product

Mr. Brown’s environmental career spans the last 42 years, including several years employed with engineering & environmental consulting firms and the remaining with various federal, state, county, and municipal agencies within southwest and north-central Florida. His experience includes a range of technical environmental assessment, regulatory permitting, project and program managerial positions involving ecosystem evaluations, habitat restoration, and wetland mitigation. Mr. Brown has been employed for the last several years by Alachua County’s Environmental Protection Department as Natural Resources Program Manager. His responsibilities include management, supervision and training of staff conducting evaluations of regulated natural resources associated with proposed residential, commercial and public infrastructure projects throughout Alachua County. He has a B.S. degree (’82) in Soil Science with minor in Environmental Science from the University of Florida.

Mr. Hunter currently leads the wetland and botany service with Copperhead Environmental Consulting and manages the company’s satellite office located in Staunton, Virginia. He began his career in 2015 working as a wetland scientist and wildlife biologist, and has since accrued extensive experience leading wetland delineations, conducting surveys for federal and state listed flora and fauna species and providing maintenance and monitoring services for wetland restoration projects. He completed Master’s level research at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA studying correlations between invasive plant prevalence, environmental factors, and native plant assemblages on wetland mitigation banks. He has worked as a wetland and stream mitigation manager and has led field surveys on large-scale energy projects, roadway expansions, commercial real estate, and federal land improvement projects. Mr. Hunter has developed and implemented botanical inventories and related research, invasive species management, and mitigation monitoring plans across Appalachia, the mid-Atlantic, and the southeastern United States. He was certified as a Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) in 2023 by the Society of Wetland Scientists Professional Certification Program, and as a Qualified Hydrologic Professional (QHP) by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation.

Dr. Michael Liptak is a senior ecologist at EnviroScience, Inc, where he specializes in wetland ecology, wetland restoration, and mitigation wetland design. Dr. Liptak earned a B.S. degree in Biology at the University of Toledo and a Ph.D. degree in Environmental Science at Ohio State University under the noted wetland ecologist Dr. William Mitsch. He has over 25 years of experience in wetlands research and consulting and is a Certified Senior Ecologist (Ecological Society of America). His primary responsibilities at EnviroScience Inc. include wetland mitigation planning, wetland assessments and delineations, technical report preparation, and permitting. Dr. Liptak is a member of the Society of Wetlands Scientists and the Ecological Society of America, and regularly gives seminars on wetland issues and regulations.

Ms. Mower has over 25 years of experience, currently serving as a Principal and Ecological Restoration Lead within CEC’s Pittsburgh Ecological Services practice. She specializes in aquatic resource restoration and compensatory mitigation, having designed miles of stream restoration and acres of wetland restoration during her career. Beginning her career with the US Army Corps of Engineers in Norfolk, Virginia (VA) and serving as a fisheries biologist with the VA Game and Inland Fisheries Department, she has in-depth regulatory experience to help navigate clients through difficult local, state, and federal permitting projects. While working for one of the largest energy industries in the state of WV and PA, her working knowledge and understanding of major decision-making strategies provides valuable insight to improve short and long-term cost savings understanding industry priorities, goals, and objectives. As a Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner (CERP), Ms. Mower has completed Levels I through IV Rosgen Training and has taken weeks of additional stream and wetland design training, led by experts in the fields of low-tech process-based restoration and natural channel design techniques. Publishing several papers and articles across her career and presenting at specialized conferences across the country, she is a recognized expert within the industry. Ms. Mower is currently working on projects in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, as well as in West Virginia within the Appalachian Mountain and across the country in Colorado. Her role is to lead designs in CEC’s Pittsburgh office, while supporting other ecosystem restoration projects across CEC’s nationwide footprint; and continue to expand CEC’s ecological services footprint across the county.

Mr. Murray is a senior scientist with AtkinsRealis. He holds a B.S. degree in Environmental Sciences – Geology from Georgia College & State University and is a professional wetland scientist in the United States as well as a qualified hydrologic professional in the State of Tennessee. He has nine years of experience in geomorphic assessments and environmental compliance/permitting. Mr. Murray is responsible for leading wetland delineations, stream classifications, habitat assessments, 404 permitting, buffer variances, and protected species surveys. He has participated in a number of water resources delineations, protected species relocations, bridge surveys, and plant identifications.

Mr. Ritchie brings over 18 years of experience in environmental consulting, with expertise spanning site investigation, remediation, restoration, regulatory compliance, wetland science, ecological assessments, and effective root zone studies. He holds a B.S. degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Tulane University and an M.S. degree in Soil and Water Science from the University of Florida. Mr. Ritchie began his career with the Coastwide Reference Monitoring System of Wetlands in coastal Louisiana, developing a strong foundation in field-based environmental work. Over the years, he advanced into project management roles within regional consulting firms, gaining a comprehensive understanding of both field operations and regulatory processes. In 2022, Mr. Ritchie founded Ritchie Ecological and Environmental Solutions (REES), an environmental consulting firm serving clients across the oil and gas, energy transmission, and renewable energy sectors. He is recognized as a subject matter expert in a range of disciplines, including botany, plant ecology, agronomy, soil science, wetlands, and regulatory compliance, and has provided expert testimony in litigation involving these topics. Mr. Ritchie’s restoration work is particularly focused on the rehabilitation of former oil field sites and post construction wetland restoration along pipeline rights-of-way. His approach focuses on restoring native habitat through practical solutions to support sustainable land and resource management.

