Speakers

Caitlin Bryan has more than 20 years of experience conducting environmental due diligence. She leads Maul Foster & Alongi’s due diligence sector and enjoys assisting clients with their property transactions. Brownfield redevelopment and helping clients obtain liability protection are some of Caitlin’s passions. Caitlin effectively manages all aspects of projects and is recognized for distilling complex site conditions to a range of clients, regulators, legal counselors, and other stakeholders. Her project experience includes design and construction management, Phase I and II environmental site assessments and cleanups, regulatory assistance through voluntary cleanup programs and prospective purchaser agreements, mine land characterization, water-quality assessment, reclamation site design, river/wetland bioengineering, watershed-scale investigation, water system operation, and multifaceted roles as an owner representative. She has assessed a wide range of site types including but not limited to gas stations; dry cleaners; multiunit residences; large forest tracts; restaurants; landfills; abandoned mines; agricultural sites; and industrial facilities such as lumber mills and papermaking, metal-plating and -smelting, particleboard-manufacturing, wood-treating, and food-processing facilities. As a seasoned professional, Caitlin excels in navigating the crosswalks among MFA’s multiple service areas, which include environmental, engineering, site design and land use, health and safety, construction, and GIS and data management. Caitlin’s diverse educational and professional skill set provides her with valuable insight and contributes to her creative project solutions.

Dana is an environmental scientist with over 10 years of consulting experience with a focus on cleanup sites in Oregon. She manages environmental site assessment, characterization, and remediation for a wide variety of sites (from large industrial facilities to small residential properties), and assists clients with all aspects of brownfield redevelopment including compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.

Mary is the Western Region Brownfield Coordinator for the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and also serves on the Governor’s Regional Solutions Team which helps communities come up with best possible strategies for land reuse and redevelopment. Mary has over 20 years working on brownfields sites.

Brownfields coordinator and project manager in ODEQ’s Environmental Cleanup Program, serving ODEQ’s Easter Regio

Seth Lenaerts is an Economic Development Project Manager for the City of Lincoln City, where he manages the City’s EPA Community-Wide Assessment grant, oversees a newly established Urban Renewal Area, and works on economic development programs on behalf of the City. Seth’s work focuses on turning complex sites into community assets by removing barriers to redevelopment, aligning projects with City goals, and supporting private sector investment and predevelopment efforts. He previously worked for the City of Salem on economic development and urban renewal initiatives, and earlier as a planner and land use consultant in the private sector. He holds graduate degrees in business administration and community and regional planning from the University of Oregon.

With over 35 years of experience in environmental law, David Rabbino focuses on solving complex environmental issues through creative, cost-effective strategies that allow clients to stay focused on their core businesses. He represents for-profit, nonprofit, and government clients in major Superfund matters and before state and local regulators, handling permitting, compliance, enforcement, and environmental coverage litigation. David also advises on real estate and land use matters, particularly involving contaminated properties and brownfield redevelopment. He played a key role in advancing Oregon’s Brownfield Land Bank Authority and Tax Abatement legislation and helps clients navigate funding tools and regulatory requirements. Co-Chair of his firm’s Environmental and Natural Resources group, David brings broad public and private sector experience to bear when handling clients’ matters. He is known for listening closely to clients, aligning legal strategies with business goals, and delivering practical, results-driven solutions.

Jerry Sorte serves as the Brownfields Program Policy Coordinator for Business Oregon. Jerry’s past roles focused on land use planning, city and county administration, and economic development.

John Hildenbrand is a Principal Environmental Scientist with over 38 years of professional experience. His technical responsibilities include managing and performing work of various levels of complexity, including Brownfields, Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA)/Washington Model Toxics Control Act (MTCA) cleanup projects, construction oversight, hazardous material site investigations, emergency response, underground storage tank (UST) investigation and removal, Phase I and Phase II environmental site assessments (ESAs), remedial investigation and feasibility studies (RI/FSs), remediation system design and installation, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) assessments, stormwater, solid and hazardous waste management, hazardous building materials, and environmental and health and safety training. Over his career, Mr. Hildenbrand has developed a reputation as a thoughtful, knowledgeable expert in his areas of practice.

Stuart is committed to innovative Brownfield initiatives to benefit Tribal Response Program (TRP) grant recipients. He takes the lead in collaborating with Tribes to establish essential programs, including robust environmental codes and standard operating procedures. With expertise in managing site inventories, he actively promotes public involvement and effectively oversees reporting, investigations, and remediation processes. His support is pivotal at every stage, from preliminary site assessments to successful redevelopment, significantly impacting community revitalization!

