December 13, 2024

Governor Philip D. Murphy appointed Shawn M. LaTourette in June 2021 as New Jersey’s Commissioner of Environmental Protection. Commissioner LaTourette is responsible for formulating statewide environmental policy while directing programs that protect public health and ensure the quality of New Jersey’s air, land, water, and natural and historic resources.

Commissioner LaTourette was born and raised in New Jersey. Commissioner LaTourette graduated magna cum laude from Rutgers University and earned his
law degree summa cum laude from Rutgers Law School. The Commissioner has vast experience and a deep commitment to equity and protecting vulnerable
communities while facilitating public infrastructure development and advocating for environmental protection.

George Hawkins is the founder and CEO of Moonshot Missions. He was the General Manager of DC Water, where he served for eleven years, including several as a Board member. During his tenure, he became well known across the water sector for transforming DC Water into an innovative, customer-driven enterprise, while tripling its investment in clean water. DC Water’s innovations ranged from award winning Green Infrastructure and a $500 million investment in clean energy, to creative social media campaigns and patents for new treatment technologies that require less energy and chemicals but achieve better results. DC Water issued the nation’s first century bond, world’s first environmental impact bond, and spearheaded programs to support low-income customers and provide meaningful job opportunities for District residents.

Mr. Adeem, a Newark native, began working for the City of Newark in 1991 in the Department of Engineering. In 2013, Adeem was promoted to superintendent of public works, where he oversaw daily maintenance operations of the Department of Water and Sewer Utilities. In 2018, he received his certification as a Public Works Manager and was appointed to his present position. He was a key player in various municipal projects, including the Queen Ditch Restoration Project, which helped address chronic flooding along Frelinghuysen Avenue that has plagued the area for more than 30 years. Director Adeem is credited with helping to rebrand the Department of Water and Sewer Utilities and upgrading the city’s infrastructure as it works to replace every lead service line. He is a dedicated public servant who has, and continues to, give back to his native community.

Kati Angarone serves as Chief Strategy Officer for the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

Kati advances strategic initiatives, including expanding public access to environmental information, increasing the visibility of DEP programs and services, cultivating external partnerships and coordinating strategic planning on cross-media issues. She also oversees the efforts of our Office of Legislative Affairs and our Office of Environmental and Public Health Analysis.

Kati has worked at DEP for more than 25 years. She previously served as Assistant Commissioner for Watershed and Land Management (WLM), overseeing the Division of Watershed Protection & Restoration, the Division of Land Resource Protection and the Division of Resilience, Engineering & Construction. As WLM’s leader, she focused on advancing watershed initiatives, including integration of New Jersey-specific climate change science into watershed policy. The post followed a term as Associate Commissioner for Science & Policy, where she managed science, environmental health and economic analysis programs, while developing policy protective of New Jersey’s environment and public health.

Earlier, Kati spent several years focused on water policy, including the adoption of new drinking water standards, which involved first-in-the-nation PFAS standards and water supply emergency response. More than half of her DEP career was spent assisting with the development of New Jersey’s state land use policies, including stormwater management, habitat protection, flood hazard area controls and protection of the Highlands region.

A passionate advocate of the environment, Kati is dedicated to DEP’s mission to protect the environment and public health in service to the people of New Jersey.

Ryon has been with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, in the Division of Water Supply and Geoscience for two years. He is the Lead on NJ Drinking Water Community Engagement and Outreach Technical Assistance. He is also involved with NJ’s Drinking Water General Technical Assistance Program, as well as the EPA Lead Accelerator Program. He graduated from Temple University in 2021, with a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies.

Lu Bivona (they/them) is an Engineering Aide and Public Engagement Coordinator at the Camden County Municipal Utilities Authority (CCMUA) where they focus their efforts on improving the authority’s environmental management system with community input and support, not only working to minimize the utility’s lifecycle environmental impacts but to maximize co-benefits to the surrounding human and ecological communities.

Utilizing over 25 years of experience with all phases of water and wastewater projects, Nicole Brown has worked with clients to improve the effectiveness and sustainability of their systems. She is currently the Client Development Manager for Suburban Consulting Engineers, focusing on design projects in NJ and PA. Nicole utilizes her communication skills through public speaking and community outreach for clients. She is passionate about increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the water industry and focuses on encouraging the next generation of water professionals.

