the University of Toronto, Christl provides the behind the scenes expertise in operating a business.

For four years, Christl worked for SWT Consulting Inc., as the Office Manager and was responsible for the data mining of contacts for the business, and writing both technical and promotional materials.

Prior to that, Christl was the Project Manager and technical writer for Oxy Teknologies Inc. working in the environmental remediation project field.

As a partner in a small environmental consulting business for 15 years, Christl handled the project management of over 250 remediation projects, and functioned as the technical writer / editor of the environmental reports.

Christl is interested in woodworking, yoga, kayaking, the outdoors and cooking.

Jeff Smith

For Water/Wastewater Treatment with a focus on Senior Management, Sales, Marketing, and Business Development

Jeff founded Jeff Smith & Associates in 2003 after an earlier career spent on the Corporate side of the Recruiting desk. His easy-going, yet persistent style, along with extensive contacts and connections developed over more than 35 years, have made JSA a leader in placing technical candidates with specialized skills in the Water/Wastewater Treatment and Environmental industries.

Prior to starting Jeff Smith & Associates, Jeff spent 15 years with Millipore Corporation where he recruited and helped hire hundreds of technical management, sales, marketing, R&D and support personnel.

Jeff considers himself a bit different than most “Headhunters” and this seems to wear well with both clients and candidates. With his easygoing, honest style, penchant for detail, and a need to keep everyone well informed throughout the process, as well as his guarantee of total confidentiality, he has developed a strong business centered around repeat customers and referrals.

Jeff’s main focus is on Senior Management, Sales, Marketing and Business Development.

A graduate of Brown University, Jeff was a member of Brown’s Football team and today lists as his interests his family, competitive sports and enjoying the beauty and splendor of Cape Cod.