Dr. Michael Liptak is a senior ecologist at EnviroScience, Inc, where he specializes in wetland ecology, wetland restoration, and mitigation wetland design. Dr. Liptak earned a B.S. degree in Biology at the University of Toledo and a Ph.D. degree in Environmental Science at Ohio State University under the noted wetland ecologist Dr. William Mitsch. He has over 25 years of experience in wetlands research and consulting and is a Certified Senior Ecologist (Ecological Society of America). His primary responsibilities at EnviroScience Inc. include wetland mitigation planning, wetland assessments and delineations, technical report preparation, and permitting. Dr. Liptak is a member of the Society of Wetlands Scientists and the Ecological Society of America, and regularly gives seminars on wetland issues and regulations.

Mr. Hunter currently leads the wetland and botany service with Copperhead Environmental Consulting and manages the company’s satellite office located in Staunton, Virginia. He began his career in 2015 working as a wetland scientist and wildlife biologist, and has since accrued extensive experience leading wetland delineations, conducting surveys for federal and state listed flora and fauna species and providing maintenance and monitoring services for wetland restoration projects. He completed Master’s level research at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA studying correlations between invasive plant prevalence, environmental factors, and native plant assemblages on wetland mitigation banks. He has worked as a wetland and stream mitigation manager and has led field surveys on large-scale energy projects, roadway expansions, commercial real estate, and federal land improvement projects. Mr. Hunter has developed and implemented botanical inventories and related research, invasive species management, and mitigation monitoring plans across Appalachia, the mid-Atlantic, and the southeastern United States. He was certified as a Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) in 2023 by the Society of Wetland Scientists Professional Certification Program, and as a Qualified Hydrologic Professional (QHP) by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation.

Dr. Michael Liptak is a senior ecologist at EnviroScience, Inc, where he specializes in wetland ecology, wetland restoration, and mitigation wetland design. Dr. Liptak earned a B.S. degree in Biology at the University of Toledo and a Ph.D. degree in Environmental Science at Ohio State University under the noted wetland ecologist Dr. William Mitsch. He has over 25 years of experience in wetlands research and consulting and is a Certified Senior Ecologist (Ecological Society of America). His primary responsibilities at EnviroScience Inc. include wetland mitigation planning, wetland assessments and delineations, technical report preparation, and permitting. Dr. Liptak is a member of the Society of Wetlands Scientists and the Ecological Society of America, and regularly gives seminars on wetland issues and regulations.

Mr. Murray is a senior scientist with AtkinsRealis. He holds a B.S. degree in Environmental Sciences – Geology from Georgia College & State University and is a professional wetland scientist in the United States as well as a qualified hydrologic professional in the State of Tennessee. He has nine years of experience in geomorphic assessments and environmental compliance/permitting. Mr. Murray is responsible for leading wetland delineations, stream classifications, habitat assessments, 404 permitting, buffer variances, and protected species surveys. He has participated in a number of water resources delineations, protected species relocations, bridge surveys, and plant identifications.

Mr. Nortz is one of two founding principals of Otisco Engineering Ltd. with engineering capabilities in environmental, ecological restoration, hydrology, hydrogeology, and water resources. His experience in engineering and construction includes stream, site, and wetland restoration permitting, design and construction, stormwater management, and green infrastructure design. Most of his project experience is in the urban setting, integrating water features into the built environment. With dual degrees and certifications in Geology and Engineering and with experience as a regulator and in industry, Mr. Nortz collaborates with multidisciplinary teams, including those comprised of scientists, engineers, field technicians, administrators, owners, local/state officials, and contractors. He is passionate about healthy watersheds and the enjoyment of water features. Mr. Nortz volunteers for boards such as the Rocky River Watershed Council (former board chair) and stays involved in technical/professional organizations such as the Ohio Stormwater Association. He is a registered professional engineer in Ohio and Minnesota and a Certified Professional Geologist with the American Institute of Professional Geologists. Mr. Nortz earned his B.S. degree in Geological Water Resources from Ohio University (Athens) and his M.S. degree in Agricultural Engineering from The Ohio State University.

Mr. Ritchie brings over 18 years of experience in environmental consulting, with expertise spanning site investigation, remediation, restoration, regulatory compliance, wetland science, ecological assessments, and effective root zone studies. He holds a B.S. degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Tulane University and an M.S. degree in Soil and Water Science from the University of Florida. Mr. Ritchie began his career with the Coastwide Reference Monitoring System of Wetlands in coastal Louisiana, developing a strong foundation in field-based environmental work. Over the years, he advanced into project management roles within regional consulting firms, gaining a comprehensive understanding of both field operations and regulatory processes. In 2022, Mr. Ritchie founded Ritchie Ecological and Environmental Solutions (REES), an environmental consulting firm serving clients across the oil and gas, energy transmission, and renewable energy sectors. He is recognized as a subject matter expert in a range of disciplines, including botany, plant ecology, agronomy, soil science, wetlands, and regulatory compliance, and has provided expert testimony in litigation involving these topics. Mr. Ritchie’s restoration work is particularly focused on the rehabilitation of former oil field sites and post construction wetland restoration along pipeline rights-of-way. His approach focuses on restoring native habitat through practical solutions to support sustainable land and resource management.

