Building an Organization around People

Maybe we should have built a strategic plan to identify the most important work we should do and then find people to do it. But that’s not us. We have our main strategies. And the constraints that funder interests create. But within those limits, we try to find people who have awesome potential to make the world a better place and who clearly have superpowers that can contribute to faster environmental progress. We try to figure out how to help them do their best work by adapting what we do to match their potential. Our staff and consultants are special, and their contributions are one of a kind.

Staff

Jake Adams

Jake Adams, Senior Advisor, Conservation & Infrastructure Finance

Jake headshot

Jake Adams

Senior Advisor, Conservation & Infrastructure Finance

Jake works with projects and transactions financing infrastructure with public sources, establishing predevelopment loan funds for drinking water and conservation, and aiding in the creation of philanthropic and private finance mechanisms to support infrastructure funding. His prior professional roles include positions as Director of Administration of the Blue Ridge Resource Authority in Rockbridge County and Director of Finance of the City of Lexington. Jake’s experience includes development of a new regional public service authority, bond issuance and finance agreement transactions to support water/wastewater and solid waste infrastructure, capital improvement planning and financial modeling for water/wastewater and solid waste systems, conduit financing and refunding programs for private and non-profit organizations, economic development loans and grants for small businesses, and annual budget and audit functions. He received his B.A. in Political Science from Virginia Tech, Graduate Certificate in Procurement and Contracts Management from the University of Virginia, and Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.


I grew up in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. In my spare time, I enjoy exploring and hiking the Blue Ridge with my wife and son, kayaking and canoeing, reading American and Virginian history, and playing guitar. My love and appreciation of the outdoors has fostered a strong interest in environmental conservation throughout my career, including both in solid waste/recycling and public water/wastewater. I am excited to bring my experiences in municipal finance to EPIC in order to advance its mission of supporting water infrastructure development and conservation efforts.

jadams@policyinnovation.org

Garrett Altmann, Western Restoration Program Manager

Joya Banerjee, Senior Advisor

Sarah Barnwell, Chief Business Officer

Garrett headshot

Garrett Altmann

Western Restoration Program Manager

Garrett joined EPIC in 2022 as the Western Restoration Program Manager. He brings a unique combination of education, experience, and enthusiasm to restore ecosystems for both local and global good. Garrett will be part of the Restoration Economy Center, working to help underserved communities and tribes access funding from DOT’s $1B culvert restoration grant program. Before joining EPIC, Garrett worked with the Santa Clara Pueblo- a Native American Tribe in New Mexico, where he integrated nature-based solutions and Indigenous knowledge to develop nationally recognized restoration projects. Garrett received his B.A. in Geography from UC Santa Barbara and his M.Sc. in Natural Resource Management from the University of Alaska Fairbanks.


Hello and welcome to my ‘fun’ bio. Here you will learn that what drives me is my passion for wild places and re-wilding those that have become impaired. I grew up in the coastal and intermountain west, experiencing firsthand the benefits of these places, and developing an understanding of how they’re changing. Natural systems provide habitat and biodiversity, that in turn, regulate climate, enhance our health and keep us resilient. They also offer unlimited recreation opportunities, which is what I especially enjoy- skiing, fishing, and spending time outdoors with my wife and two young sons.

garrett@policyinnovation.org

Danielle Bissett, Restoration Permitting Policy Lead

DanielleB

Danielle Bissett

Restoration Permitting Policy Lead

Danielle Bissett is a Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner and former Adjunct Professor with 10 years of experience planning, designing, permitting, constructing, and monitoring ecological restoration projects in New York City. In her current position as the Restoration Permitting Policy Lead for EPIC, Danielle applies her extensive professional experience as a practitioner to streamline environmental permitting and policies for ecological restoration projects.

Before joining EPIC, Danielle managed and oversaw a diverse portfolio of restoration projects and initiatives throughout New York City. While working for NYC Parks’ Natural Resources Group, Danielle worked with stakeholders and project partners on the implementation of the Bronx River Intermunicipal Watershed Plan. This plan addresses watershed management through a comprehensive ecological restoration approach that improves physical, ecological, and social conditions that reduce overall environmental stressors to the river and riparian areas (e.g. stormwater mitigation, invasive plant species management, native plant species restoration, fish passages, dam removal, oyster restoration, etc.).

While working for Billion Oyster Project, Danielle played a pivotal role in shaping and advancing oyster reef habitat restoration in New York City. As Director of Restoration, Danielle led and scaled the Restoration Department and strategically established several initiatives to assist the recovery of self-sustaining oyster populations in New York Harbor, which heavily relied on collaborative partnerships with key stakeholders and a multi-habitat, synergistic approach for restoration projects.

Danielle holds a Master of Science in Environmental Policy from Bard College’s Center for Environmental Policy and a dual Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies and Anthropology from Adelphi University.


Growing up on the south shore of Long Island, New York, I developed a deep-rooted sense of respect and appreciation for the ocean, barrier islands, and bays. As a kid I was always exploring — either at the beach, helping my parents garden, or climbing trees. I have always been drawn to nature, and as an adult, I’m still fascinated by wildlife and wild places. While attending Bard College for my graduate degree, I was thrilled to live in an area surrounded by rivers, mountains, and wildflower meadows. I was also lucky to have visited Olympic National Park and Glacier National Park — two incredibly humbling experiences that showcased the beauty of untouched landscapes. My love and awe for nature continue to grow each day, which is fostered by my career, sustainable lifestyle, and endless curiosity about the natural world.

dbissett@policyinnovation.org

Joya Banerjee

Joya Banerjee

Senior Advisor for Water

Before her work in philanthropy, Joya was an attorney at Latham & Watkins and worked for the City of New York. She is a board member for the newly formed state California Water Data Consortium, the San Francisco-based 826 Valencia, and the Center for Diversity and the Environment. Joya also serves on the OpenET and Stanford Water in the West advisory boards. Joya enjoys climbing trees and building driftwood forts with her two boys.