Margaret has worked at USEPA for over 20 years and serves as the Land Revitalization Coordinator for USEPA Region 10 and the Oregon Brownfields State Coordinator. In addition, she manages many other type of EPA projects including brownfield assessments, cleanups, State and Tribal Response Programs, and EPA’s RE-powering America’s Land initiative which encourages renewable energy on EPA regulated land. Margaret earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in environmental engineering from the University of Florida.

Rebecca has over 25 years of experience in environmental regulation and public service in Missouri, Washington state, and Oregon. Rebecca joined OR DEQ in 2007 as a project manager for the residential Heating Oil Tank Program. In 2010, Rebecca began working with the brownfield community as the Northwest Region Brownfield Coordinator for the Cleanup Program. Since 2020, Rebecca has been the DEQ Statewide Brownfield Coordinator. Her current responsibilities include co-managing the EPA 128(a) State Response and Investment, Infrastructure, and Jobs Act grants and coordinating with a variety of communities, organizations, and private entities to identify and address brownfields. Rebecca champions community-led and agency-supported brownfield projects, and is seeks out opportunities to learn from and partner with interested parties to expand brownfield resources that provide public benefits.

Braulio Ramos is an Environmental Planner for the Tulalip Tribes, where he has worked for nearly three years supporting environmental protection and community-focused initiatives. A Tulalip Tribal member, Braulio leads the Tribe’s air quality program, overseeing monitoring, compliance, and outreach efforts to protect public health and natural resources. His work includes brownfield coordination, environmental planning, and public education, with an emphasis on making technical information accessible to the community. Braulio is passionate about advancing Tribal sovereignty in environmental management and promoting sustainable practices that benefit future generations.

Glen Connelly is the Director for the Chehalis Tribe’s Dept. of Natural Resources and has worked for the Tribe since 2004. Glen earned his BA in Environmental Studies from Ramapo State College of NJ and worked in the construction and public health industries before getting into natural resource protection. For the Chehalis Tribe, he oversees several programs including Fisheries, Real Estate, Water Quality and Habitat Restoration. In his time with the Tribe he has worked on several small brownfield remediation projects including a truck stop rehabilitation project and smaller fuel spill projects. He is also deeply involved in floodplain management issues in the Chehalis River watershed and has a deep appreciation for natural river ecosystems. Glen grew up in NJ and moved to the pacific northwest in the 1990’s where he settled and raised a family. He currently lives in Olympia and when not at work he enjoys watching sports, sipping craft beers and spending time fishing and camping.

Jennifer is a Registered Geologist and Senior Client Leader at Haley & Aldrich with over 30 years of experience in environmental consulting across the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, and California. She specializes in brownfields assessment, cleanup, and redevelopment, supporting Tribal and public-sector clients as they navigate complex environmental and regulatory challenges. Jennifer is known for her collaborative approach—working closely with clients, communities, and regulators to develop practical, forward-looking solutions. She brings a strong commitment to meaningful engagement and believes successful projects are built on trust, shared understanding, and connecting communities with the resources needed to thrive.

Allison Marshall is an Environmental Scientist at Alta Science and Engineering. She works with clients across the Pacific Northwest, providing expertise in environmental science and water resources. Her education includes a B.S. in Environmental Science from the University of Idaho and an M.S. in Water Resources Engineering from Oregon State University. With over eight years of experience in both the public and private sectors, Allison has conducted environmental research, data analysis and technical reporting for a wide range of projects. Recently, she supported the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 10’s Brownfields program by conducting site assessments to help communities reduce uncertainty related to contamination. Her favorite part of her work is building relationships with partners and collaborating to address complex environmental issues. When she’s not analyzing sampling data, you’ll most likely find Allison outside enjoying public lands.