Deandrah develops and advances state policies that affect health, water infrastructure, and redevelopment, with a primary focus on lead in drinking water. Prior to joining New Jersey Future, Deandrah worked as a case investigator at the Monmouth County Health Department to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Deandrah holds a B.S. in Public Health from the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, as well as a Master of Public Health focused on Health Systems and Policy with a Graduate Certificate in Public Health Nutrition from the Rutgers School of Public Health.

Deandrah is the backbone staff for the Lead in Drinking Water Task Force.

Brandon has more than seven years’ experience with the NJ Department of Environmental Protection, in the Division of Water Supply & Geoscience. Currently, he works in the Office of the Director, and assists with the implementation of the Division’s policies and programs, such as the Drought management, WQAA, the DWQI, and Emergency Response. He graduated from Case Western Reserve University in 2016 with a Bachelor’s in Geological Sciences and a dual degree in Environmental Studies.

Tess works as a Program Manager on the EFC team’s climate adaptation and resiliency program areas. She also works with the Sustainable Materials Management team on policy research and economic development. Tess received her M.S. from SUNY-ESF in environmental policy, with a research focus on New York State timber sales and forest policy. She has worked with the New York Department of Environmental Conservation, the SUNY Research Foundation, and Brooklyn-based non-profit the Human Impacts Institute. She also holds a B.A. in Environmental Studies from New York University.

Victor De Luca was first elected to the Maplewood Township Committee in 1997 and is now in his 26th year in office, including 14 years as Maplewood’s Mayor. He has served as a liaison to numerous boards and committees, including the boards of the Maplewood Library, Springfield Avenue Partnership, Maplewood Village Alliance and Community Coalition on Race, and the Planning Board and South Essex Fire Department Management Committee.

In 2015, Victor was inducted into the New Jersey League of Municipalities Mayors Hall of Fame and also received the Elected Official Award from the New Jersey Municipal Managers Association. In 2018, he was inducted into the New Jersey League of Municipalities Elected Officials Hall of Fame and in 2019, Victor received Sustainable Jersey’s Environmental Leadership Award.

A former board member of the New Jersey Conference of Mayors, Victor was a member of Mayors Against Illegal Guns, Mayors for Solar, and Mayors Against LGBTQ Discrimination. He is currently a member of Elected Officials to Protect America, working to protect our planet and people from the
dangers of climate change.

Tim Ebersberger is an Environmental Engineer with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Municipal Stormwater Permitting Unit. Mr. Ebersberger has been with the Department for 10 years. During this time, he has implemented the New Jersey Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NJPDES) Rules by developing and issuing stormwater and groundwater discharge permits, developing a stormwater infrastructure mapping and inventory program, and assisting permittees and citizens of the state in an effort to improve water quality. Prior to working for the NJDEP, Mr. Ebersberger spent 4 years working as an environmental consultant where he assisted in implementing the Philadelphia Water Department’s stormwater utility, designed stream and wetland restoration projects, and designed stormwater infrastructure across the tri-state area. Mr. Ebersberger graduated from the University of Delaware with a BS in Environmental Engineering.

Kristin Epstein is a Project Technical Leader with CDM Smith and national expert in LCRR/LCRI compliance. She assists water systems across the country with their service line material inventories, LSL replacement program planning, and LCR/LCRR/LCRI compliance. She was the Assistant Director of Trenton Water Works (2018-2022) where she developed and implemented a $50 million LSL replacement program that replaced 9,500 LSLs in 2.5 years, including private and public portions of the service lines. She is a frequent presenter at national and regional drinking water conferences. 

Timothy Feeney is an Environmental Engineer at the Camden County Municipal Utilities Authority, serving as the community liaison for environmental justice requirements. He heads public outreach and environmental education initiatives with an emphasis on flooding, green infrastructure, and combined sewer overflows.

With nearly a decade of experience in the water industry, Bryan has developed an increasing range of communication efforts, including meeting regularly with elected officials to provide updates on important projects, presenting at conferences and public meetings, and coordinating regular appearances in the media to highlight all the work done by Passaic Valley Water Commission (PVWC).

Bryan’s top priority in his career is to tell PVWC’s story through proactive communication and to always position PVWC as an expert in the water industry.

Bryan graduated from William Paterson University in 2013 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication.