Joya provides strategic counsel to social change leaders and organizations, with a particular focus on breaking down silos, building field capacity, and developing new partnerships. Joya led the Environment Program at the S. D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation where she developed a ten-year grantmaking portfolio designed to advance a more sustainable, equitable water system that can meet the needs of people and nature and adapt to the stressors of climate change. She is also a Senior Fellow with the US Water Alliance.

sarah

Sarah Barnwell

Chief Business Officer

Sarah joined EPIC as the Chief Business Officer after nearly fifteen years in private practice where she advised start-up water infrastructure companies and other clients in tax, governance, and employment law. She holds a J.D. with a concentration in Conflict of Law from Case Western Reserve University, a M.B.A. with a concentration in Health Systems Management from Case Western Reserve University, a B.S. in Economics from the University of Delaware, a B.A. in English with a concentration in Technical Writing from the University of Delaware, and a minor in French from the University of Delaware.


In her spare time, Sarah loves to read, run, bike, travel, and explore the outdoors. Sarah grew up in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and now resides in the suburbs of Philadelphia where she is passionate about leading with head and heart to address conservation, restoration, and environmental justice for all.

sarah@policyinnovation.org

Phil Cork,
Water Data Scientist

Maureen Cunningham, Chief Strategy Officer & Director of Water

phil

Phil Cork

Water Data Scientist

Phil is a Water Data Scientist at EPIC. His work involves using data-driven solutions to bolster equitable access to clean water and support the EPIC team. Previously, Phil served as a research assistant and data analyst. His projects included building spatial data tools for promoting environmental justice, analyzing racial disparities in drug arrests, and designing predictive models to help students maintain their scholarships. He holds a master’s degree in Data Science for Public Policy from the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University, a B.S. in Data Science from the College of Charleston, and a B.S. in Music Industry Studies from Loyola University New Orleans.


I’m Phil, a New Orleans native raised in south Alabama. I’m currently pursuing a master’s degree in Data Science for Public Policy at Georgetown University. At EPIC, I’m excited to use data science to advocate for environmental justice and equitable access to clean water. In my free time, you’ll find me rooting for the New Orleans Saints, writing, playing board games, or exploring our D.C. neighborhood with my wife and our two senior dogs.

pcork@policyinnovation.org

Maureen

Maureen Cunningham

Chief Strategy Officer & Director of Water

Maureen is the Chief Strategy Officer & Director of Water at EPIC. Prior to joining EPIC in 2020, Maureen was Senior Director for Clean Water at Environmental Advocates NY, where she championed statewide legislation, policies, and funding, and Executive Director of the Hudson River Watershed Alliance, where she helped dozens of community groups protect their water resources. Maureen holds a master’s degree from the Yale School of the Environment and a bachelor’s degree from The American University School of International Service. Maureen is also serving her second term as an elected Councilmember in a town of 35,000 outside of Albany, NY.


After working and studying around the world, I’m back where I started: upstate New York. A graduate of the Yale School of the Environment and American University and a local elected official, I’m focused on helping organizations grow and communities participate in the pursuit of greater social and environmental justice. I believe that water should be clean, accessible and affordable, and I’m committed to creating the partnerships, policies, and creative solutions to make that happen. For me, it starts with the water I dream about - beautiful Adirondack lakes and the mighty Hudson River - and ends with clean water for all.

maureen@policyinnovation.org

Esmeralda Flores,
GIS Intern

Esmeralda

Esmeralda Flores

GIS Intern

Esmeralda Flores, a GIS intern at EPIC, is supporting the refining of a national map of drinking water service area boundaries to make sure underserved communities are accurately represented in local, state, and national water maps. Her most recent work with Casa y Comunidad, a documentary series on housing access, reflects her commitment to amplifying marginalized voices. With a Master's in Public Administration from the University of Oregon and a background in Women, Gender, and Sexuality studies and Sociology from Oregon State University, Esmeralda has dedicated her efforts to issues impacting the Latine community. She is currently pursuing a GIS certificate at Portland Community College, expanding her skill set for future projects. Esmeralda was born and raised in the Portland Metro area and is excited to bring her racial justice lens to the GIS field. When not at work, Esme likes to go on new adventures in Oregon with her partner. Her most recent adventures have been visiting the Steens mountains, Alvord Desert, and Wallowa Lake.


esmeralda@policyinnovation.org

Susan Finlay, Executive Assistant

Susan

Susan Finlay

Executive Assistant

Susan is the Executive Assistant to Tim Male and joined EPIC in the summer of 2023. She has spent her career serving in mission-driven organizations, in Global Policy & Advocacy at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (an organization that strengthens fundraising capabilities of educational institutions), Women’s Growth Capital Fund (which funded mid-sized, women owned businesses) and the Brookings Institution. Susan is a graduate of the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.