Jon Munkers is co-founder and CFO of Alta Science & Engineering, an Idaho-based, multi‑discipline firm serving private and government clients at the federal, tribal, state, and local levels. With 26 years of experience, Jon brings senior‑level expertise in Brownfields programs, grant development, and hazardous waste site investigation and cleanup throughout the Pacific Northwest. His work emphasizes the use of high‑quality data to support informed decision‑making on complex environmental challenges. Jon consistently aims to reinforce the industry commitment to excellence in engineering, science, and environmental stewardship and contributes to the industry by regularly presenting at conferences, serving on industry boards, and leading discussions on emerging industry issues. Since 2020, Jon has served on the Committee for the Idaho ACEC-Department of Environmental Quality Liaison. He has previously served on boards for the Treasure Valley Land Trust, the Northwest Environmental Business Council, University of Idaho’s Professional Science Master’s Program, and multiple youth non-profit organizations. Both Jon and his wife of 28 years grew up in small town-Idaho. Together they raised two sons, taking advantage of all the skiing, biking, and rivers/lakes Idaho has to offer. Jon spends his free time playing and fixing up old acoustic guitars.

Sarah helps public and private sector clients navigate rapidly evolving issues related to brownfield redevelopment, land reuse, planning, public engagement, and related funding. In the last five years, she has helped clients secure and manage over $50 million in state and federal grants to advance brownfield redevelopment, infrastructure improvements and local revitalization efforts. Before joining Haley & Aldrich, Sarah served as a 2020 Council on Foreign Relations-Hitachi fellow in Japan and led the nonprofit Center for Creative Land Recycling for five years, where she assisted brownfields stakeholders with identifying, securing, and implementing over $35 million in state and federal funding for environmental assessment and cleanup. Sarah also spent nearly four years in federal service and led the Memphis, Tennessee team for the White House Council on Strong Cities, Strong Communities. She holds a Master of Public Affairs from Princeton University and publishes regularly on planning-related topics.

Kara Master is a regional Brownfields Coordinator and Cleanup Project Manager for the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality. Selected as a 2025 Public Service Ambassador, Kara’s commitment to protecting Oregonians from exposure to environmental pollutants ensures a safe and healthy place to live, work and recreate. Kara is an avid brownfields supporter and believes that addressing brownfields requires creative solutions and a collaborative spirit.

Melyssa Graeper (she/her) is DEQ’s Northwest Region Solutions Representative, supporting communities across Oregon’s North Coast and into the Portland metro area. She helps partners navigate environmental challenges, connect with resources, and advance projects that reflect local priorities. Before joining DEQ in 2020, Melyssa applied her Fisheries and Wildlife degree through roles with state and nonprofit agencies, gaining experience in habitat restoration, watershed health, and community engagement. Having lived and worked on the North Coast since 2004, she brings deep regional knowledge and a collaborative, relationship driven approach to her work.

Travis Shappell, Founder and Managing Principal of Resilient Communities, brings over a decade of urban design, planning, and architecture experience with a strong focus on resilient urban systems, sustainable development, mixed-use urban regeneration, and inclusive community-driven placemaking. They specialize in fostering meaningful engagement, ensuring that diverse and informed voices shape the evolution of public spaces, resource networks, and physical & social infrastructure. With experience spanning entire project lifecycles —from regional framework planning and master plan development to entitlement and implementation— providing him with deep insight into translating visionary concepts into built and performance-meeting environments. He excels at facilitating collaboration across interdisciplinary teams, guiding stakeholders through complex decision-making processes, and aligning multiple projects into cohesive and actionable outcomes.

Seth Lenaerts is an Economic Development Project Manager for the City of Lincoln City, where he manages the City’s EPA Community-Wide Assessment grant, oversees a newly established Urban Renewal Area, and works on economic development programs on behalf of the City. Seth’s work focuses on turning complex sites into community assets by removing barriers to redevelopment, aligning projects with City goals, and supporting private sector investment and predevelopment efforts. He previously worked for the City of Salem on economic development and urban renewal initiatives, and earlier as a planner and land use consultant in the private sector. He holds graduate degrees in business administration and community and regional planning from the University of Oregon.

Margaret has worked at USEPA for over 20 years and serves as the Land Revitalization Coordinator for USEPA Region 10 and the Oregon Brownfields State Coordinator. In addition, she manages many other type of EPA projects including brownfield assessments, cleanups, State and Tribal Response Programs, and EPA’s RE-powering America’s Land initiative which encourages renewable energy on EPA regulated land. Margaret earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in environmental engineering from the University of Florida.