Anushi Garg is a Senior Analyst for the Environmental Defense Fund’s (EDF) Climate Resilient Coasts & Watersheds program in the New York-New Jersey region. She focuses on developing solutions to climate resilience challenges through a collaborative and multidisciplinary approach. Anushi’s work involves research, advocacy, and influencing policy to address the impacts of climate change, particularly on vulnerable communities in New York, New Jersey and beyond.

Amy oversees all of New Jersey programs for Clean Water Action and Clean Water Fund. She also serves on the Board of the NJ Work Environment Council and NJ Citizen Action, Steering Committee of the Coalition for Healthy Ports, ElectrifyNJ, EmpowerNJ, Jersey Renews, Sewer Free Streets & Rivers, Lead Free NJ, Chair’s NJ Lead in Drinking Water Task Force, Governor’s Public Appointee to NJDEP Clean Water Council. From 1994-2002, served in various roles as National Coordinator for the Public Health Institute’s (PHI) Jobs and Environment Training Consortium and Member of National Just Transition Alliance Curriculum Writing Team. Before joining Clean Water Action in mid-1992, Ms. Goldsmith directed Clean Water Action/Fund’s New England programs for seven years – leading a variety of public campaigns around water, superfund and Boston Harbor cleanups, and solid waste. From 1989-1992, Amy served as the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Nuclear Referendum Committee, focused on radioactive waste issues. She has a B.S. in Land Use Planning from the University of Minnesota, and served for three years as a research scientist with the University of Minnesota’s Entomology Department. Amy lives in Red Bank with her husband, has 2 grown children, 3 cats, and 1 turtle. She loves to garden and take walks in her favorite nature areas.

Sheila Baker Gujral is the Resource Center Director for the Association of NJ Environmental Commissions (ANJEC). She works on a variety of projects at ANJEC with a concentration on stormwater issues, including CSO communities, Long Term Control Plans, Harmful Algal Blooms, and Stormwater Utilities. Sheila served on the Maplewood Environmental Advisory Committee from 2008 to 2022 (where she established the maplewoodisgreen.org website and received an Environmental Leadership Grant from the Dodge Foundation) and the Essex County Environmental Commission from 2019 to 2022 (co-chair from 2020 through 2022). She was a founding member of the Maplewood Green Team and worked on its predecessor, the Maplewood Climate Initiative. Sheila received her BA from Georgetown University, MBA from Thunderbird/ASU, and a Graduate Certificate in Sustainability from Harvard University Extension School. She is a Rutgers Environmental Steward.

Fun facts: Sheila grew up in Iran, Australia, and Hong Kong and is proud to call herself a Jersey girl (26 years and counting!). Enjoys hiking, kayaking, and live music.

Andrew Kricun is a Managing Director with Moonshot Missions, a non-profit focused on providing technical assistance to water utilities in underserved communities. Prior to that, he served as Executive Director and Chief Engineer of the Camden County Municipal Utilities Authority, operators of an 80 million gallon per day wastewater treatment plant in Camden, NJ. He has 35 years of wastewater and biosolids management experience. He graduated with honors from Princeton University with a degree in chemical engineering. He also holds a professional engineer’s license in civil engineering and is a board-certified environmental engineer as well.

Andy serves on the USEPA’s National Environmental Justice Advisory Council and also New Jersey Environmental Justice Advisory Council.  He previously served on the board of the National Association of Clean Water Agencies and as the chair of its Utility of the Future committee and the Environmental Justice committee. He was the recipient of the Praxis Award for Professional Ethics, the President’s Award from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies, the One Water Prize from the US Water Alliance, and Environmental Quality Awards from the United States Environmental Protection Agency. He was also chosen as governmental engineer of the year by the NJ Chapter American Society of Civil Engineers in 2018.

He serves as co-chair for the Jersey Water Works Steering Committee.

Chelsea Kulp has over a decade of expertise in customer communications, issues management, media relations, social media, and community outreach within both private and non-profit sectors. In her current role, Kulp is responsible for developing and executing external affairs strategies, overseeing digital and social media initiatives, and cultivating strategic partnerships with environmental and community entities across New Jersey in alignment with company objectives.

Her journey with American Water began in 2015 as an external affairs specialist. Prior to this, Chelsea demonstrated her prowess in marketing and digital strategy as the project manager for the Marine Trades Association of New Jersey, orchestrating multiple statewide boat shows.