Early in my time in Washington, DC, I worked at the Brookings Institution for a man who had the wisdom and steady hand of Professor Albus Dumbledore. Two things I learned from him at the extremes of comfort and fear were that a) every generation has its great fear (this is comforting because it gives me hope that we’ll get through these challenges as have our ancestors) and b) that future wars will be fought over water rights. The second one has always haunted me and it is why I’m so pleased to be working at an organization that is committed to pulling us back from the brink.

susan@policyinnovation.org

Pete Hill,
Senior Policy Advisor, Green Infrastructure

pete

Pete Hill

Senior Policy Advisor, Green Infrastructure

Pete has implemented and advised on green infrastructure for most of his career. For the past several years as a consultant, he helped municipalities and nonprofit organizations in the Great Lakes region with watershed planning and workforce development and training related to green infrastructure. Prior to that, he worked for the District of Columbia Department of Energy and Environment managing the implementation of stormwater projects and stream and wetland restoration projects, with a focus on the Anacostia River. Pete is committed to realizing the benefits that green infrastructure promises and ensuring that equitable access to clean rivers and livable communities. Pete earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from The Evergreen State College and a Masters in Environmental Management from the Yale School of the Environment.


I grew up on Lake Michigan and after spending time in the Pacific Northwest, New England and DC, have returned to the Midwest and happily live less than a half a mile from that same very cold body of water. I enjoy tiring out our two dogs, volunteering with our local Riverkeeper, and spending time in the wilds of Wisconsin, whether that be on foot or in self-powered watercraft. I play basketball (poorly) and pay the price for my physical hubris. I enjoy hoarding locally sourced lumber in my garage for eventual use in a variety of woodworking projects.

pete@policyinnovation.org

Danielle Goshen, Senior Policy Analyst, Water Infrastructure

DanielleG

Danielle Goshen

Senior Policy Analyst, Water Infrastructure

Danielle is the Senior Water Infrastructure Policy Analyst at EPIC. Prior to joining EPIC in 2024, Danielle worked on National Wildlife Federation's Texas Coast and Water Program as their Policy Specialist/Counsel where she collaborated with government, industry, and NGO stakeholders to improve water policy across Texas. Prior to her work at NWF, Danielle was the Water Policy Specialist at Galveston Bay Foundation. She attended the University of Toronto for her Honours Bachelor's degrees in Environmental Geography and Environmental Studies, with a minor in Geographic Information Studies. Danielle later earned her J.D. at the University of Georgia School of Law, where she was president of the Environmental Law Association. During her time at Georgia Law, Danielle interned at the Environmental Protection Agency’s Region 4 office and served as a Georgia Sea Grant Legal Fellow working on coastal resiliency policy.


dgoshen@policyinnovation.org

Phoebe Higgins, Director of Markets

Harry Huntley,
Senior Agricultural
Policy Analyst

Phoebe

Phoebe Higgins

Director of Markets

Phoebe joined Environmental Policy Innovation Center after nearly 10 years at Environmental Defense Fund, where she directed the California Fisheries Fund, an award-winning $3.5-million revolving loan fund financing sustainable commercial fishing on the US West Coast. Her work focused on lending to commercial fishing operations to improve their business efficiency while reducing environmental impact, as well as financing California’s first fishing quota banks. Phoebe also worked on sustainable fisheries finance strategy together with teams in Mexico, Chile, the Philippines and South Pacific Islands. She has served as an impact advisor to entrepreneurs participating in seafood business plan competitions. Prior to EDF, Phoebe was the Sustainable Programs Director at a community bank in Oakland, California. She holds a BA in Russian Studies from Carleton College and a Green MBA in Sustainable Entrepreneurship from Dominican University of California.


I grew up in Montana where I fell in love with mountains, nature and winter. A passion for social justice led me to community organizing in Minneapolis and San Francisco, and an MBA in social entrepreneurship. Combining my interests in food systems and finance I ran a loan program for commercial fishermen engaged in sustainable fishing at EDF. I’m fired up to expand conservation and social prosperity through work on markets and finance. I’m a travel and language enthusiast, and after time in Italy, I learned how to make more than 20 styles of Italian pasta by hand.

phiggins@policyinnovation.org

Harry

Harry Huntley

Senior Analyst for Agriculture Policy

Harry previously worked for the Hughes Center for Agro-Ecology and the Chesapeake Conservation Partnership, focusing on advancing policy to increase the use of land conservation and agricultural BMPs, including nutrient pollution trading. He graduated from college with many diverse experiences related to agriculture and environmental policy. His passion for the outdoors began working on three different organic farms, but he felt the necessary changes must be made systemically. So, to gain policy experience he interned with the National Association for State Departments of Agriculture and Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. Throughout college, Harry managed field work for a research study focused on the effects of cover crop planting time on nitrogen leaching. He also worked directly on policy advocacy with the National Farmers Union. Harry has volunteered on political campaigns from presidential- to city council-level focusing mostly on communications.


Despite growing up in urban Baltimore, I’ve had a love of farming from my first visit to a farmers’ market on my dad's shoulders. Senate Agriculture Committee and National Associate of State Agriculture Agencies intern. Research experience on cover crops and nitrogen leaching. Economics and agricultural science degree. Past employee and huge fan of the Hughes Center for Agro-Ecology and Chesapeake Conservation Partnership. I’m an avid gardener and cook, and my favorite vegetable is Chinese Red Noodle Beans.

hhuntley@policyinnovation.org

Kavita Kapur Macleod, Conservation & Environmental Markets Fellow

Becca Madsen, Director Restoration Economy Center

Jessie Mahr, Director of Technology

Kavita

Kavita Kapur Macleod

Conservation & Environmental Markets Fellow

Kavita has over a decade of environmental consulting experience conducting analysis around environmental policy issues and integrating economic, scientific, and policy considerations for public, private, and NGO institutions both domestically and internationally. Kavita has managed and conducted regulatory, economic, and technical analysis and support for a variety of clients, including the World Bank, the Jane Goodall Foundation, the US EPA, the US Fish & Wildlife Service, and the US Coast Guard. Kavita holds a BA in International Relations/Minor in Art History from Tufts University and an MPP from Harvard University, where she studied environmental economics, science, and policy.