Dr. Wentzell is a wetland ecologist specializing in wetland restoration, phytoremediation, and ecosystem resilience. As dean of the School of STEM and an associate professor of Biology at St. Thomas Aquinas College, she integrates research, education, and conservation to address human impacts on wetlands. Her work focuses on nutrient cycling, plant-based remediation techniques, and habitat restoration, including projects in the Adirondack Mountain wetlands and the New Jersey Pine Barrens. She has led riparian restoration efforts to protect the Sparkill Creek watershed in New York and developed the Wetland Ambassadors Program, an international fellowship supporting students in wetland science. Passionate about applied ecological solutions, Dr. Wentzell continues to advance science-based conservation through research, education, and community engagement.

Ms. Bruce has over 19 years of sales and marketing experience serving Florida’s mitigation banking credit industry. Her vast background in the wetland mitigation and habitat conservation banks industry has designated her as one of Florida’s most sought-after mitigation bank sales brokers. Mrs. Bruce is passionate about partnering with mitigation bankers, environmental consultants and developers to aid in the mitigation process. She is responsible for developing and implementing strategies and forecasts that support existing relationships with industry partners and promote future growth for the industry.

Ms. Church, is an environmental scientist with Snyder & Associates. She has over 14 years of professional environmental experience. Before she started her career as an environmental scientist at Snyder & Associates, she worked for the US Army Corps of Engineers in Rock Island, Jacksonville, and Omaha Districts after graduating from Iowa State University in 2009. Her area of expertise focuses on wetland delineations, stream assessments, Section 404 permitting, and wetland and stream mitigation banking documentation

Ms. Daly is the Director of Environmental Services. She is a Shareholder, Principal Scientist and Director of Environmental Services for CPH Consulting, LLC, a full-service A&E firm. Ms. Daly assists clients with navigating the regulatory world to obtain approvals for residential, commercial, institutional, recreational, water & wastewater treatment plant projects with state, federal and local governments. She develops and implements permitting strategies to address wetlands, threatened and endangered species, water quality and industrial discharges. Additional areas of expertise include design, permitting, implementation and monitoring of mitigation banks and traditional mitigation projects. Ms. Daly has 31 years of experience working on projects in Florida, Texas, Georgia, Virginia, Maryland, New England and Puerto Rico. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences and a Master of Business Administration.

Ms. Keefer, MS has been a restoration biologist for the Stream + Wetlands Foundation (S+W) since June 2020, and she has eight years of experience working in the natural resources field. She is responsible for preparing and overseeing coordination of S+W’s mitigation project submittals to the Interagency Review Team. During her time at S+W, she has been instrumental in the submission and approval of over 20 in-lieu fee (ILF), mitigation bank, and permitee responsible projects. To date, the S+W ILF program is fully in compliance with all its advance credit sales obligations. Prior to joining the S+W team, Ms. Keefer worked for a northeast Ohio environmental consulting firm where she primarily worked on mitigation projects. She also worked at two different environmental test laboratories performing soil and water analyses using sophisticated equipment. During her formal education, she conducted a rigorous research study in native species revegetation and seed ecology. Ms. Keefer published her findings as the primary author of a peer reviewed research paper that appeared in the Journal of Rangeland Ecology and Management.

Mr. Macalus is an Environmental Technician that performs multiple services for Environmental Permitting and Wetland and Watercourse Delineations. Throughout his career he has performed habitat, vegetation, and wildlife surveys throughout Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Maine. He specializes in aquatic ecology and has a passion for the conservation and preservation of the aquatic resources that affect us every day.

Mr. Scarborough joined Young/Sommer in 2023 and focuses his area of practice on energy, environmental, and land use law. Prior to joining, Austin worked at other law firms in the Capital Region, where he assisted clients on various energy, environmental, land use, and cybersecurity matters. He provides counsel on matters such as environmental compliance, due diligence, and obtaining permits and approvals at local and state levels. He also regularly presents on wetlands issues and updates at the state and federal level.

Ms. Keefer, MS has been a restoration biologist for the Stream + Wetlands Foundation (S+W) since June 2020, and she has eight years of experience working in the natural resources field. She is responsible for preparing and overseeing coordination of S+W’s mitigation project submittals to the Interagency Review Team. During her time at S+W, she has been instrumental in the submission and approval of over 20 in-lieu fee (ILF), mitigation bank, and permitee responsible projects. To date, the S+W ILF program is fully in compliance with all its advance credit sales obligations. Prior to joining the S+W team, Ms. Keefer worked for a northeast Ohio environmental consulting firm where she primarily worked on mitigation projects. She also worked at two different environmental test laboratories performing soil and water analyses using sophisticated equipment. During her formal education, she conducted a rigorous research study in native species revegetation and seed ecology. Ms. Keefer published her findings as the primary author of a peer reviewed research paper that appeared in the Journal of Rangeland Ecology and Management.