Rebecca has over 25 years of experience in environmental regulation and public service in Missouri, Washington state, and Oregon. Rebecca joined OR DEQ in 2007 as a project manager for the residential Heating Oil Tank Program. In 2010, Rebecca began working with the brownfield community as the Northwest Region Brownfield Coordinator for the Cleanup Program. Since 2020, Rebecca has been the DEQ Statewide Brownfield Coordinator. Her current responsibilities include co-managing the EPA 128(a) State Response and Investment, Infrastructure, and Jobs Act grants and coordinating with a variety of communities, organizations, and private entities to identify and address brownfields. Rebecca champions community-led and agency-supported brownfield projects, and is seeks out opportunities to learn from and partner with interested parties to expand brownfield resources that provide public benefits.

Jerry Sorte serves as the Brownfields Program Policy Coordinator for Business Oregon. Jerry’s past roles focused on land use planning, city and county administration, and economic development.

Seth is a seasoned planner with over two decades of experience. He specializes in land use planning, brownfield redevelopment, public policy, and sustainability. Seth is engaged in redeveloping brownfields and underutilized properties across the Pacific Northwest for public and private clients. He’s known for his project funding strategies and successful grant applications to state and federal agencies. Seth has managed several policy research studies, assessing the impact of brownfield properties locally and regionally, and actively works on implementing new policies and programs. Seth handles large municipal projects, bringing his attention to detail, communication skills, and collaborative approach to the table. His background in communications and facilitation helps him manage public engagement processes, keeping communities informed and involved in environmental cleanup and development issues.

Sam Brookham is an Economic Planner at the Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability, where he connects policy analysis with development feasibility to support equitable industrial growth. Over the past four years he has led the Bureau’s land supply analysis and directed a multidisciplinary study of barriers to industrial development in Portland—initiating a coordinated strategic response to explore targeted investments through the City’s Economic Opportunities Analysis (EOA). He is currently focused on brownfield remediation and incentive programs to unlock industrial investment on constrained sites. Before joining the City, Sam advised public agencies across the country on economic development strategy and real estate economics as a consultant.

Senator David Brock Smith is a third generation resident of Port Orford. After attending SOCC and SOU, he worked in prestigious culinary locations and then took over his family’s 45-year Restaurant & Lounge. Sen. Brock Smith has an extensive Public Service background, and proudly served the citizens for many years. Some of Sen. Brock Smith’s other Public Service includes: Curry County Board of Commissioners Chair, AOC Board of Directors and District 4 Chair, City Council President, Chamber of Commerce President/Director, School Board,, ​Association of O&C Counties Board of Directors, NACo Committees, America’s Wild Rivers Coast Director, SCBEC Board, Redfish Rocks Team, LPSCC Chair, Law Enforcement Blue Ribbon Committee, Sen. Brock Smith was sworn in as State Representative for House District 1 in 2017 and served until his move to the Senate in January 2023 for southwest Oregon’s Fish, Farm & Forestry District which encompasses all of Curry, and parts of Coos and Douglas Counties.

Laura Kerr counsels clients on complex challenges arising under federal and state environmental laws. She advises on environmental compliance, cleanup of contaminated properties and managing environmental risks in transactions. She also regularly defends clients in federal and state environmental enforcement actions.

Robert Marinai is the co-founder and executive leader of RestorCap LLC, a redevelopment company focused on transforming environmentally challenged and underutilized properties into productive assets with long-term community value. Over the past two decades, he has built a career at the intersection of brownfield remediation, environmental risk management, land entitlement, and value creation through adaptive reuse. His work has included the acquisition, cleanup, repositioning, and monetization of complex industrial and legacy sites across the western United States. Robert is particularly focused on turning distressed properties into platforms for next-generation uses such as clean energy, battery storage, data centers, habitat restoration, and other infrastructure aligned with regional economic growth. He has led projects involving liability transfer structures, public-private collaboration, environmental permitting strategy, and creative financing approaches that unlock sites often overlooked by traditional developers. His experience spans both environmental markets—including mitigation and restoration banking—and conventional real estate redevelopment. Robert is known for combining entrepreneurial vision with practical execution, seeking outcomes that benefit investors, regulators, and local communities alike. He brings a market-based perspective to brownfields, emphasizing that environmental challenges can often be converted into economic opportunities when paired with sound science, disciplined capital, and strategic patience.