I developed a love for the outdoors and protected places through a childhood spent around the mountains and coasts of New England. My degrees (and my Red Sox allegiance) come from Boston, studying international development and environmental economics. I have worked across environmental sectors: endangered species conservation, pollution prevention and regulation, water economics and regulation, and forestry conservation and policy. I focus on all things related to data tech and economics and how they can speed the pace and efficacy of conservation. Swimmer. Sailor. I love the ocean and jump in whenever I can. I can't be around horses enough.

kavita@policyinnovation.org

becca

Becca Madsen

Director, Restoration Economy Center

Becca Madsen has over 15 years of experience analyzing issues at the intersection of natural resources and economics. She has analyzed and written on topics ranging from data science applications to environmental issues, to global biodiversity offset policies, to feasibility of water quality trading in the Chesapeake Bay. Prior to joining EPIC, she spent nine years managing and conducting research on a wide range of topics related to natural resources at the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI). Prior to EPRI, Ms. Madsen worked for Ecosystem Marketplace, the US Forest Service, local government in North Texas, and the Peace Corps. Ms. Madsen holds a B.A in business administration from the University of South Carolina Honors College and a Master of Environmental Management from Duke University. Ms. Madsen was a Doris Duke Conservation Fellow, a Presidential Management Fellow, and a PERC Enviropreneur Fellow.


Hi, I’m Becca. I grew up watching David Attenborough documentaries and thought that someday I too would emerge from the ocean in scuba gear to talk about stromatolites and life on earth. But my career path turned when I encountered what my professor called “groovy economics” (environmental economics). It all turned out well because I love the intersection of natural resources and economics. I’ve worked for small government, big government, nonprofits, business, and myself. One of my favorite career projects was tracking the use of biodiversity offset and compensation programs around the world. More recently, I’ve been intrigued by opportunities to tap into data science to solve environmental issues. I like trail running even though I’m super slow. Do-er, connector, learner, borderline ENTJ/INTJ. Love great science communication - give me a book or podcast recommendation!

becca@policyinnovation.org

Jessie

Jessie Mahr

Director of Technology

Jessie is the Director of Technology at EPIC. Prior to joining EPIC, she led business development and strategy for Upstream Tech, a technology start-up that uses satellite imagery to monitor and evaluate natural resources. She has also worked on programs related to regional planning for wetlands restoration and urban climate change resilience for the Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration and Stantec. Jessie holds a Master of Science in Water Resource Engineering and Environmental Policy from Tufts University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Geography from The University of Texas.


I was raised in Texas with an early appreciation of how vital water was to beat the heat and to support all the critters we would find in lakes and rivers we grew up swimming in. Water remained a central theme in my studies and career as I worked on payment for ecosystem services programs in Costa Rica and Colombia, water access and sanitation in Palestinian refugee camps and monitoring watershed health through satellites across the world.

jessie@policyinnovation.org

Valerie Nguyen, Water Administrative Assistant

Valerie

Valerie Nguyen

Water Administrative Assistant

Valerie is an administrative assistant to the Water team at EPIC. She assists with delivery of vital tasks for the policy related to State Revolving Funds. Prior to joining EPIC, Valerie was the scientific operations manager for a clinical laboratory. She earned her BS degree in Biology and MS degree in Environmental Science and Policy, where she investigated the effect of establishing marine protected areas on the prevalence of coral disease. She is based in the DC metro area.


I am a native of Northern Virginia/DC area (a rare fact for anyone acquainted with the “transient city”), and have had the great privilege of being close enough to several beautiful national parks, zoos, and beaches, which fostered my love of nature and conservation. Outside of my career, my educational background in biology and environmental science and policy informs my work in local volunteer organizations. In my free time, I like to cook new recipes, draw, crochet, and read.

valerie@policyinnovation.org

Christina Petagna, Mid-Atlantic Funding Navigator

Christina

Christina Petagna

Mid-Atlantic Funding Navigator Manager

Christina Petagna is the Mid-Atlantic Funding Navigator Manager for EPIC. She’s excited to bring her varied water experience to EPIC to provide assistance to water and wastewater providers. Prior to beginning her EPIC journey, Christina received her masters in Environmental Science and Engineering from UNC Chapel Hill where she studied the links and risks between natural, engineered, and financial systems and wrote her thesis on the balance between supply and financial risk in water utility decision-making under uncertainty. Before going to graduate school she built her career in the tri-state area. She started as an environmental consultant focusing on groundwater projects in NJ and PA. Transitioning into the public sector, she was a natural resource manager for the NJ Highlands Council and followed the experience up as a consultant helping small applicants in NY state navigate the complexities of the FEMA public assistance program. Christina holds a B.S. in Environmental Science from Rutgers University.