Mr. Martin has worked with compensatory mitigation policy and evaluation of mitigation proposals for 20 years. He assisted non-profits in evaluating potential mitigation projects and consults for the Ecological Restoration Business Association (ERBA) and the private sector. Mr. Martin co-authored EPA’s Mitigation and In-Lieu Fee Program Review Workbooks and checklists. He has collaborated with ERBA and the Environmental Policy Innovation Center (EPIC) on quantitative and qualitative analyses of mitigation bank approvals. Mr. Martin is currently working with two In Lieu Fee (ILF) programs; the Coastal Virginia Conservancy and the Florida Keys Restoration Fund. He retired from the Corps’ Institute for Water Resources (IWR) as a mitigation specialist. Mr. Martin’s work at IWR included national implementation of the Regulatory In-lieu fee and Bank Information Tracking System (RIBITS), teaching aspects of compensatory mitigation policy and practices to Corps staff and other agencies, and development of tools to improve compensatory mitigation. He co-authored handbooks on financial assurances and site protection. Prior to joining IWR, Mr. Martin worked for the Army Corps’ Norfolk District Regulatory Branch where he participated in delineations, permitting, enforcement, and compensatory mitigation. He oversaw development of 7 commercial mitigation banks, a state-wide in-lieu fee program instrument, and local compensatory mitigation tools.

With over 35 years of experience in wetlands with private industry and NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service, Ms. Stedman has worked in a wide range of wetlands. As a wetland consultant working in New York and New Jersey she prepared permit applications, conducted environmental reviews, and designed compensatory mitigation projects. During her lengthy federal career she represented NOAA on the White House Wetlands Working Group, the Interagency Coastal Wetlands Working Group, and many other interagency cooperative efforts. As a wetland expert for NOAA she wrote regulations, policy, and guidance related to wetland conservation and compensatory mitigation, including the NOAA Mitigation Policy. In cooperation with the US Fish and Wildlife Service she has co-authored three landmark reports on wetland loss trends in coastal watersheds.

Mr. Thomas has more than 26 years of extensive consulting experience specializing in natural resource studies, federal and state authorities having jurisdiction for environmental permitting and compliance, acquisition support, natural resource mitigation, transportation, mining, industrial, municipal, energy, private and public sector clients, in support of various projects for commercial, federal, state, and local entities. Through trusted relationships with clients and authorities having jurisdiction for environmental permitting and compliance, he has built partnerships to deliver on large, complex natural resource projects. These partnerships have led to financial savings, increased community engagement for stakeholders, and allowed for long-term sustainable practices for clients. Mr. Thomas builds and champions multi-disciplinary teams to perform natural resource assessments, impacts, and design full Permittee Responsible Mitigation (PRM) or Mitigation Banking Instrument (MBI) plans for natural resource projects that include Clean Water Act (CWA) compliance (section 404 permitting with the US Army Corps of Engineers [USACE]), CWA Section 401 state water quality permitting and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) permitting. He has also focused on designing and permitting habitat enhancements for federal and state-listed special-status species. In compliance with the Endangered Species Act, he is skilled in Threatened or Endangered Species surveys, consultations with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and local, state, and federal commenting agencies for take permits. 

Mr. Landsman has over 10 years of executive leadership experience operating one of the DC metropolitan area’s oldest and most respected property management firms, as well as hands-on experience managing a large and diverse portfolio of multifamily properties. He has served a broad range of clients and industries with the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Booz Allen Hamilton, and a boutique patent litigation firm. Mr. Landsman attended Syracuse University’s School of Information Studies where he graduated summa cum laude, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Management and Technology. He also earned a Master of Science degree from the University College London’s School of Public Policy. Mr. Landsman is deeply interested in fostering more environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable communities. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family and volunteering as a member of the Maryland Clean Energy Center’s Advisory Council, the Board of Trustees and Building and Grounds Committee of Temple Emanuel, and the Takoma Park Police Chief’s Advisory Board.

Mr. Hanrahan has more than 47 years of industry experience. In addition to presentations in Canada, Taiwan and the Dominican Republic, he has also presented at the national level for many organizations, including the International Erosion Control Association, the Land Improvement Contractors of America, the Geotechnical Fabrics Institute, the National Working Waterfront Network, and the American Water Works Association. Mr. Hanrahan’s articles have been published in many magazines, including Erosion Control, Land & Water, Geosynthetics, and Landscape Architect & Specifier News. He has produced webinars for the International Erosion Control Association, the International Association of Hydroseeding Professionals, the New York State Society of Professional Engineers, and Forester University. Mr. Hanrahan has also served as a guest lecturer at the University of Mississippi, Ohio Northern University, University of New England, and Vermont Technical College. He has also been active in industry organizations. He was national president of the International Management Council in 1991-92 and served four terms as president of the Northeast Chapter of the International Erosion Control Association. Mr. Hanrahan is also a member of the Senior Advisory Committee of Envirocert. He has developed and delivered training events throughout his career. From 2008 to the present, he has organized coastal erosion control training events up and down the New England Coast, with multiple seminars in Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. Event co-sponsors for these events have included the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, Maine Sea Grant, the Rhode Island Coastal Management Council, the University of Rhode Island Coastal Resources Center, Connecticut College, and Connecticut Sea Grant. Mr. Hanrahan has also assisted with the development of erosion control standards with the Illinois Tollway Authority, and the State Departments of Transportation in New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, Oklahoma, Missouri, Arkansas, and Illinois.