Caitlin Bryan has more than 20 years of experience conducting environmental due diligence. She leads Maul Foster & Alongi’s due diligence sector and enjoys assisting clients with their property transactions. Brownfield redevelopment and helping clients obtain liability protection are some of Caitlin’s passions. Caitlin effectively manages all aspects of projects and is recognized for distilling complex site conditions to a range of clients, regulators, legal counselors, and other stakeholders. Her project experience includes design and construction management, Phase I and II environmental site assessments and cleanups, regulatory assistance through voluntary cleanup programs and prospective purchaser agreements, mine land characterization, water-quality assessment, reclamation site design, river/wetland bioengineering, watershed-scale investigation, water system operation, and multifaceted roles as an owner representative. She has assessed a wide range of site types including but not limited to gas stations; dry cleaners; multiunit residences; large forest tracts; restaurants; landfills; abandoned mines; agricultural sites; and industrial facilities such as lumber mills and papermaking, metal-plating and -smelting, particleboard-manufacturing, wood-treating, and food-processing facilities. As a seasoned professional, Caitlin excels in navigating the crosswalks among MFA’s multiple service areas, which include environmental, engineering, site design and land use, health and safety, construction, and GIS and data management. Caitlin’s diverse educational and professional skill set provides her with valuable insight and contributes to her creative project solutions.

Leonard “Len” Farr is a Principal Geologist with Stantec and has 37 years of environmental consulting experience. He has been involved in application preparation and/or grant implementation of more than 30 EPA brownfield grants totaling $19.2 million in funding for 24 communities in EPA Regions 9 and 10. He regularly assists his public and private brownfield clients throughout the Western US with complex regulatory issues, with emphasis on environmental due diligence and cleanup completed during brownfield property redevelopment. Len has managed 1,000+ environmental due diligence projects, most as part of EPA Brownfield Grant programs. These projects have involved the collection of thousands of samples, the assessment of risk associated with contaminants detected in the samples, and the analysis of remedial alternatives to mitigate contaminants detected at concentrations exceeding acceptable risk levels.

Graeme Taylor is a Principal Environmental Scientist and Project Manager based in Portland, Oregon with over 20 years of consulting experience focused on site assessment, remedial planning, facility decommissioning, cleanup, and redevelopment of brownfield sites.

Alison Robertson is the Economic Development & Urban Renewal Director for the City of Lincoln City. She holds a Master of Urban and Regional Planning from University of California, Irvine, with an emphasis in Urban Design and Behavior. As a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) and with her LEED accreditation Alison provides long-range, community-based planning expertise with an environmental ethic, establishing healthier environments for her community. Focusing on capital improvement projects, public-private partnerships, and housing, Alison’s recent achievements include facilitating a 107-unit housing redevelopment, undergrounding of critical infrastructure, and development of community amenities across her coastal community. Beyond the work week Alison serves as a volunteer on the Lincoln County School District’s Long Term Facility Committee, and immerses herself in life on the Oregon Coast, embracing the daily reminders of the importance of our environment.

Sarah helps public and private sector clients navigate rapidly evolving issues related to brownfield redevelopment, land reuse, planning, public engagement, and related funding. In the last five years, she has helped clients secure and manage over $50 million in state and federal grants to advance brownfield redevelopment, infrastructure improvements and local revitalization efforts. Before joining Haley & Aldrich, Sarah served as a 2020 Council on Foreign Relations-Hitachi fellow in Japan and led the nonprofit Center for Creative Land Recycling for five years, where she assisted brownfields stakeholders with identifying, securing, and implementing over $35 million in state and federal funding for environmental assessment and cleanup. Sarah also spent nearly four years in federal service and led the Memphis, Tennessee team for the White House Council on Strong Cities, Strong Communities. She holds a Master of Public Affairs from Princeton University and publishes regularly on planning-related topics.

Lisa Abuaf is an economic development and real estate leader with more than 20 years of experience advancing complex public-private partnerships that unlock investment, infrastructure, and economic growth. Formerly Director of Development & Investment at Prosper Portland, the city’s economic development and urban redevelopment agency, she led major real estate initiatives involving site readiness and redevelopment of challenging urban and brownfield properties. In her current role at the Port of Portland, she focuses on strategic real estate development and partnerships that leverage industrial land assets to support regional industrial growth, infrastructure investment, and long-term economic competitiveness.

Leonard “Len” Farr is a Principal Geologist with Stantec and has 37 years of environmental consulting experience. He has been involved in application preparation and/or grant implementation of more than 30 EPA brownfield grants totaling $19.2 million in funding for 24 communities in EPA Regions 9 and 10. He regularly assists his public and private brownfield clients throughout the Western US with complex regulatory issues, with emphasis on environmental due diligence and cleanup completed during brownfield property redevelopment. Len has managed 1,000+ environmental due diligence projects, most as part of EPA Brownfield Grant programs. These projects have involved the collection of thousands of samples, the assessment of risk associated with contaminants detected in the samples, and the analysis of remedial alternatives to mitigate contaminants detected at concentrations exceeding acceptable risk levels.