Though I now consider myself an adopted daughter of New Jersey, I’m originally from Arizona where my love for water began. I was fortunate enough to spend some time volunteering at my local water utility one summer where I gained an appreciation for the work of water and wastewater providers, who I really believe are our communities’ unsung heroes. Outside my work with water utilities I like to explore the state of New Jersey (beaches, hikes, farms, cities, and everything in between), experiment in the kitchen with whatever produce has ripened in the family garden, and get together with my friends - including a weekly dungeons and dragons night I host with my husband.

christina@policyinnovation.org

Tim Male, Executive Director

Janet Pritchard, Director of Water Infrastructure Policy

Christopher Putney, Strategy and External Affairs Lead

Tim

Tim Male

Executive Director

Tim founded the Environmental Policy Innovation Center in 2017. Prior to launching this startup, he served as an Associate Director at the White House Council on Environmental Quality, Vice President for Conservation Policy at Defenders of Wildlife, Director at National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and Co-Director of agriculture policy at Environmental Defense Fund. He holds degrees in science from Yale University and the University of Hawaii. His writing has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Science magazine and a diversity of peer-reviewed journals. He has received a Marshall Memorial Fellowship and AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellowship (declined). He also ran for office and won, serving three terms as a city councilmember and leading the successful effort for that city to become the first in the country to lower its voting age to 16.


Son of an Army veteran-turned-engineer who never went to college and a hospice nurse who put herself through college after getting me through it. Four brothers. Yale University. Science PhD. German Marshall Memorial Fellow. Former staff at White House CEQ. Former elected city official who led passage of the first 16 years and upvoting age in America. Thirteen years at conservation non-profits and convinced there are new and more effective ways to help save the planet. I’m a practical optimist, an ENFP on the Myers Briggs test, and always willing to help if you ask or just cheer you on.

tmale@policyinnovation.org

Janet

Janet Pritchard

Director of Water Infrastructure Policy

Janet supports EPIC’s work on the state policy frameworks governing state revolving funds for water infrastructure. As norms and tools for defining and addressing environmental justice concerns are evolved and prioritized, Janet works to fill a critical link by exploring how these norms and tools can be incorporated into the state policy frameworks that determine which communities and water infrastructure projects receive state and federal funding.

Janet’s career has focused on the intersection of equity concerns and regulatory policy. She initiated and led the Climate & Forest Program for ClientEarth, Europe’s premier public interest environmental law organization. This program advocates EU laws to regulate global commodities driving global deforestation, supports civil society organizations in Central and West Africa to secure land and forest rights, and ensures European and Chinese regulation of forest-risk commodities are aligned with the rights and interests of forest-dependent communities. Upon returning to her native state of Wisconsin, Janet shifted to freshwater policies of critical concern in the Great Lakes region, including green infrastructure, water affordability, and lead in drinking water. Janet was appointed to the Milwaukee City-County Task Force on Climate & Economic Equity and Chairs its Finance Work Group. She is also active in Milwaukee’s Coalition on Lead Emergency (COLE). Janet graduated with high honors from the New York University School of Law, where she was Editor-in-Chief of the Review of Law and Social Change.


Thirty years ago, at law school, I anticipated working on civil rights, democracy, or public benefits issues. During an extended break when my three children were young, I became increasingly concerned about climate change and biodiversity loss. This led me to instead take up environmental law when I resumed my career. By focusing on questions of equity, public trust, and good governance within environmental policy, I integrate democracy, civil rights, and public benefits issues into my environmental work. My appreciation for how nature affects our well-being has only grown through the years. My Wisconsin childhood was enriched by the exuberance of sailing and snowman-building as well as the quietude of campfires and canoeing. More recently, my fascination with how trees affect mental and physical health undergirds my advocacy to expand Milwaukee’s urban canopy, and I’ve gotten much better at pausing work and other demands to prioritize daily walks to Lake Michigan or bike rides along the Milwaukee River -- the two shores that bound the community where I live.

janet@policyinnovation.org

Ryan Sarsfield, Senior Advisor for Biodiversity Markets

ryan

Ryan Sarsfield

Senior Advisor for Biodiversity Markets

Ryan joined EPIC to build a market for biodiversity credits in the U.S. and abroad, following many years focused on balancing habitat conservation and resource extraction in international land use. At the World Resources Institute, he led private sector engagement in Latin America for Global Forest Watch and helped develop GFW Pro for corporate and financial sector users to reduce tropical deforestation, focusing on soybean and cattle supply chains. Previous work included stints at the Inter-American Development Bank (MIF), WWF, the National Wildlife Federation, and the forest carbon industry. With EPIC’s expertise in wetlands, habitat, and species markets, he is working with biodiversity credit developers, investors, and landowners to make investing in nature a reality. Ryan holds a B.S. in Biology from Cornell University and a Master’s in Environmental Science from the Yale University School of the Environment.


I grew up in upstate NY in a town called Averill Park, and now live in Washington, D.C. I get a kick out of getting to know other places, and have spent years living and working in Latin America, Europe, and elsewhere. Learning the natural history of a place, attempting a new language, and experiencing the food and music there is my favorite way to explore, even if I remain partial to the forest ecosystems of the northeast U.S..

sarsfield@policyinnovation.org

chris

Christopher Putney

External Affairs and Strategy Advisor

Christopher advises on Strategy and External Affairs for EPIC’s Technology team, where he supports efforts to engage key stakeholders and audiences in ways that convey the impact of EPIC’s work and advance its mission. Prior to EPIC, he worked as a Consultant in Deloitte’s Government & Public Services practice doing stakeholder engagement and workforce strategy, communications, and change management for federal clients across the executive branch and DoD. His previous work has spanned sectors and mission-driven organizations, and includes roles in strategic comms, politics, non-profits, and academic research; leading strategic initiatives at a technology start-up; and working for a Member of Congress. He holds degrees in Government and Philosophy from the University of Texas at Austin (BA), and in Political Science, from the Graduate Center (Masters), City University of New York (CUNY). His research and teaching interests are at the intersection of race and American political development (APD).