Dedicated to her industry, Kulp serves as a Trustee for the American Water Works Association New Jersey Section, having previously chaired the Water For People Committee since 2015. She is an active and committed member of the Section.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Kulp, along with her husband, owns and manages a community-centric bicycle shop in Brant Beach, NJ. Deeply involved in the local community, they champion inclusive cycling, urging everyone to explore its vast opportunities.

A proud lifelong resident of New Jersey, Kulp earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Policy, Institutions, and Behavior with a minor in Environmental Economics from Rutgers University in New Brunswick.

Shanikwa Lemon was born and raised in Paterson, New Jersey where she still resides. She attended Paterson Public Schools and graduated from Ramapo College of New Jersey earning a BA in Psychology in 2010. She dedicates her life to inspiring others to have a continued love for learning.

Shanikwa found a love and career in Early Childhood Education where she worked as a preschool teacher and administrator for over 10 years. While being an Early Childhood Educator, Shanikwa simultaneously used her teaching skills to tutor for additional income. In 2018, she started Beyond the Books Tutoring & Childcare, INC. Beyond the Books was created for teachers and caregivers to work outside the traditional educational experience.

In 2022, Shanikwa joined the Paterson Alliance as their Program Manager. The Paterson Alliance is a coalition of over 100 members who convene to improve the lives of Paterson residents. Paterson Alliance brings nonprofit and community partners together to increase collaboration between members, to be inclusive and build a culture where everyone feels respected and valued. Some of Shanikwa’s priorities include registering more children in preschool, ensuring that children have medical insurance, and providing information and access to reduce lead poisoning.

Larry Levine advocates for strong enforcement of, improvement of, and funding for national, state, and local policies on urban water quality, water infrastructure, and affordable access to safe and sufficient water and sanitation. His work includes developing and advocating for strategies to ensure that water and sewer service remains affordable for all, even as water infrastructure investment increases to meet clean water needs. Previously, he was a litigation fellow at NRDC and he also worked as a clinical fellow in environmental law at the Georgetown University Law Center. He is a graduate of Tulane University and Yale Law School. He is based in Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia.

Debbie was most recently the Deputy Commissioner at the NJ Department of Environmental Protection. While there Debbie provided leadership and direction for many of the DEP’s climate change, renewable energy, and environmental justice efforts. Previously, Debbie served as Baykeeper of the NY/NJ Baykeeper and as an environmental and energy policy adviser to former Gov. Jon S. Corzine. She is the former chair of the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters, former trustee of New Jersey Future, and currently serves as member of the Borough Council in Glen Ridge. Debbie has a certification from the International Association for Public Participation in Foundations in Public Participation.

Debbie also serves as the steering committee co-chair of Lead-Free NJ.

Mark McDonough is the principal external contact for New Jersey American Water, overseeing 850 employees who serve approximately 2.8 million people. McDonough’s previous roles with American Water included president of the Military Services Group and Chief Compliance Officer. 

Before joining American Water in June 2005, McDonough was an attorney. Prior to graduating law school, he was a special agent with the U.S. Government, serving in the Office of Inspector General at the Department of Energy, The National Passenger Railroad Corporation (Amtrak), and the General Services Administration. McDonough received his B.S. in criminal justice from the University of Delaware, his M.S. in justice from American University, and his J.D. from George Mason University.

Yolanda has over 17 years of engineering and project management experience supporting numerous civil and environmental engineering projects across the United States including Denver, Colorado: Environmental Assessments, Water and Wastewater Treatment, Transportation Planning, Highway Design, Light Rail Design, and Stormwater Management; Steamboat Springs, Colorado: Assistant City Engineer; in Wichita, Kansas: Airport Construction and Design Management; in San Diego, California: Airport Program Development and Design Management; in Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas: Airport/Landside Master Planning and Project Management; and Ridgewood, New Jersey: Project Management for Lead Service Line Replacement Program and for three new PFAS Treatment Facilities.  She has enjoyed working in both the private and public sectors, and is currently an Environmental Engineer for Ridgewood Water, a utility serving 4 municipalities in Bergen County, New Jersey.