Named by Landscape Ontario as 2020 and 2021’s Garden Communicator of the Year, gardening has been Mr. James’ hobby and profession for over 40 years. A graduate of Niagara Parks School of  Horticulture, a Master Gardener, writer, and teacher, he focuses on eco-gardening techniques, which makes sense since he grew up surrounded by nature. He has spoken from the Maritimes to Seattle and landscaped from Nova Scotia to California. Mr. James has had the honor to be part of creating the Ontario Landscape Tree Planting Guide, the Grow-Me-Instead guide, the Ontario Horticultural Apprenticeship Curriculum and the national Red Seal Occupational Standard, and the Master Gardeners Reference Manual. He has participated in chairing the Environmental Stewardship Committee for Landscape Ontario, the Environmental Committee for the Perennial Plant Association, moderating the Master Gardeners of Ontario Facebook page, judging the All-American Selections garden competition and Hamilton’s Monarch Awards. Mr. James has been the Ontario spokesperson for Garden Days Canada and he has appeared on many radio shows and on television and has instructed at the college level for 17 years. He owns ‘Sean James Consulting & Design’.

As a water resources practitioner and manager for 33 years, Mr. Der provides regulatory and scientific expertise for public and private sector clients, with a commitment to equitable and sustainable solutions to complex projects while specializing in creative linkages between ecology and engineering. He has been in private consulting practice since 2001, first as an associate and director of environmental services for two civil engineering firms in the greater Washington, DC, and Baltimore metropolitan areas, then since 2013, the principal of his own consulting firm, Andrew T. Der & Associates, LLC, and now since 2024, promoting the national firm HDR Inc. Mid-Atlantic practice. Prior to 2001, Mr. Der previously completed 17 years of service with the Maryland Department of the Environment as a manager leading major new initiatives to regulate and restore Chesapeake Bay water resources. He is also an appointed industry representative of the U.S. EPA Chesapeake Bay Program Executive Council Stakeholder’s Advisory Committee, as well as provides expert testimony and media interviews.”

Dr. Ian McIntosh is a principal and chief learning officer of ianTEACH LLC. Providing innovative and strategic performance-based training, ianTEACH LLC serves Engineers, Architects, Construction and Facilities Management professionals in the design, build, operation and maintenance (DBOM) segments of the national building industry. Dr. McIntosh brings his ensemble of innovative passion, technical expertise and business systems acumen to render strategic leadership in the vital area of corporate learning and development initiatives. He is also a program director at University of Wisconsin, Interdisciplinary professional programs (InterPro) in the College of Engineering, where he leads their Facilities and Buildings Systems segment. He is certified as an accredited Manager of the Commissioning Process (CxM) with more than 20 years of dedicated experience in total building commissioning (a quality process) and has managed numerous energy, commissioning, retro-commissioning, and LEED® commissioning projects throughout the nation. As a commissioning provider and mechanical engineer, Dr. McIntosh has prepared and led several owner’s project requirements (OPR) workshops, written and integrated numerous commissioning specifications, co-invented and implemented electronic bar-coded checklists, worked on system manuals and tracked owner cost savings. He has also executed hands-on field work, performed functional performance testing of complex HVAC and BSL-3 laboratory systems/subsystems and coordinated full-scale O&M and user training programs. Dr. McIntosh holds Bachelor and Master’s degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the City College of the City University of New York (CCNY) and earned his Doctorate degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Solar Energy Lab
at UW-Madison.

Stephen Quarles, PhD is a University of California Cooperative Extension Advisor Emeritus. After 26 years with the University of California, Quarles retired in 2011, and joined the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) Research Center team in Richburg, SC. Quarles retired from IBHS in 2018 as the Chief Scientist for Wildfire and Durability. At both the University of California and IBHS Quarles’ research and outreach efforts focused on durability and in-service performance issues of buildings subjected to wildfire exposures. During 2007 and 2008, Steve worked half-time for the California Office of the State Fire Marshal where he developed, coordinated and served as an instructor for the educational program related to the Wildland Urban Interface (wildfire) Building Code and Standards (Chapter 7A in the California Building Code). Quarles served on the initial WUI Task Group that made recommendations to the Office of the State Fire Marshal for Chapter 7A and has served on subsequent task groups. 

Quarles is a member of the American Society of Testing and Materials (and is Chair of ASTM E05.14 Subcommittee on Exterior Fire), the National Fire Protection Association [and former member of the NFPA Technical Committee on Forest and Rural Fire Protection (2013-2018)], the International Association of Wildland Fire, the Forest Products Society [and former Editor-in-Chief, Forest Products Journal (2010-2017)], the American Wood Protection Association and the Association of Fire Ecology. Quarles earned a bachelor’s degree from Virginia Tech (Blacksburg) and a Master’s and PhD from the University of Minnesota (Minneapolis-St. Paul).

Yana Valachovic is the County Director – Forest Advisor for the University of California Cooperative Extension in Humboldt and Del Norte Counties. Yana is passionate about finding solutions to challenging problems bringing her skills in forestry, natural resources and sociological research, design and mitigation of the built environment for wildfire resilience, as well as her years rooted in County government and community engagement. She is a member of the California Governor’s Wildfire Forest Resilience Task Force and other California state fire policy workgroups. She is the co-lead of the Northern California region of the California Fire Science Consortium and is a founding member of the Northern California Prescribed Fire Council. She has co-authored papers on fire behavior in California forests and the intersection of fire performance in home and landscape design.  She is active in California policy development and has been a technical resource for bioenergy, forest management, home hardening, and improvements to defensible space legislation. She will share her experience from post-fire assessments that have helped craft her vision for adaptation.