I was fortunate to grow up in Austin, Texas—where the vital roles of music, art, and community stewardship of local ecosystems are all baked into the region’s cultural DNA. In addition to playing music, after college, I spent a year working with high needs special education students (and other “at-risk” groups) in the public-school system where my Mom taught for many years. Across classrooms and adjacent non-profit settings, I learned first-hand what’s really at stake for our vulnerable communities, and the impact of policy and politics—at any level—on the lives of everyday people. Over the years, those formative experiences in Texas have shaped my work in progressive politics, academic research, and my deep interests in civil rights and environmental policy and justice. Outside work, I’m obsessed with food, stamp collecting (yep!), bird watching (shoutout to Cornell’s storied Ornithology Lab!), bonsai (and other botanicals), fly fishing, hiking, and music; and I’m a lifelong devotee of (and occasional volunteer at) several Smithsonian museums.

chris@policyinnovation.org

Denise Schmidt, Funding Navigator Director

Reed Van Beveren, Technology Policy and Research Lead

denise

Denise Schmidt

Director, Funding Navigator

Denise Schmidt is Director of EPIC’s Funding Navigator, a program to ensure many more water utilities that serve overburdened communities receive state and federal funds for water infrastructure. Denise has over 30 years of experience working with utilities, local, state, and federal agencies, technical assistance providers, and nonprofit organizations. Most recently, Denise was the Administrator of the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin’s Division of Water Utility Regulation and Analysis. Her work on outreach to financially troubled utilities, lead service line replacement, conservation and efficiency, utility staff and stakeholder training, workforce diversity, and other programs helped ensure that the state’s public water utilities have the capacity to provide safe, reliable, affordable, equitable, and environmentally responsible service. Denise has served in various professional and volunteer roles, including staff member and decision maker at the local and regional level, private consultant, instructor at Michigan State University’s Institute of Public Utilities, and leadership positions in state and national water industry organizations. She has a master’s degree from Harvard Kennedy School and a bachelor’s degree from Purdue University.


I am the daughter of two retired Milwaukee Public School teachers who instilled in me a love for nature and a dedication to public service. My undergraduate science degree and graduate degree in public policy cemented these core values and fueled my curiosity about governance structures, policies, and processes and how to make them work better for the people and ecosystems they’re intended to serve. I believe in the power of robust and equitable civic engagement, data, possibility, and transparency to drive better decisions that ultimately transform communities. I also believe in the restorative properties of playing outside in all the glorious seasons and places Wisconsin has to offer, especially the lakes, streams, and forests of my beloved Northwoods.

denise@policyinnovation.org

reed

Reed Van Beveren

Technology Policy and Research Lead

Prior to joining EPIC, Reed spent 8 years at the U.S. Government Accountability Office reviewing federal government programs as part of the Natural Resources and Environment team. His work has included reviews of EPA's air quality monitoring program and technology transfer at multiple agencies, and efforts to make better use of data and build capacity at GAO. As a graduate student, he helped NGOs in Tanzania and Indonesia refine strategies for tackling human-wildlife conflict around a national park and improving urban water sources. Reed holds a Masters of Public Administration from Cornell University, where he focused on science, technology, and infrastructure policy, and BA in International Political Economy from Georgetown University.


Growing up in Oregon, I developed a deep appreciation for the many diverse landscapes of the state from the wide open beaches to the snow capped mountains of the Cascades. My love of the outdoors and passion for data and analysis has translated into a strong commitment to better understand and manage natural resources through better use of technology. I'm eager to use all my experience and skills to accelerate progress in the areas of conservation and environmental protection.

reed@policyinnovation.org

Gabriel Watson, Data Science and Applications Lead

Palencia Mobley, Midwest Funding Navigator Manager

gabe

Gabriel Watson

Data Science and Applications Lead

Gabriel Watson joined the Environmental Policy Innovation Center in the Fall of 2022. As the Data Science & Applications Manager, his work focuses on evaluating environmental data and technology, developing analysis and applications, and assisting his EPIC team members with data support. He has a passion for racial justice and increasing access to, and stewardship of, the natural world. His professional focus is using data, visualizations, and narrative to tackle environmental justice issues. He enjoys building maps, discovering novel environmental and social data sources, and journalism. Previously, he spent three years at The Commons as a data scientist, supporting watershed organizations and conservation groups like Blue Water Baltimore, Environmental Integrity Project, and Chesapeake Legal Alliance with technology to manage, visualize, and analyze data. He graduated in 2018 from Occidental College with a B.A. in Economics and Urban and Environmental Policy.


Hey, Gabe here! I hail from Baltimore, Maryland, (but currently reside in Brooklyn, New York). I spent my childhood competing and teaching sailing throughout the Chesapeake Bay and beyond. Currently, I spend my free time adventuring into wild places. I am an avid cyclist of all disciplines and enjoy backpacking, fly fishing, photography, tinkering, and spending time with my dog, BMO. I am always excited to chat about maps (digital and physical), data, and efforts to create more just and equitable communities.