John Notte has served as the I-Bank’s Project Manager-Water since April of 2023.  Previously, John served as the I-Bank’s construction management assistant for both the Water and Transportation Banks.  As project manager-water, John has played a pivotal role in transitioning the Water Bank to a post-COVID19, digital era by working closely with the I-Bank software developers to modernize the web-based loan management system. Since 2015, John has assisted with managing the I-Bank’s Statewide Assistance Infrastructure Loan (“SAIL”) disaster relief financing program that aided New Jersey’s Superstorm Sandy rebuild efforts for water
systems. John drafts, publishes, and ensures the accuracy of legislative reports. He leads meetings with stakeholders such as borrowers, Bond Counsel, contractors, and NJDEP staff. He shepherds borrower projects from the application process through long-term financing and provides guidance to borrowers on state and federal regulations and requirements. In addition, he prepares and reports on material for board meetings, maintains tracking reports of projects,
and prepares communications with stakeholders. John also assists with marketing as he prepares and presents material to educate borrowers on the Water program.

John is currently continuing his education at Rutgers University where he is studying business
management. Additionally, he plans to become PMP certified to supplement his education and
enhance his technical capabilities.

Dr. Obropta was an environmental consultant for 12 years at Omni Environmental Corporation before joining Rutgers University. His experience includes watershed restoration, onsite wastewater treatment system design and management, wasteload allocations and TMDL studies, stormwater management, wetland design, effluent dilution analyses, longshore sediment transport, computer aided design, and geographic information systems. Dr. Obropta also teaches Bioresource Engineering Design I and II with the Department of Environmental Sciences at the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences at Rutgers University.

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.

Filina has been with the NJDEP for close to eight years in the Division of Water Supply and Geoscience. She currently oversees the New Jersey – Technical Assistance Program’s drinking water assistance and the Emerging Contaminants in Small and Disadvantaged Communities (EC-SDC) Grant Program. She is also involved with efforts to set standards for contaminants in drinking water and helps to administer the Drinking Water Quality Institute. She has a bachelor’s degree in Bioresource Engineering from McGill University.

Rashan Prailow is a finance consultant, speaker, community servant, and founder of consulting agency THINK Group. Formerly, Rashan served in the White House during the Obama Administration within the Office of Management & Budget and the Presidential Personnel Office. Through his community service efforts, Rashan has collaborated with the New Jersey Department of Education, New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission, and New Jersey Courts to name a few. Rashan holds an associate degree from Camden County College, bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a master of finance degree from Georgetown’s McDonough School of Business.

Rashan also serves as the steering committee co-chair of Lead-Free NJ.

Anthony Robalik is an Environmental Engineer with six years of service at the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). As a member of the Municipal Stormwater Engineering Unit, Anthony assisted in updating and implementing the Stormwater Management Rules at N.J.A.C. 7:8, maintaining the NJ Stormwater Best Management Practices Manual, and delivering biannual training for municipal engineers statewide. He is currently a supervisor in the Industrial Stormwater Permitting Unit, where he focuses on implementing the New Jersey Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NJPDES) Rules by issuing permits to industrial facilities involved in manufacturing, processing, and raw material storage.  Anthony graduated from Drexel University with a BS in Mechanical Engineering.

Pamela Russo is a Senior Program Officer at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The major area of her work is improving health at the community level, based on the understanding of health as the result of interactions between environmental, social, behavioral, healthcare and genetic determinants. This work requires addressing the root causes underlying inequities in these determinants that prevent a fair opportunity to lead a healthy and productive life. Since 2019, Pamela has led the water equity portfolio of programming for RWJF.  

Prior to joining the Foundation, Pamela was an associate professor of medicine at the Cornell University Medical Center in New York City. Her education includes a BS from Harvard College, MD from the University of California, San Francisco, and an MPH in epidemiology from the University of California, Berkeley, School of Public Health.  Pertinent to this meeting of JWW, Pamela has lived in New Jersey for over 20 years!

Andrea facilitates the day-to-day operations of the Jersey Water Works collaborative through outreach and communication to the members’ network. They assist with digital and print materials for program-specific events, campaigns, and websites. They previously served as a communications and development assistant for Sustainable Jersey City and worked as a research intern for The Millennium Project. Andrea holds a B.S. in international business from LIM College New York.

Andrea serves as the backbone staff for the Combined Sewer Overflow committee and will transition into the program manager role for the Sewage-Free Streets and Rivers campaign in January 2025.

