Newly Certified





Patrick Solomon, CEP, Chair of the Certification Review Board, is pleased to announce the certification of the following new Certified Professionals in 2023 and 2024.


Abagail Megna, CEP-IT
Certified: February 2024


Abagail Megna is an environmental scientist with a vast range of skills and experiences. She has successfully executed the technical preparation and submission of Federal, State, and Local environmental permits and documents for projects of varying complexities. Abagail frequently utilizes her proficiency in GIS technology and data analysis for technical documents, cartographic needs, and to complete various types of remote fieldwork, including wetland delineations, watercourse delineations, tree surveys, threatened and endangered species habitat assessments, wildlife management, noise monitoring and more.

Jordan Pogorzelski, CEP-IT
Certified: February 2024


Mr. Pogorzelski is an environmental scientist at Herndon Solutions Group (HSG) with more than six years of professional experience. Jordan works under NASA’s Environmental and Medical Contract (NEMCON), which includes supporting headquarters initiatives within NASA's NEPA, Sustainability, and Environmental Compliance programs. His work at HSG extends to the commercial space industry and other federal agencies with a focus on the development of NEPA documents. He was formerly an environmental manager at the Utah Department of Transporation, overseeing the development of over 60 NEPA documents and ensuring compliance with UDOT's NPDES program. Jordan started his career as a hazardous waste specialist at the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources after obtaining a bachelor's degree in Conservation and Environmental Science at the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. Most recently, Jordan earned his MBA with a specialization in Sustainability Management and Analytics from Concordia University - Mequon. Professional certifications include the CHMM, REP, RSI, RSW, and now the CEP-IT.

Amy Siewert, CEP-Operations
Certified: February 2024


Amy Siewert earned her BS in Forestry from the University of Kentucky in 1998.  She earned her CHMM certification in 2023.   She is an Environmental Analyst with Calibre since September 1, 2023.  In this role she serves as a BRAC Environmental coordinator technical representative.  Prior to her current position, she was an Environmental Analyst for the Kentucky Department of Military Affairs (KDMA)from August 2014 through August 2023.  In this role, she served as the environmental manager of Bluegrass Station, overseeing waste, waste water, drinking water, storm water, air permitting and compliance.  She also managed projects related to sampling and remediation of mold, lead based paint, asbestos, radon and PCBs.  Prior to her position in KDMA, she worked from 1998 through 2014 in various environmental and supervisory  positions within the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet, including the Ky Division of Water, Ky Division of Waste Management and the Kentucky Division of Forestry.

James Thomas, CEP-IT
Certified: January 2024


James is an environmental planner in California focusing on CEQA compliance and entitlements. His primary experience is in large infrastructure/railroad projects and infill residential development. James previously worked for an earthwork company and interned for a city planning department, giving him unique insight into construction practices and the entitlement process, respectively. 

Ihuoma Igwe, CEP-IT
Certified: January 2024


Ihuoma Igwe is an accomplished environmental professional, holding a Master's degree in Environmental Science from the University of Houston Clear Lake. At present, she serves as a Consultant and Environmental Planner at WSP. Ms. Igwe's extensive knowledge of discipline-specific design software, including ArcGIS, AutoCAD, Microsoft Office, MODFLOW, Python, R, SPSS, and SQL, is a testament to her expertise in the field. Her proficiency in data analysis, soil, groundwater, and air sampling, environmental compliance, site investigation, writing and reporting, data management, and NEPA Process is unparalleled. Ms. Igwe has been involved in over 20 transportation projects and has been instrumental in preparing planning studies, technical reports, and NEPA documentation. Her familiarity with environmental policies and regulations has proved invaluable to numerous clients, including transit agencies, DOTs, and MPOs, among others, in their multimodal transportation projects like transit, rail, highway, freight, and airports. She has been a project manager for small transportation schemes and an environmental task lead for larger projects, including EA and EIS category projects. Ms. Igwe has also provided technical responses to RFPs, fee proposals, and the preparation of scopes of work. Ms. Igwe's expertise extends to the conduct of environmental site surveys and assessments, including bio, water, and air surveys, following ASTM guidelines and industry standards, including phase I and II site assessments. Her performance of spatial analysis/modeling and map generation related to planning studies using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) has been outstanding. In addition, she has been involved in public outreach and stakeholder involvement activities related to environmental and planning studies, which have received high praise. Ms. Igwe is a confident and competent leader in the field of ecological science, and her expertise is invaluable. Her vast experience in environmental science, coupled with her exceptional skills, makes her a valuable asset to any project.

