The SVL Team

Nan S. Wilson

President & CEO

Nan Wilson took over the family business in 2017. Nan’s laboratory experience includes positions from technician to quality, analyst and chemist, HPLC methods development and GLP pharma. Nan has a BA in Chemistry and Russian from Willamette University.

Heather LaPierre

Laboratory Director

Heather LaPierre has 10 years of experience in the environmental analysis field. Heather graduated from the University of Idaho with a BS in Microbiology. She began her professional career at SVL right out of college. Since then, Heather has gained thorough experience in a wide variety of wet chemistry procedures. Heather’s analytical and supervisory skills have allowed her to cross-train in several departments to best serve SVL’s clients.

Michael Desmarais

Technical/Quality Director

Michael Desmarais has 20+ years of experience in the environmental analysis field. Michael has held positions both at the bench and in the field in environmental chemistry. He has a BS in Physical Science from Washington State University. Michael is a participating member of The NELAC Institute and is responsible for the administration of the SVL Quality Program.

Connor R. Williams

Client Services Director

Connor Williams started at SVL in 2018. He has a BS in Environmental Science from the University of Idaho and an MS in Recreation Management from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.  Connor also has 5 years of analytical experience with ion chromatography, microbiology, and classical chemistry analyses.

Dave Tryon

Project Manager

Dave Tryon began his analytical chemistry career with SVL in 2004.  During that time Dave has performed nearly every analysis SVL provides to our clients from both the Classical and Instrument departments. From sample prep, to instrumentation analysis, to technical writing, Dave has covered a lot of ground at SVL.  This diverse skill set makes him a valuable asset to SVL as well as the clients he serves.

Herman J. Haring

Project Manager

Herman Haring has over 20 years of experience in the environmental science field via research and development. His work history has focused primarily on environmental/ecological toxicology where he incorporated analytical chemistry data into dose/response modeling to assess adverse effects of contaminants on biological models while working at a US EPA R&D facility. He has a BS from Northern Kentucky University in Biology with a Chemistry minor and an MS in Toxicology from the University of Florida (2008).

Linda Johann

Coeur d’Alene Lab Manager/Microbiologist

Linda Johann has 40 years of experience in Microbiology—both in environmental and public health (medical) arenas. Linda held positions at the bench and as a supervisor for the Idaho State Public Health Laboratory in Coeur d’ Alene. She has a BA in Psychology and Chemistry from the University of Minnesota. She is a manager and analyst for the Coeur d’ Alene Lab; a section of SVL specializing in biological analyses.

Brandan Borgias

Systems Manager

Brandan Borgias has a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of California-Berkeley (1985). He has been with SVL Analytical since 1991, holding positions as Quality Manager and Systems Manager. Brandan currently oversees the lab’s Information Management System (LIMS) and works with clients on custom reporting and electronic deliverables.

Kale Swainston

Laboratory Information Management System Chemist

Kale Swainston earned a BS in Chemistry from Utah State University.  He has held positions at the chemistry bench and in front of the keyboard.  Kale joined SVL in 2005; since then he has helped implement and maintain the laboratory information management system, design and customize laboratory software applications, and provide analytical method development support.