Franziska Landes is a Senior Environmental Scientist and Hydrogeologist with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality. In the Cleanup Program, Franziska serves as a technical and project management lead for science-based policy and guidance development. Franziska began her career at DEQ managing cleanup sites, advancing site assessment through community engagement, statistical data analysis, and groundwater models. Franziska joined DEQ in 2019 after completing a PhD in Earth and Environmental Science from Columbia University and a BSc in Earth Science from Jacobs University in Germany. Franziska has also worked for the Oklahoma DEQ Brownfields program. Outside of work, Franziska enjoys hiking through the forests of the Pacific Northwest and paddling on its lakes and rivers. She looks forward to talking with you about how we can connect and collaborate to protect public health and the environment.

Matt is the Environmental Department Manager in Terracon’s Seattle office and provides technical oversight on site assessment, cleanup, and regulatory closure projects in Oregon and Washington since 2006. Over the course of his 25 years with Terracon, Matt has overseen the performance of hundreds of Phase I and II site assessments, soil gas evaluations, and remedial actions on industrial, commercial, and residential properties throughout Oregon.

Ben brings over 20 years of experience in the real estate, construction and development fields to each project. Ben began working in the construction industry at a young age and built his first house while in high school. He went on to develop and construct single-family and multi-family master planned communities, as well as commercial, retail, office, hotel and private utility projects that spanned 4 states and 12 municipalities. He has experience across the spectrum, from managing teams of subcontractors and to negotiating acquisitions, executing contracts and coordinating the build-out of multi million-dollar developments. Ben was “blown away” by Restorical Research’s value proposition to clients and the environment when he first met Jeff and David Valinetz in 2011 and he has never looked back. One of Ben’s favorite parts of insurance archeology is knowing Restorical is making a difference, helping to clean up the environment one polluted property at a time while also changing people’s lives.

Jeff has worked in the field of insurance archaeology/claims management for over 20 years. Jeff successfully located insurance coverages on hundreds of cases. Jeff offers strategies on how to turn those identified policies into value. As part of his role, he interfaces on a daily basis with clients, consultants, attorneys, accountants, insurance brokers, insurance carriers and lenders. Jeff’s favorite part of insurance archeology is knowing that taxpayers will not be on the hook for cleaning up the properties Restorical gets involved with. “Unfortunately, the current system is set up in such a way that companies can contaminate a property then walk away knowing their local government will cover the cleanup cost down the road,” he says. “Our approach ensures the private sector remains in control of the problems created…not the taxpayers.”

Paul founded EES in 2012 and has over 35 years’ experience as an environmental consultant in the Pacific Northwest with a focus on contaminant investigations, remediation, and technical support services. Paul has broad responsibility for EES business operations and remains closely connected to the firm’s project work and client base. Many EES projects benefit from Paul’s experience regarding legacy environmental insurance and related funding issues. Away from the office, Paul spends too much time working to improve his backyard BBQ brisket-smoking skills.

Mr. McAlister has almost 20 years of consulting experience in California, Oregon and Washington States.

Jennifer D’Avanzo is a landscape architect and senior regional planner at Metro, specializing in complex projects that connect people with nature. With over 20 years of experience in landscape architecture and biology, she focuses on natural area restoration, and nature park development that support community access and long-term stewardship. Known for her collaborative leadership and strong project management, she works with multidisciplinary teams to deliver projects from planning through construction. At Metro, Jennifer recently led the master plan for Willamette Cove Nature Park. Her portfolio also includes Mirror Pond Bank and Trail Improvements, Reeds Crossing Greenway, and Wade Creek Park in Estacada. Outside of work, she enjoys backpacking, gardening, and dancing flamenco.

Jeanne Sprague, CPRE, is Director of Lincoln City Parks and Recreation (P&R), having worked in the P&R field her entire career. She holds a bachelor’s in Social Work (Wilderness Therapy) and a master’s degree from WVU in Recreation, Parks and Tourism Management. She is a graduate of the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) Director’s School, NRPA Revenue Development and Management School, and continues to hold her certification as an ARC Lifeguard – which is how she started her career at age 14. She has worked in Parks & Recreation in Virginia, West Virginia, St. Helens OR, Portland OR – for 18+ yrs., then joining Lincoln City P&R in 2017. Jeanne believes strongly in accessible and inclusive recreation for all ages and abilities, and has been actively involved in bringing accessibility to OR Coastal parks, beach accesses and recreation programs. Jeanne also loves community service and is on the Boards of Lincoln City Chamber of Commerce, American Association of University Women and Lincoln City Rotary Club.