Abby Spotswood, CEP-IT
Certified: January 2024


Abby is an environmental scientist with Wetland Studies and Solutions, Inc., a Davey Tree Company in Blacksburg, Virginia. She holds a Bachelor of Science in environmental resource management from the Viriginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech). Abby has two years of experience as an environmental consultant. Her main roles include National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documentation, hazardous materials studies, threatened and endangered species reviews and surveys, and environmental justice analyses. Abby also co-founded and currently leads a company-wide environmental justice focus group whose mission is to serve as internal resource on environmental justice, seek out funding opportunities for localities and community-based organizations, and grow Davey’s presence in this area. In her free time Abby enjoys music, travelling, and spending time with family.

Lane Sauls, CEP
Certified: December 2023


As a senior environmental consultant in the AEC industry with over 29 years of experience, Lane currently serves as a Principal Owner with VHB managing and mentoring Natural Resources personnel across the Carolinas and Virginia.  His strengths revolve around natural resources, ecology, project management, and leading by example.  His background includes an emphasis on environmental compliance, sustainability, resiliency planning, program management, and regulatory coordination.  Lane’s career goals are to give back to the community, assist others with career development, and assist with implementing projects that will make a positive contribution to society.  He currently serves as Chairman of the NC Wildlife Resources Commission’s Nongame Wildlife Advisory Committee and is an Executive Board Member with the Society of American Military Engineers’ Fort Liberty Post.  In his free time, Lane enjoys spending quality time with his wife and two kids, as well as time outdoors. 

Chris Hampson, CEP
Certified: December 2023


Chris Hampson is an Environmental Protection Specialist specializing in NEPA, Environmental Condition of Property, and Planning for the Idaho Army National Guard. He has over 15 years of experience in environmental and natural resource planning and project management. Chris earned a BS in Environmental Management and Protection from Cal Poly—San Luis Obispo in 2008. Prior to working for the IDARNG in 2021, he worked for Meridian Consultants and Impact Sciences assisting clients in complying with NEPA and the California Environmental Quality Act. In addition to his primary duties, other areas of expertise include water resources analyses, acoustics, air quality and climate change, and environmental permitting and compliance. He is an avid learner and looks to exchange information and network among colleagues and organizations. He enjoys spending time with family and friends. He also enjoys attending sporting events and outdoor activities.

Mike Kelley, CEP-IT
Certified: August 2023



I graduated from Oklahoma State University with a Bachelor's degree in Geology and started working as an Environmental Geologist for a consulting and sustainability company. I have experience with ERD injections, water monitoring, soil sampling, borehole logging, as well as Phase I and II remediation, SPCC and SW3P data collection and a little bit of everything in between. I moved into the regulatory world as the Permit Officer for mineral mining in the state of Oklahoma where I oversaw all aspects of mine permitting. Most recently I was an environmental specialist for an aggregate, sand and concrete company in Oklahoma where I oversaw all aspects of the permits held by the company. 

Christopher Kennedy, CEP-IT
Certified: August 2023



Chris Kennedy is an environmental scientist with Kimley-Horn and Associates in Sarasota Florida. He graduated with a bachelor’s in science in environmental studies from the University of Central Florida in Orlando, FL in 2015. Chris has over seven years of experience an environmental consultant serving both private and public sector clients. His experience includes environmental constraints analysis for potential land acquisitions, environmental permitting support for County rezones and entitlements, environmental resource permitting (ERP), USACE Section 404/Section 10 permitting, wetland delineation, wetland functional assessment (UMAM/WRAP), mitigation design, state and federally listed species surveys, GIS mapping, and marine construction permitting. In his current role as a project manager, he is responsible for project planning, scheduling, and budgeting, managing and building client relationships, and leading a team of environmental analysts. In his free time Chris enjoys fishing, surfing, diving, camping, and spending time with family.

Leslie Postek, CEP-IT
Certified: August 2023



Leslie is an Environmental Engineer at Gwin, Dobson and Foreman, Inc. based in Altoona, Pennsylvania. She holds a bachelor of science in environmental engineering obtained from Gannon University in Erie, Pennsylvania. In her current role, she assists with water and wastewater treatment design projects. She helps local water and wastewater utilities maintain compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act and Clean Water Act regulations which are enforced by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP). Her goal is to improve water quality, quantity, and increase reliability of water and wastewater services. She also completes field work such as wetland delineations, stream sampling and water treatment facility tracer studies. Currently, she holds a position on Pennsylvania’s Blair County Chamber of Commerce Sustainability Committee. Outside of work, Ms. Postek enjoys the outdoors by fishing, hiking and kayaking with her partner, Matt.