Robin M. Closs has 15 years of experience as a structural engineer designing and analyzing anything from pipes to multistory buildings in fields such as commercial, power, government, institutional, nuclear, industrial, and residential. She traveled to Long Island in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy as part of a Code Enforcement Disaster Assistance Response Team. Her engineering knowledge in timber, concrete, steel, masonry, aluminum, and light gauge metal has helped her design new buildings, complete renovations and additions, demolish existing structures, produce mechanical platforms, and design appropriate repairs to roofs, walls, floors, and spillways. Ms Closs is the president of The Engineering Society of Buffalo and currently creates, writes, and edits their newsletter. She also regularly spends time tutoring and greatly enjoys assisting young minds to see the benefits of engineering. She has also acted as the principal coordinator for 80-person volunteer teams, judged inventions, and mentored winners of engineering city competitions. Ms Closs graduated from the Milwaukee School of Engineering with a BS degree in Architectural Engineering with a Structural Specialty. She is a licensed professional engineering in multiple states, is a licensed structural engineer in Illinois, and is certified as a NCEES Model Law Structural Engineer. Her goal is to meet client needs in a positive and timely fashion.

Mr. Kurdi has been serving the electrical industry for over 30 years as an engineer, electrician and trainer. Mr. Kurdi has engineered (designed, specified and analyzed) government buildings (police stations, sheriff’s offices, fire stations, city halls, court houses, libraries, and jails), housing buildings (affordable, senior, assistant, memory care, adaptable use and student), hospitals, data centers, sport arenas, commercial office buildings, water/wastewater treatment plants and electric utility distribution and substations. Mr. Kurdi’s experience as an electrician includes estimating, laying out, wiring, installing and maintaining electrical systems for residential and commercial buildings. He has served as an engineer on construction projects in numerous locations in Texas, including San Antonio, Arlington, Bryan and Manor. He has developed and taught thousands of seminar hours over the years at Dunwoody College of Technology, Minnesota Electrical Association, IEEE and others. The seminars include NEC Code, electrician’s exam, MV system, electrical wiring, apprenticeship, estimation, electrical design, Revit MEP, and project management. Mr. Kurdi holds a BS degree in Electrical Engineering and a master’s degree in Adult Education. He is a registered electrical engineer (PE) in 37 states, including Minnesota and Texas. He holds a Class A master electrician license from the State of Minnesota. Currently, Mr. Kurdi is a senior electrical engineer and department head at BKV Group (A&E Firm with offices in Chicago, Dallas, DC & Minneapolis). Mr. Kurdi served as NCEL Board Member (Jan 2021 – present), IAEI MN Chapter president (Jan 2018 – Jan 2023), chair of IEEE Twin Cities PES/IAS (Aug 2019 – Jan 2023), Minnesota State Board of Electricity member (Jan 2018 – Jan 2020).

Mr. Hirschhorn is considered one of America’s most prominent criminal defense trial attorneys. He has been named to Best Lawyers in America since its first edition 38 years ago. Mr. Hirschhorn focuses his practice on the defense of white collar, criminal and civil matters. He received his B.A. degree from the University of Connecticut and his J.D. degree from the University of Wisconsin School of Law. Mr. Hirschhorn is a fellow of the American Board of Criminal Lawyers (President 2003), a past president of the Wisconsin Bar Non-Resident Lawyer Division, a life fellow of the Wisconsin Law Foundation, served as a board member on the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and for three years on The State Bar of Wisconsin Board of Governors. He is also a fellow of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers and the Litigation Counsel of America. Mr. Hirschhorn is a member of the Miami-Dade County Bar Association, the First Amendment Lawyers Association (a founder and past president) and the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He is admitted to The Florida Bar, The State Bar of Wisconsin, U.S. Supreme Court, and all Federal Courts of Appeal except the District of Columbia. Mr. Hirschhorn has been admitted pro hac vice to 39 U.S District Courts in addition to practicing in all Federal Courts in Wisconsin and Florida. He has also handled matters in 34 different States’ Courts. Mr. Hirschhorn has also provided advice and counsel to US and non-US citizens and lawyers in many foreign countries throughout his career.

The mission of Lee law Firm LLC is “to speak up for and ensure justice for the individual.” Born in an abandoned barn in a third-world country as her parents fled from war and genocide, Ms. Lee’s family’s story of survival is living proof that there is justice in this world. Decades later, she would choose to use the trials of her past to be a voice of empowerment for the people she speaks up for. Ms. Lee is an educator at heart. She began her professional career as a teacher, then later working in higher education. She eventually pursued law to voice education in the arena of the legal justice system. She began law school while being a mother of five children! Attorney Lee shares this as encouragement that it is never too late to pursue your dreams. Ms. Lee began her legal career as an assistant district attorney at the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office. She has handled thousands of criminal cases as well as divorce, child support, and custody matters. Ms. Lee has been recognized by The National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40, a professional organization composed of top trial lawyers. Membership is by invitation only and is extended exclusively to trial lawyers. She is a member of the Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the National College for DUI Defense. She also has earned the 2020 Avvo Client’s Choice Award. Ms. Lee earned her J.D. degree from the University of Wisconsin Law School.