gabe@policyinnovation.org

Jeremia

Palencia Mobley

Midwest Funding Navigator Manager

Palencia Mobley, P.E. is EPIC’s Midwest Funding Navigator Manager. Palencia has built an extensive career in planning, designing and constructing drinking, waste and stormwater infrastructure. A graduate of Detroit Public Schools, the University of Michigan (Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering), and Wayne State University (Master of Science Civil Engineering), Palencia was one of the youngest minority women to ever attain licensure as a Professional Engineer in the State of Michigan in 2006. In 2016, she was appointed by Mayor Mike Duggan and approved by the Board of Water Commissioners as the Deputy Director and Chief Engineer of the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) where she was responsible for the field service operations, engineering, facilities, fleet, capital construction, and regulatory affairs of the department. Under her leadership, DWSD increased investment in green stormwater infrastructure from $2 million from 2010-2016 to more than $21 million by 2020. She also increased the renewal of water and sewer infrastructure fivefold, meeting industry standards of 1% infrastructure renewal annually and previously led negotiations on behalf of the city to establish the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA). Prior to her municipal experience, she worked as Project Manager for Tetra Tech and Project Engineer for Arcadis.In her 20 years of experience, she has worked diligently to change the way we manage stormwater and improve water and sewer infrastructure across the country and is a dedicated change agent for the way infrastructure renewal can create economic opportunity in underserved communities. In addition to serving on multiple national, regional, and statewide task councils and boards, Palencia has received a variety of professional accolades including Crain’s Detroit Business notable woman in STEM and 40 Under 40 Award in 2019. She is also an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Alpha Rho Omega Chapter.


I am a Detroiter through and through. In addition to being in love with all things water, I am an avid cook and gardener. I often have friends and family over for dinner. My biggest feat is cooking a Thanksgiving Dinner that serves thirty all by myself. One of my favorite things to make is homemade custard ice cream from my mama’s recipe. My mama, who rarely gave compliments, told me “your ice cream tastes better than mine.” I am committed to sharing my mama’s ice cream custard with the world and launching a brand that celebrates the legacy of my mama, Ollie.

pmobley@policyinnovation.org

Sapna Mulki, Water Policy & Engagement Manager

Sapna

Sapna Mulki

Senior Water Policy Analyst

Sapna joined Epic in 2023 as a senior analyst, water policy. She works to expand and build EPIC’s focus on embedding equity and justice in federal water infrastructure funding practices, lead service line replacement strategies, and providing technical assistance to disadvantaged communities. She holds a B.A. in environmental studies and international relations from Eckerd College and an M.A. in sustainable international development from Brandeis University. In addition, Sapna brings a passion for ensuring local communities have equitable access to water services and over ten years of experience in the water sector. Some of her experiences include founding Water Savvy Solutions, a company that partners with water and environmental sector organizations to deepen their knowledge about water equity; advising and developing community outreach campaigns to increase appreciation for the value of water and water infrastructure while the Director as Hahn Public Communications in Austin, TX; and serving as Abengoa Water’s community liaison for the $3.4 billion Vista Ridge Pipeline Project that sought to deliver drinking water to San Antonio, TX. In addition, Sapna has worked internationally with various environmental organizations in Kenya and India and has written articles in multiple water sector publications. She is certified in facilitation and International Association for Public Participation.


My passion for water and the environment developed while being raised in Kenya. A watershed moment occurred when I witnessed Nobel Laureate Wangari Maathai protesting an illegal land grab of a public park and other green spaces thereafter. In addition, experiencing frequent neighborhood water shortages due to droughts and local policies prioritizing wealthier neighborhoods fueled my passion for equitably water access and participation in the decision-making process. Beyond water equity, I enjoy bird watching, hiking, trying different cuisines, checking out botanical gardens as I travel, and trying to make my infant daughter laugh out loud.

sapna@policyinnovation.org

Lilly Slaughter, Water Administrative Assistant

lilly

Lilly Slaughter

Water Administrative Assistant

Lilly is the Administrative Assistant for the Water Team at EPIC. Lilly has spent the last decade working in sustainable food systems, including gleaning programs, community education, and organic farming. Her work has been influenced by a desire to create safe and equitable communities through food access. Prior to joining EPIC, Lilly completed a MA in Southern Studies and MFA in Documentary Expression at the University of Mississippi, focusing on agricultural labor history and transnational practices specifically between Kentucky and Western Mexico.


Raised in Louisville, Kentucky by two garden-loving parents, Lilly has always been drawn towards the outdoors. This interest has led Lilly to farming in Sonoma County, California, working farmers markets in Los Angeles, creating sustainable food systems in Upstate New York, and back to her hometown of Louisville. Outside of work, Lilly enjoys hosting dinner parties, antiquing, and spending time with her friends and family.

lslaughter@policyinnovation.org

Tracee Smith, Southern Funding Navigator Manager

tracee

Tracee Smith

Manager, Southern Funding Navigator

Tracee works to build partnerships that support underserved communities in need of securing state and federal funding for improved water infrastructures in the Southern region. Over the past 30 years, Tracee has built strong relationships in academia, healthcare and communities. She has a passion for improved health for all people. She is focused on advancing public health in marginalized communities and has a strong desire to improve water equity in her home region. Tracee has decades of management, community relations, and marketing experience. Prior to joining EPIC, she was the Registrar and Director of Student Records at Alcorn State University. “Dr. Tracee” as her students call her, continues to serve as an adjunct professor at Alcorn. She teaches Multicultural and Global Health, School and Community Health, Health and Wellness, and Organizational Health. Tracee has degrees in Public Health, Business and Workforce Development.