Julia Sexton, CEP-IT
Certified: August 2023



Ankitha Venkatareddy, CEP-IT
Certified: August 2023



My name is Ankitha, and I am currently working as an Environmental Compliance Specialist at WaterFleet in San Antonio. I graduated from Sir.M.Visvesvaraya Institute of Technology, India with a Bachelor of Engineering in Biotechnology. I moved to the United States to pursue a Masters of Science in Environmental Science in 2017. Upon graduation in 2019, I started to work at WaterFleet where I help resolve complex water-supply issues by revolutionizing mobile water and wastewater treatment. I currently manage several large and small scale projects across the US. I oversee development, implementation and management of a variety of drinking water, wastewater and reclaimed water use permits, as well as creation and regulation of unique monitoring and reporting programs that ensure regulatory compliance. Since WaterFleet is very unique and few regulatory standards exist for our operational style, my role involves challenging the status quo and radically innovating to develop regulatory pathways and frameworks based on EPA and state specific requirements for each of our projects. I am most enthusiastic and passionate about spreading awareness about water recycling and its benefits for a sustainable future. My husband Pavan and I enjoy travelling, cooking together and hiking. 

Charlie Nolan, CEP-IT
Certified: August 2023



Charlie Nolan is an Environmental Specialist with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Central District. They graduated from Broward College with a degree in Environmental Science and an Advanced Technical Certificate in Geographic Information Systems. As a fourth-generation Floridian, Charlie grew up hiking and camping in wetlands all over Florida. In their role at the Department, they work in the Compliance department of the Submerged Lands Environmental Resource Program, which requires a thorough knowledge of Florida's wetland, dock, shoreline hardening, and mangrove regulations. In this position, they are responsible for comprehensively managing compliance cases. From making contact with complainants to negotiating with the property owners, Charlie is responsible for projects from beginning to end, including writing technical reports, completing wetland determinations, and drafting legal documents for formal enforcement. They work as the compliance coordinator for many cases at any given time, ensuring both regulatory compliance, as well as drafting restoration plans with the property owners and monitoring the success of corrective actions. In addition, Charlie is one of the State 404 program specialists, focusing on the State's implementation of section 404 of the Clean Water Act, which was assumed in 2020. Charlie is a Certified Wetland Evaluator, able to delineate wetlands and make Waters of the United States (WOTUS) determinations.

Hope Manning, CEP
Certified: August 2023



Hope Manning is the Vice President of Engineering and Consulting at Environmental Quality Management, Inc. (EQM) headquartered in Cincinnati.  The Engineering and Consulting group is comprised of individuals who have expertise in air, water, SPCC, EPCRA reporting, and auditing.  She has over 20 years of technical and compliance management experience in the environmental field in both consulting and industry.  She has been involved in a broad range of programs including air compliance and permitting, NESHAP Boiler GACT compliance, NPDES permitting and compliance, SPCC and SWPP Plans generation, EPCRA SARA Title III, Section 312 and 313 reporting, and auditing.   Prior to her joining EQM in 2015, Hope was the Corporate Environmental Compliance Manager at Darling Ingredients, Inc., and was responsible for environmental compliance to federal, state, and local requirements for over 50 locations in over 15 states. Prior to her time at Darling Ingredients, Inc., Hope was the Water Quality Specialist for The Seminole Tribe of Florida.  She was responsible for the water quality program for all surface waters on the Seminole Tribe of Florida reservation lands.  Because the Seminole Tribe of Florida is a federally recognized Indian Tribe, she dealt directly with USEPA Region 4 personnel on behalf of the Seminole program.  Hope holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering from The University of Cincinnati.