Mr. Martinez founded Martinez & Ruby, LLP, with Attorney Cole Ruby in 2008. He practices criminal defense exclusively, and specializes in defending individuals facing charges of homicide, attempted homicide, domestic abuse and sex-based crimes involving adults or children. Mr. Martinez is an accomplished trial lawyer, having tried cases throughout Wisconsin on charges at all severity levels. He also has an extensive history of negotiating dismissals short of trial, which has saved many of his clients the anxiety, risk and expense associated with trial. Together with Cole Ruby, he is a two-time recipient of the Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers’ Hanson Award. Each of these awards were issued for winning a not-guilty verdict in a jury trial involving a charge of first-degree intentional homicide, the most serious crime under Wisconsin law. An Arizona native, he graduated from Northern Arizona University in 2004 with a B.A. degree in Philosophy. After college, he attended law school at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he was a senior managing editor of the Wisconsin Law Review. Mr. Martinez earned his J.D. degree from the UW in 2007. Mr. Martinez is a member of the Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (WACDL) and has served as a speaker to educate the law community at numerous WACDL seminars. He is a native Spanish speaker and has represented Spanish-speaking clients throughout his career.

Mr. Rhodes is an experienced criminal defense attorney who has exclusively represented people accused of crimes since graduating from Marquette University Law School in 2013, where he graduated with specialty certificates in Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution. He has represented thousands of clients in cases stemming from simple traffic infractions to First Degree Intentional Homicide and regularly tries cases to judges and juries. Mr. Rhodes spent the first eleven years of his career as a trial attorney in the Sparta and La Crosse offices of the Wisconsin State Public Defender, where he developed a reputation as a skilled and compassionate advocate. He was a longtime representative of the La Crosse County Treatment Courts, and an expert on the treatment court model and how it benefits clients seeking to avoid jail or prison sentences. Mr. Rhodes is a graduate of the prestigious National Criminal Defense College Trial Advocacy program, a multi-week invitation-only course designed to train leaders in trial advocacy. He continues to specialize in protecting clients who are facing serious and complex prosecutions throughout Western Wisconsin including homicide, sexual assault, child abuse, probation and extended supervision revocations, and felony domestic violence allegations.

This coming January is his 40th anniversary in practice.  Mr. Hazelbaker’s career includes service as in-house counsel to the Wisconsin Counties Association, and work as a county attorney, personnel director, and administrator. His 30 years of private practice experience include extensive litigation and business experience. Mr. Hazelbaker focuses on municipal and land use law, employment, and small business. He draws on a wide range of experience to be of assistance to clients in land use and real estate, municipal, business, government relations and general practice. Mr. Hazelbaker received his undergraduate and law degrees from UW-Madison. He has represented individuals, communities, and businesses in every part of Wisconsin. Mr. Hazelbaker frequently teaches other lawyers in continuing legal education courses. 

Charles (Chad) W. Pollard IV is the President and sole shareholder of Clair, Thompson & Pollard S.C., an established law firm with offices in Lake Geneva and Delavan, Wisconsin. Attorney Pollard’s unique focus on civil litigation, including riparian rights disputes, and real estate, land use and planning, provides property owners and developers the confidence to move forward with lawsuits and development projects knowing that Attorney Pollard has been successful on both sides of the coin. Clair Law has a long history for its representation of clients in riparian rights cases from the seminal riparian rights decision Borsellino v. Kole to a recent trial decision removing an unlawful easement pier and approving a 210 foot Association pier. Attorney Pollard obtained his J.D. degree from Marquette University Law School and his B.A. degree from Calving College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Attorney Pollard is licensed to practice in Wisconsin and Illinois. 

Ryan Simatic is an Attorney and Officer at Biersdorf & Associates, a law firm representing property owners in eminent domain actions from Alaska to Florida and everywhere in between. Mr. Simatic has individually and cooperatively tried multiple eminent domain matters to verdict or award with estimated damages ranging from $50,000 to over $20 million. His practice has also involved other real estate litigation matters, including disputes on property taxes, adverse possession, and land use. Mr. Simatic has practiced extensively in the appellate courts and has obtained favorable rulings in Minnesota, Tennessee, and North Dakota. He obtained his J.D. degree from the Mitchell Hamline School of Law in St. Paul, Minnesota and his B.A. degree from the University of Minnesota. Mr. Simatic is licensed to practice in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Arizona, New York, and Idaho. 

Mr. Wunsch, who received a B.A degree from UW – Madison and J.D. degree from Emory University, has over 30 years of experience, including searching and examining titles, closing transactions and handling title insurance claims. He is a member of the State Bar of Wisconsin and the Milwaukee Bar Association and former President of the Wisconsin Land Title Association.

Ms. Mayne is certified as an Elder Law Attorney (CELA) by the National Elder Law Foundation. She focuses her practice in the areas of elder and special needs law. Ms. Mayne focuses her caseload on asset protection planning, long term care benefit planning, special needs trust planning, and adult guardianship and protective action litigation. She is licensed to practice law in both the states of Wisconsin and Illinois. Ms. Mayne earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication, with honors, from the University of Missouri and received her J.D. from Marquette University Law School along with a certificate in Alternative Dispute Resolution. As part of Her elder law practice, she helps families and individuals with asset protection planning and appeals. Ms. Mayne assists clients seeking eligibility for long-term care benefits (such as Medicaid, Title XIX, family care, and waiver benefits) in the pre-planning and crisis-planning stages

Ms. Schilling oversees the Senior Medicare Patrol, the Wisconsin Guardianship Support Center, and the Elder Benefit Specialist Supervising Attorney program. She works predominantly in the areas of elder law, public benefits, and consumer law. Previously, she was in private practice in New Richmond, Wisconsin, where she practiced in estate planning, Medicaid benefits, guardianship, and general civil litigation. Ms. Schilling is a board member of the State Bar of Wisconsin’s Elder & Special Needs Law Section, the Public Interest Law Section, and a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. Prior to attending law school, She coordinated supports for adults with developmental disabilities, and she currently serves as a volunteer guardian for a woman with a disability living in Madison.