Sarah helps public and private sector clients navigate rapidly evolving issues related to brownfield redevelopment, land reuse, planning, public engagement, and related funding. In the last five years, she has helped clients secure and manage over $50 million in state and federal grants to advance brownfield redevelopment, infrastructure improvements and local revitalization efforts. Before joining Haley & Aldrich, Sarah served as a 2020 Council on Foreign Relations-Hitachi fellow in Japan and led the nonprofit Center for Creative Land Recycling for five years, where she assisted brownfields stakeholders with identifying, securing, and implementing over $35 million in state and federal funding for environmental assessment and cleanup. Sarah also spent nearly four years in federal service and led the Memphis, Tennessee team for the White House Council on Strong Cities, Strong Communities. She holds a Master of Public Affairs from Princeton University and publishes regularly on planning-related topics.

Graeme Taylor is a Principal Environmental Scientist and Project Manager based in Portland, Oregon with over 20 years of consulting experience focused on site assessment, remedial planning, facility decommissioning, cleanup, and redevelopment of brownfield sites.

Lehi is the Deputy Director of CCD Business Development Corporation, the Economic Development District serving Coos, Curry, and Douglas counties in coastal southern Oregon. Known for turning complex, early-stage ideas into funded, buildable projects, Lehi has helped secure more than $50 million in infrastructure and community investment across his rural community in the past five years. His work focuses on structuring projects, stacking funding, and overcoming capacity barriers that often prevent rural communities from accessing critical resources. Lehi brings a practical, results-driven approach to economic development, with a focus on housing, childcare, and long-term community resilience. Currently pursuing his doctorate at Virginia Tech, his research centers on rural community development and women’s entrepreneurship. He is a frequent speaker on funding strategy, project development, and building sustainable pipelines for community investment.

Sarah helps public and private sector clients navigate rapidly evolving issues related to brownfield redevelopment, land reuse, planning, public engagement, and related funding. In the last five years, she has helped clients secure and manage over $50 million in state and federal grants to advance brownfield redevelopment, infrastructure improvements and local revitalization efforts. Before joining Haley & Aldrich, Sarah served as a 2020 Council on Foreign Relations-Hitachi fellow in Japan and led the nonprofit Center for Creative Land Recycling for five years, where she assisted brownfields stakeholders with identifying, securing, and implementing over $35 million in state and federal funding for environmental assessment and cleanup. Sarah also spent nearly four years in federal service and led the Memphis, Tennessee team for the White House Council on Strong Cities, Strong Communities. She holds a Master of Public Affairs from Princeton University and publishes regularly on planning-related topics.

Cathy Stuhr brings more than 30 years of experience managing multimillion-dollar environmental investigation and restoration projects with a strong emphasis on community education, public involvement, and risk communication. She has extensive expertise in developing and leading multidisciplinary, client-focused teams that deliver high-quality engineering, scientific, and community involvement services, particularly for Brownfield projects and programs. [office.com] Cathy’s Brownfield experience spans the full project lifecycle, including assessments, site investigations, inventories, cleanup planning, cleanup implementation, and redevelopment. She has successfully secured significant funding to support community revitalization efforts, including preparing a $16.34 million U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Community Change Grant for the community of Chiloquin, Oregon. In addition, she has prepared multiple community grants with cumulative awards exceeding $6 million from agencies such as USEPA, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the U.S. Forest Service, and Business Oregon.

James is a Project Manager at ECONorthwest with a focus on equitable housing outcomes and real estate investment. He specializes in housing policy research, land use planning, data analysis, financial modeling, and academic literature reviews. He also focuses on the real estate impacts of transit investments. James has worked at ECOnorthwest since 2019.