Diane manages program staff responsible for New Jersey Future’s Mainstreaming Green Infrastructure program, stormwater utilities, lead in drinking water policy, and general water policy. Diane plays a leadership role in policy development and advocacy, provides technical assistance, and works to advance program goals. She has over 20 years of experience in water and sustainability issues. In addition to her work as a consultant for organizations and agencies focused on water resources and sustainable development, Diane also served as a program officer at the William Penn Foundation. She holds a B.A. in anthropology and geology from Vanderbilt University, as well as a Master of Regional Planning with a concentration in land use and environmental planning from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Scott Schreiber is the Executive Director of the Camden County Municipal Utilities Authority (CCMUA).  The CCMUA owns and operates the 80 MGD Delaware #1 Water Pollution Control Facility as well as 135 miles of interceptor and 27 pumping stations. He has led large CCMUA projects including the construction of anaerobic digesters and a combined heat and power system as well as the CCMUA’s Long Term Control Plan for CSO mitigation.  Scott is dedicated to creating just environmental outcomes for all residents of Camden County; especially those who are directly impacted by the CCMUA’s operations in the Waterfront South neighborhood in Camden, NJ.

Ryan Sharpe serves as the Director of Government Affairs and Communications for the Utility and Transportation Contractors Association of New Jersey where he interfaces with policymakers on issues impacting the infrastructure industry and oversees the UTCA’s communication strategies across various platforms.  

He led UTCA’s successful legislative advocacy for re-authorization of New Jersey’s Transportation Trust Fund which provides critical resources to build and maintain our state’s essential transportation infrastructure.

Ryan served as Chair of the Clean Water Construction Coalition which is a national organization of associations that advocates for federal investment in water infrastructure.  He is a member of the Board of Directors for the New Jersey Society for Environmental, Economic Development and a Trustee of the New Jersey Organization for a Better State.   

Ryan has more than 20 years of experience with the New Jersey Legislature and spent five years as Chief of Staff for the Assembly Minority Conference Leader.  Prior to that, he served as Chief of Staff for multiple state legislators, all of whom served in legislative leadership positions.  

Ryan began his career as a Communications Specialist in the New Jersey Senate where he composed speeches, produced communication materials and acted as a spokesperson for members of the Senate.  He also served as the Director of Public Relations for the Point Pleasant Chamber of Commerce which represents hundreds of local businesses and seeks to promote economic prosperity in and around the community.  

Ryan has managed and been involved in multiple political campaigns, including races for Governor, Congress, State Legislature and local office. Ryan graduated from La Salle University and lives in Point Pleasant with his wife and 2 children.

Shereyl is a dedicated community organizer with a deep commitment to social justice. She began her academic journey at Mercer County Community College, where she earned an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education. Following her graduation, Shereyl spent five years as a substitute teacher for the Hamilton school district, where she gained valuable experience in educating the youth.

Later, Shereyl pursued further education at William Paterson University, where she obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts with a concentration in social justice and history. This academic focus fueled her passion ever stronger for advocacy around EJ issues and community organizing.

In her role as a community organizer with the East Trenton Collaborative. Shereyl provides dynamic leadership, amplifies the voices of marginalized communities, and facilitates collaboration among individuals from diverse backgrounds. She is dedicated to developing a robust commercial and residential community in the East Trenton neighborhood and greater Trenton.

In 2021, the East Trenton Collaborative achieved a significant milestone by becoming a lead-free community hub. Now, Shereyl serves as the lead advocate for the Trenton Lead-Free Hub, focusing on early lead testing for children and working to eliminate barriers to accessing these tests.

Shereyl’s advocacy extends beyond testing; she is also instrumental in bringing together agencies like the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Rutgers EOHSI, the City Department of Health (DOH), Green&Healthy Home Initiative (GHHI), Trenton Health Team(THT), New Jersey Future, and other organizations, to address the high levels of lead in Trenton’s soil, house-paint, and water.

Shereyl firmly believes that the future of Trenton’s children depends on eradicating lead contamination, and she is dedicated to ensuring the next generation reaches their full potential in a lead-safe environment.

Chris coordinates the day-to-day operations of the Mainstreaming Green Infrastructure (MGI) Program, which fosters community resilience to climate change while promoting economic, environmental, and social benefits. Prior to joining New Jersey Future, Chris served as a NJ Watershed Ambassador through AmeriCorps and interned with the New Jersey Legislature and Raritan Headwaters Association. Chris holds a B.A. in Political Science from The College of New Jersey.

