Core Values
KLS employees strive to be the best, and to support a company with the same goal. In addition to always having safety top of mind, we’re looking for team members who embody our core values:
Hungry
An appetite for growth, development & success.
Willing to Learn
A desire to learn new skills & be open to new ideas.
Committed
Committed to personal and team growth, development and success.
Help First
Embrace teamwork; no problem is too big or too small to solve.
Our Leadership Team
The KLS leadership team drives innovation in construction by integrating sustainability, equity, and diversity into every project. Our approach ensures environmentally responsible practices, fosters inclusive collaboration, and delivers solutions that reflect the industry’s evolving values and community needs.
Travis Powell
President
Travis Powell is the President of KLS, and has made a mission of transforming the construction industry with sustainability practices and inclusive hiring. Travis strives to reduce the environmental footprint of construction, and has implemented eco-friendly methods to every facet of KLS’s business. As a 2024 Avenue Magazine Top 40 Under 40 winner, Travis and the KLS team have been recognized for pioneering progressive strategies in construction.
Chris Powell
COO
As COO of KLS, Chris has a keen eye for bringing innovation to KLS operations. Finding new efficiencies and identifying where sustainability can play a bigger role in the construction industry has been a notable achievement in Chris’ tenure, and has set KLS apart as an industry leader. As a 2024 winner of Avenue Magazine’s Top 40 Under 40, Chris champions the ideologies of hard work going hand in hand with success.
Mike Coakley
Fleet Manager
Mike Coakley is the Fleet Manager at KLS Earthworks and Calgary Aggregate Recycling Inc., bringing years of industry experience to the team. He plays a key role in developing fleet strategy, refining processes, and ensuring our equipment consistently supports project success. Mike focuses on building reliable, efficient systems that keep operations running smoothly. He is known for his strong work ethic and team-first approach.
Arielle Bursey
Operations Manager
Arielle Bursey brings exceptional leadership and organizational expertise to her role as Operations Manager at KLS Earthworks & Environmental. With a strong background in project management and team coordination, she oversees the seamless execution of operations while upholding the company’s commitment to safety, efficiency, and sustainability. Arielle’s proactive approach and dedication to excellence ensure that KLS consistently delivers top-tier results for clients and stakeholders.
Maria Ward
CFO
Our CFO, Maria Ward, is an experienced and adaptable financial leader with over 25 years of expertise in finance and financial project management. She’s known for building strong partnerships and achieving impactful results through collaboration, effective communication, and mentorship. Maria is skilled in leading teams of all sizes, with cross-functional strengths spanning general accounting, financial planning, internal reporting, and finance system implementations.
Kody Wickham
Operations Manager
Kody Wickham is the Operations Manager at KLS Earthworks and Calgary Aggregate Recycling Inc., bringing strong leadership and hands-on industry experience to the team. He oversees day-to-day operations, ensuring projects are executed safely, efficiently, and to a high standard. Kody focuses on aligning crews, equipment, and processes to deliver consistent results in fast-paced environments. He is known for his practical approach, accountability, and commitment to supporting both teams and project success.