Joel Cantu, CEP-Documentation
Certified: August 2023



Early in my career, I worked as a Construction Material Testing Technician, Civil Engineering Technician and Construction Inspector. After obtaining a Certificate in Management in 1999 and an A.A.S. Degree in Marketing Management in 2003 through Houston Community College, I landed a job in the environmental industry. In 2007, I began working as a Stormwater Inspector and was promoted to Inspection Services Manager. As my knowledge grew, I worked as a Municipal Inspector, Environmental Consultant, and an Environmental Scientist. I obtained an A.S. Degree through Lone Star College in 2014 and a Bachelors of Science Degree in Environmental Management in 2017 through the University of Houston-Clear Lake. My experience has continued to grow as I have been employed as an Environmental Project Manager, Environmental Compliance Specialist and currently as an Environmental Compliance Training and Education Manager. I have worked in the West, Midwest and South in multiple states. I currently work for a nationwide utility scale solar company. I hold numerous environmental and safety certifications including CESSWI (Certified Erosion, Sediment and Storm Water Inspector) and EPA CGP Construction Inspector Certificate.

Maria Altemus, CEP-IT
Certified: August 2023



Maria is an environmental planner with HDR based in Tucson, Arizona. She is a wildlife biologist by education with a master’s degree in wildlife conservation and management. In her current role, she has assisted with numerous NEPA environmental clearances, including CEs and EAs. She is familiar with project compliance in relation to the Endangered Species Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and Clean Water Act, among others. She conducts biological field surveys for special status species, nesting birds, and other biological concerns. She also completes field work and reports associated with biological clearance documents, Preliminary Jurisdictional Delineations (PJDs), Approved Jurisdictional Determinations (AJDs), and Preconstruction Notifications (PCNs). This past spring she graduated from the Emerging Sustainability Leaders program through Arizona Forward and has recently taken on her first Project Manager role.

Anna Pepper, CEP-IT
Certified: August 2023



Anna Pepper is a professional in a perpetual quest to collaborate with others to facilitate ecosystem preservation and minimization of anthropogenic impacts to them. Her experience in both field and office environments has prepared her to harmonize the diverse needs of project stakeholders and manage the intersection of responsibility and liability established by contracts, budgets, schedules, and design requirements. She enjoys the interdisciplinary nature of managing projects and people, including event planning. Being trusted and needed along with experiencing respect for personal integrity are core to her employment satisfaction. 
Mrs. Pepper recognizes the importance of incorporating green stormwater infrastructure (bioswales, bioretention cells, pervious/permeable pavement, tree boxes, smart ponds (CMAC), etc.) into traditional gray stormwater systems. She continually researches new products and methods to ensure the best practices available are integral to her designs. Anna also advocates for use of recycled construction materials and the selection of those with lowest embodied carbon and least environmental detriment. Living shorelines, wildlife crossings, dam removal and influencing policy related to designs that mimic natural systems interest her, too. She lives in Winter Park, FL, with her husband and multiple rescued pets. She aspires to be a better vegan and is mindful of the impact of her investments and consumption on human rights, personal and planetary health.

Thangasamy Saminathan, CEP-IT
Certified: August 2023



Thangasamy Saminathan has a wide variety of knowledge in the agriculture and environmental sectors. Dr. Saminathan graduated from Tamilnadu Agricultural University, India with a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Agriculture and Plant Breeding and Genetics, respectively. Later, he moved to Taiwan to pursue PhD in Biotechnology and graduated from Academia Sinica in 2011. He moved to West Virginia State University in 2013 to work as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow for doing research in the Appalachian coal mine reclamation project and acid mine drainage (AMD) for five years. In 2018, he joined West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) as an Environmental Resources Analyst in the groundwater permit section to issue Underground Injection Control permits, to review and recommend groundwater remediation plans, and groundwater protection plans for businesses and industries. He has been coordinating the e-Permit online portal system to issue permits and other businesses online. He has published 23 research papers in plant molecular biology and environmental science and presented many posters at international conferences. He has a wife Anitha, daughter Dharani and son Aadhavan. Outside his job, he plays badminton and tennis and coaches his daughter tennis. His family loves camping and grilling.

Robin Ijams, CEP-Assessment
Certified: July 2023



Ms. Ijams assists clients in complying with environmental regulations and permitting, with an emphasis on the successful completion of environmental impact analysis documentation pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Her expertise lies in the preparation and management of environmental documents for complex, controversial projects. She has managed and participated in the preparation of environmental impact reports, environmental impact statements, and other CEQA/NEPA documents for a wide diversity of projects, ranging from small-scale environmental assessments to complex, multi-agency documents. Her focus is on infrastructure projects, with experience in airport and roadway transportation projects, water supply and wastewater projects, and other infrastructure improvements.