Chris serves as the backbone staff for the Green Infrastructure Committee.

Alana brings a very strong commitment to racial justice as well as expertise in public policy, research, and data analysis. Prior to joining The Fund, Alana worked at Advocates for Children of New Jersey as both Health Policy Analyst and Kids Count Coordinator. She has experience covering topics including health care access, maternal and infant health, and childhood lead poisoning. Alana also co-led the statewide Census 2020 NJ campaign, a complex partnership that resulted in a more complete count of New Jersey residents.  Alana is a proud Girl Scout and serves on the Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey Board of Directors. She received a B.A. from Bryn Mawr College and earned her Master of Public Policy (MPP) from the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University.

Alesha works to provide New Jersey Future with administrative, operations, and communications support. Prior to joining New Jersey Future, she worked in youth development and marine and coastal sciences at Rutgers University as a Community Engagement, Education, and Outreach Coordinator. Alesha also served as an assistant director who founded and co-led social and environmental justice campaigns for The Coalition for Peace Action. She holds a B.S. in Biological Sciences from Rutgers University and a Master’s in Public Policy from Monmouth University.

Jyoti co-leads New Jersey Future’s Collective Impact program areas with primary responsibility for overseeing Lead-Free NJ, Sewage-Free Streets and Rivers, and the data dashboard Jersey WaterCheck. Jyoti also leads the organization’s efforts on equity and health. She has expertise in program evaluation, policy research, and public health. She is a 2020 graduate of the Environmental Leadership Program and holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from New York University’s Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, a postgraduate degree in Health Management, and a Bachelor’s degree in microbiology from India.

Jyoti is oversees Jersey WaterCheck and serves as a backbone staff in the Data Advisory Committee and the Asset & Management Committee.

Omar leads North Hudson Sewerage Authority’s communications, with primary responsibility for overseeing communications strategy, community outreach, and media relations. He is also the NHSA’s Long-Term Control Plan Community Outreach Coordinator. He plays a vital role in fostering community awareness and engagement around wastewater treatment and infrastructure management practices. Omar also leads the organization’s efforts on public engagement and internal communications. He has expertise in media outreach, and branding, developed through over a decade in Public Relations and Marketing at Fitzmedia, Inc. Omar is a graduate of the Shillington School of Graphic Design and holds a certification in Fashion Design from Parsons School of Design. Raised in Hoboken, NJ, he is deeply committed to advancing NHSA’s mission to serve and protect the communities of North Hudson.

Nathan Walker, AICP is a lifelong resident of the Delaware River watershed and a Senior Water Resources Planner in Gannett Fleming Transystem’s Northeast Division. As a Certified Planner, he assists municipal officials as they strive to reach their goals for economic development, dynamic neighborhoods, and healthy environments. Nathan also writes management plans for municipalities, state institutions, and military facilities to meet water their Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4), Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL), and source water protection needs. In October 2024, Nathan co-presented the findings of USEPA’s Clean Watersheds Needs Survey at the Water Environment Federation’s annual conference (WEFTEC) – defining the $630B national backlog of clean water capital projects. He is a member of the Delaware Watershed Committee updating the Pennsylvania State Water Plan.

Jim has served as Executive Director of The Watershed Institute since April 2005. With more than thirty years of experience in the conservation field, he serves as a go-to resource for government officials and community leaders on how to best protect clean water and the environment throughout the region. Jim has led the Watershed through a period of strong program expansion and accomplishment. He spearheaded the broadening of the organization’s mission and change to its name and brand, as well as the creation of the Watershed Center for Environmental Advocacy Science & Education, a LEED-Platinum facility that has garnered a number of prominent awards for sustainability and innovation.

Prior to joining the Watershed, Jim was director of the refuges and wildlife program for The Wilderness Society in Washington D.C. For 10 years he represented the Society on issues relating to the National Wildlife Refuge System, Alaska public lands, endangered species, and other wildlife matters before Congress, federal agencies, the media and the public. He spent five years as a wildlife specialist at the National Audubon Society before joining The Wilderness Society.

Jim is also a member of the State Agriculture Development Committee, which oversees New Jersey’s farmland preservation program, and is a founding board member of ReThink Energy NJ, a non-profit organization that seeks a rapid transition from fossil fuels to clean, renewable energy.  Jim has a biology degree from Princeton University and a Master of Environmental Studies from the Yale School of the Environment.