Lehi is the Deputy Director of CCD Business Development Corporation, the Economic Development District serving Coos, Curry, and Douglas counties in coastal southern Oregon. Known for turning complex, early-stage ideas into funded, buildable projects, Lehi has helped secure more than $50 million in infrastructure and community investment across his rural community in the past five years. His work focuses on structuring projects, stacking funding, and overcoming capacity barriers that often prevent rural communities from accessing critical resources. Lehi brings a practical, results-driven approach to economic development, with a focus on housing, childcare, and long-term community resilience. Currently pursuing his doctorate at Virginia Tech, his research centers on rural community development and women’s entrepreneurship. He is a frequent speaker on funding strategy, project development, and building sustainable pipelines for community investment.

Jennifer is a Registered Geologist and Senior Client Leader at Haley & Aldrich with over 30 years of experience in environmental consulting across the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, and California. She specializes in brownfields assessment, cleanup, and redevelopment, supporting Tribal and public-sector clients as they navigate complex environmental and regulatory challenges. Jennifer is known for her collaborative approach—working closely with clients, communities, and regulators to develop practical, forward-looking solutions. She brings a strong commitment to meaningful engagement and believes successful projects are built on trust, shared understanding, and connecting communities with the resources needed to thrive.

Travis Shappell, Founder and Managing Principal of Resilient Communities, brings over a decade of urban design, planning, and architecture experience with a strong focus on resilient urban systems, sustainable development, mixed-use urban regeneration, and inclusive community-driven placemaking. They specialize in fostering meaningful engagement, ensuring that diverse and informed voices shape the evolution of public spaces, resource networks, and physical & social infrastructure. With experience spanning entire project lifecycles —from regional framework planning and master plan development to entitlement and implementation— providing him with deep insight into translating visionary concepts into built and performance-meeting environments. He excels at facilitating collaboration across interdisciplinary teams, guiding stakeholders through complex decision-making processes, and aligning multiple projects into cohesive and actionable outcomes.

Suzanne Donaldson (Bald Eagle Woman) CEO, Donaldson Consulting, LLC Suzanne Donaldson is the CEO and founder of Donaldson Consulting, LLC, a certified woman-, minority-, and disadvantaged-business enterprise operating in multiple states. Since 2002, she has provided expert consulting in diversity education, strategic advising, and project management support, particularly in the transportation sector. With over 24 years of experience, Suzanne has supported numerous public infrastructure and transportation projects, many with Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) goals, disparity studies, and mentorship components. She plays a key role in onboarding subcontractors, managing compliance reporting, and ensuring cross-sector communication flows efficiently between project owners, primes, and DBE partners. Suzanne’s transportation portfolio spans more than 15 years and includes work with major municipal agencies and state departments of transportation. Her deep understanding of regulatory frameworks and DBE participation requirements has helped large firms and government entities provide meaningful contract opportunities to minority- and women-owned businesses. Her efforts contribute to equitable procurement outcomes and stronger community engagement in public works projects. A graduate of the Port of Portland’s Mentor Protégé Program, Suzanne combines qualitative research skills, such as interviews and focus groups, with grassroots outreach to highlight disparities and advocate for inclusive policies. Her work untangles systemic inequalities and delivers actionable insights to improve access and representation for historically excluded communities. Suzanne is an enrolled citizen of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe and has held leadership and cultural roles within the Tribal Council, Education Committee, Pow Wow Committee, and the Cowlitz Canoe Family. She is a Tribal cultural facilitator, artist, and Native regalia designer whose work reflects deep cultural knowledge and community connection. In addition to her community leadership, Suzanne consults directly with television and film production teams and writers to support accurate and respectful representation of Coast Salish peoples. She serves as a cultural consultant on multiple projects, helping ensure that Native American culture is portrayed with authenticity and care. Her work includes POW!, an award-winning short film created and directed by Joseph Clift, as well as Rubble & Crew, a Nickelodeon animated series. Her community service includes volunteering with the Elders Program, Pathways to Healing, various tribal celebrations, Santas Posse, Providence Cancer Center and National MS Society, just to name a few. Her extensive public service includes appointments to the Clark College Board of Trustees (gubernatorial appointment), the Trust Land Transfer Advisory Committee (Washington State Public Lands Commission), the City of Portland Minority Evaluator Program, and the Center for Tribal Nations Advisory Committee. She is a former board member of the Oregon Native American Chamber, served on the Providence Cancer Foundation Steering Committee and Portland Indian Leaders Roundtable (alternate). Suzanne holds an Associate of Arts degree from Centralia College and pursued pre-law studies at the University of Puget Sound and Washington State University. Through her work, she continues to foster equity, inclusion, and community-centered development in transportation and beyond.