Kelly Farrell, CEP-Documentation
Certified: July 2023


Kelly Farrell is a Senior Environmental Scientist with HDR in Omaha, Nebraska and holds a master’s of business administration from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. In her 25 years in environmental consulting, Kelly has developed experience throughout the Midwest and Great Plains in NEPA, including EAs and EISs; Section 4(f) analysis; federal and state agency coordination; fatal flaw analysis; threatened and endangered species habitat surveys and reports; wetland delineation; 404 and NPDES permitting; and biological research and data analysis. She works primarily on power and transportation projects (FHWA, FRA, and FTA) and is currently leading a team conducting threatened and endangered species reviews for the Nebraska Department of Transportation.

Whitney Brewster-Wilson, CEP-IT
Certified: May 2023



Hello! My name is Whitney and I am an early career environmental/sustainability professional, with a strong background in customer service. I am undergoing a career transition, with the ultimate goal of cultivating my customer service background and environmental services experience into a fulfilling role as a sustainability consultant. My academic background includes a master's in Environmental Science and Policy, with a bachelor's in Hospitality Management. I have pursued a variety of professional certifications and accreditations, including LEED Green Associate, and have most recently obtained certification as an ESC Inspector. Most recently, I have accepted a position as an Environmental Specialist with an environmental consulting firm based in Virginia.

Jamie Lane, CEP-IT
Certified: May 2023



Ms. Lane has over 10 years specializing in environmental, ecological, and geographic information systems (GIS) services. She has a range of experience through her current and previous work and education. She is currently an Environmental Planner at HNTB Corporation and has held previous roles as an Environmental Scientist, Ecological Specialist, Adjunct Environmental Science Instructor, and Research Assistant in biological and conservation sciences. Her experience includes biodiversity research and surveys, wetland delineation surveys and reporting according to the USACE regulations, groundwater quality reporting and statistical analysis, NEPA documentation, and utilizing GIS for various environmental analyses. She has a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from Drake University and a Master of Science in Environmental Sciences and Policy from Johns Hopkins University.

Kate Nelson, CEP-IT
Certified: March 2023



Kate Nelson is an environmental scientist with WGI. She received her B.S. in natural resource conservation, and her M.S. in forest resources and conservation from the University of Florida. Kate has diverse experience in environmental assessments and permitting, including wetland delineations, wildlife surveys, tree inventories, benthic resource surveys, and contamination sampling. Kate is an Authorized Gopher Tortoise Agent with FWC, and a PADI Open Water Diver. Prior to environmental consulting, Kate worked for the Florida Master Naturalist Extension Program, interned at the Alachua Conservation Trust helping with preserve restoration and prescribed burn preparation, and volunteered with AmeriCorps Project Conserve. On the weekends, you can find Kate taking a hike, mountain biking, or kayaking.

Hyejin Park, CEP-IT
Certified: March 2023



Hyejin Park is an environmental science analyst at Kimley-Horn and Associates in Alpharetta, Georgia. She graduated from Virginia Tech with a bachelor's degree in environmental science and minor in environmental policy and planning. In her short yet growing career in the environmental field, she has experience in wetland delineations and permitting, NEPA documentation and coordination, Phase 1 and Phase 2 ESAs, protected species habitat assessments, solar farm development, and mine permitting. 

Andressa Silva Pereira do Carmo, CEP-IT
Certified: March 2023



Andressa has six (6) years of experience as an environmental professional. She is currently an Environmental Planner at TranSystems and has been working as a Monitoring and Technical Assistance Contractor (MTAC) for the Federal Railroad Administration on the western region of the United States. Additionally, she and her team, work in several transportation projects all over the country.

Andressa began her career in 2017 as an Intern with an Environmental Consulting firm in Brazil, specialize in Environmental Site Assessment. While there, Andressa was tasked with developing Phase I and Phase II projects. Andressa had several reports approved by the Sao Paulo State Environmental Agency. This was Andressa’s first experience in the environmental services world.

Andressa is enthusiastic about helping the construction market to become more sustainable for future generations.

Jill Rust, CEP-Assessment
Certified: March 2023


Jill Rust is a Sr. Environmental Scientist with HDR in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and holds a master’s degree in biological sciences from South Dakota State University. In her nearly 17 years in the environmental field, Jill has completed numerous environmental studies and documentation for transportation, water, mining, and power projects in the region. Her experience includes project management, NEPA documentation, threatened and endangered species assessments, terrestrial and aquatic habitat surveys, wetland delineations and permitting, and mitigation site development. Jill is currently manages a group of environmental professionals in the Dakotas and Wyoming.