I am Tracee, a Mississippi native and the daughter of two beautiful community-driven people. Although they are no longer with me, I am carrying the torch with the hopes of building strong communities. Working at EPIC grants me the opportunity to help improve the water infrastructures in underserved areas, which is vitally important because many of these small towns are comprised of my former students, colleagues, friends and relatives. I wholeheartedly believe in offering a helping hand whether in a boardroom or at a community event. Representing EPIC in the Southern region feels like a personal obligation. Everyone is deserving of clean accessible water.

tracee@policyinnovation.org

Grace Edinger, Procurement Strategy Lead

Grace

Grace Edinger

Procurement Strategy Lead

Grace joined the Environmental Policy Innovation Center in 2022 as the Senior Manager of the Restoration Economy Center. Prior to working at EPIC, Grace served as the Chief Program Officer for the national nonprofit Earth Force, that works to engage people in environmental policy development. In addition, she has served in advisory roles for multiple environmental coalitions and is a County Commissioner for her local community’s Parks & Recreation department. Her experience in public service, ecosystem research, and data communication culminates in her work here at EPIC, where she researches and writes recommendations that focus on restoration’s role in improving systems, policies, and processes. Grace holds a Bachelor's degree in Zoology specializing in Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology from Michigan State University, as well as a Masters in Biology specializing in ecosystem health from the University of Alabama.


I’m Grace. An unbridled curiosity and drive to strengthen the connection between our natural and developed worlds began my journey in zoological and ecosystem research. Quickly realizing that real change happened in the application of science, I pivoted to focus on advocating for scientifically informed environmental policy. With a history in education and science communication, I act as a public servant in my local community, working to bring diverse groups of people to the decision-making table. At the Environmental Policy Innovation Center, I’m Senior Manager of the Restoration Economy Center where I explore restoration’s role in mitigating the effects of Climate Change. My favorite days are spent in the woods, underwater, playing games, or on the fencing strip.

grace@policyinnovation.org

Erica Johnson,
Senior Policy Analyst, Lead Service Line Replacement

Erica

Erica Johnson

Senior Policy Analyst, Lead Service Line Replacement

Erica is the Senior Lead Service Line Replacement Policy Analyst at EPIC. Prior to joining EPIC in 2023, Erica worked in the New York State Assembly in the office of the Health Committee Chair, Amy Paulin. Erica holds a PhD and Master’s degree in Biology from the City University of New York and a bachelor’s degree from Universidad Simón Bolívar in Venezuela. As a scientist, she has been involved in numerous interdisciplinary research projects addressing issues operating at the interface of environmental conservation and human health, in both academic and non-profit settings.


“Nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care.” - Theodore Roosevelt

My deep appreciation for nature motivated me to pursue a career in ecology. However, it was my fondness for humanity that inspired me to use my scientific knowledge to help improve the livelihoods of others. Originally from Venezuela, my work has taken me across the world from the Amazon to Borneo. I now live in New York’s beautiful Finger Lakes Region where I enjoy hiking, fishing, and hunting along with my husband.

erica@policyinnovation.org

Steve Barr, Senior National Funding Navigator Manger

steve

Steve Barr

Senior National Funding Navigator Manager

Steve joined EPIC in 2022 as the National Funding Navigator Manager and works primarily on technical assistance provision in the development of water infrastructure projects for overburdened communities. Prior to joining EPIC, he worked for the American Water Works Association on the Community Engineering Corps program managing volunteer engineering assistance for small and disadvantaged community infrastructure projects. Steve has experience in the international development and environmental engineering industries, having received his B.Sc. in Environmental Engineering from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and his M.Sc. in Science, Technology, and International Development from the University of Edinburgh.


My roots are in Southern California, where I grew up filling my life with music and backpacking and canoeing. In college I began to work on water and sanitation international development projects, which led me to Cameroon, Benin, Palestine, Thailand, Honduras, and Nigeria. My wife and I got engaged at a music festival in the Highlands of Scotland, and after our daughter was born we moved from San Diego, to Vermont, and eventually to Colorado. We live in a cohousing community, I’m a Councilmember for the City of Littleton, and fill my days being a husband and parent, disc golfing, biking, and keeping our dog entertained.

sbarr@policyinnovation.org

Tessa Edelen, Southeast Funding Navigator Manager

Tessa

Tessa Edelen

Southeast Funding Navigator Manager

Tessa joined the Funding Navigator program in 2023. She has a background in watershed-based planning and drinking water protection. This work has included helping communities repair and improve onsite wastewater systems, install agricultural best management practices, and develop drinking water source protection. She believes that community outreach and education is a key part of natural resource protection. Tessa has a BSc in botany from Miami University and a MSc in geography from the University of New Mexico. She served as a US Peace Corps Volunteer in Madagascar.


I am thrilled to be back in my native Kentucky working toward more equitable and reliable water infrastructure for everyone. I love to trail run, read, garden, and travel.

tessa@policyinnovation.org

EmmaLi Tsai,
Data Scientist

emmali

EmmaLi Tsai

Data Scientist

EmmaLi is a Data Scientist at EPIC who provides support for projects related to drinking water, environmental justice screening tools, and short sprint development efforts. Prior to working with EPIC, she was a contractor for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and provided data science support for conservation projects that ranged from coastal wetland transformation to migratory birds. EmmaLi also conducted research in marine and Antarctic ecosystems during her time in academia, and is excited to dive more into the human dimension of climate change at EPIC. She holds a Master of Science in Biology from Texas Tech University and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.


Hi, I’m EmmaLi! I’m based in Chapel Hill, North Carolina where I grew up sailing around the outer banks and hiking the Appalachian Mountains. My love for the outdoors motivated me to pursue research projects centered around climate change, and I’m excited to join the team at EPIC to inform more efficient and equitable environmental progress. In my free time, I love running, rock climbing, mountain biking, sailing, and windsurfing whenever I get the chance.

emmali@policyinnovation.org