After being admitted to the bar in 1991 and holding general practice oriented positions with several other Wisconsin law firms, Mr. Schubert established Schubert Law Office in 2003, where his principal focus has narrowed to estate planning, estate and trust settlement, and elder law. He earned his undergraduate B.B.A. degree, magna cum laude, from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, and his J.D. degree from the University of Wisconsin Law School, where he graduated cum laude and was elected vice-president of the Business and Tax Law Society. Mr. Schubert is a member of the State Bar of Wisconsin and the Fox Valley Estate Planning Council, among other professional groups. He has previously served as faculty for continuing education seminars on a variety of estate planning, estate settlement, and elder law topics.

Mr. Weltman’s introduction to reverse mortgages came more than 20 years ago after completing a master’s degree in finance from Mercer University. Since that time, he has continued to educate himself and others on all aspects of the program and its uses. He has taught classes on Reverse and HECM to realtors, attorneys, financial planners, and consumers. Mr. Weltman has written articles for local and national publications over the last 20 years including at www.HousingWire.com, The Reverse Mortgage Magazine, The Reverse Review, and Reverse Mortgage Daily. He has been interviewed on television and radio and is considered a foremost expert on Reverse/ HECM in the Southeastern U.S.

Ms. Breuer is an experienced lawyer, helping clients navigate the complexities of government regulation. Ms. Breuer specializes in energy and environmental permitting, regulation, transactions, and litigation. Her previous roles with the Wisconsin Public Service Commission and as Chief of Staff at the Wisconsin Department of Justice, combined with her technical experience as a mechanical engineer in the energy and manufacturing industries, uniquely equip her to be an effective legal partner. Ms. Breuer has collaborated with various state and federal agencies and a thorough understanding of agency operation. She has particular expertise assisting large energy users, including datacenter and manufacturing facilities, with new and existing developments in Wisconsin and Iowa. She assists clients in coordinating with regulators, utilities, and other industry stakeholders, as well as obtaining necessary permits. Ms. Breuer also has substantial experience permitting generation facilities including wind, solar, thermal, and battery systems, and can assist through all stages of the process, from preliminary due diligence and application preparation to post-permit litigation.

She enjoys the challenge of representing clients in the ever-changing regulatory environment. Ms. Breuer is often tapped to speak on new or emerging energy and environmental regulations, including impacts of AI on the electric grid, per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and microplastics. She earned her J.D. degree from the University of Wisconsin Law School.

Mr. Chasco advises electric, telecommunications and other companies in regulatory matters and commercial transactions. Mr. Chasco guides clients through transactions and regulatory proceedings related to electric, natural gas, and water service. He is the former Chair of the Public Utilities Section of the Wisconsin State Bar. Mr. Chasco helps clients define and achieve their strategic goals before state public utilities commissions, independent system operators, environmental regulators, and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. He has significant experience in the development and permitting of large electric infrastructure, territorial disputes between electric providers, holding company and affiliated interest regulation, and the formation or purchase of public utilities. He has successfully represented clients before the Supreme Court of Wisconsin, the Minnesota Supreme Court, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, federal courts, and trial courts throughout Wisconsin. Mr. Chasco earned his J.D. degree, magna cum laude, from Southern Illinois University School of Law.

Ms. Martin is a partner at Axley Brynelson, LLP, and a member of the firm’s Management Team, practicing for over 30 years primarily in the areas of real estate and business. She is a Waukesha County Condemnation Commissioner. Ms. Martin has extensive real estate experience in condemnation and eminent domain, land use and zoning, easements, riparian rights, tax assessments, development, leasing, and commercial and industrial transactions. She represents clients in condemnation matters (acquisition and litigation) relating to electric transmission lines, natural gas pipelines, telecommunications, highways, airports, water, sewer, and other development. Attorney Martin also assists clients in developing, acquiring, and managing commercial and industrial properties. She presents on topics relating to eminent domain to various organizations. Ms. Martin received a B.S. degree in Business Administration, Minor in Economics, from Trinity University and a J.D., cum laude, from Marquette University Law School.

Mr. Potts primarily focuses his practice on complex commercial litigation matters, representing clients in a wide variety of business disputes, from bank fraud to energy and environmental litigation to breach of contract to First Amendment cases. With a talent for project and case management, Mr. Potts excels at developing strategies and shepherding clients through the litigation process in an efficient and effective manner. In addition to his litigation work, he advises clients on compliance with the Clean Air Act and represents organizations in government enforcement matters. Mr. Potts also assists utility companies with energy regulatory matters. He earned his J.D. degree, cum laude, from Vermont Law School and his LL.M. from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law.

Ms. Russo represents clients before the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin and state and federal courts in energy, environmental and real estate matters. Ms. Russo approaches her work with a practical mindset that is always focused on the end goal and creative solutions to get there. She enjoys briefing courts and regulatory bodies on complex legal issues through simple and convincing terms and prides herself on delivering actionable advice to clients. Ms. Russo earned her J.D. degree, cum laude, from the University of Minnesota Law School.

Mr. Walsvik focuses on helping clients in regulated spaces achieve project and policy goals, focusing specifically on energy and international trade. Whether dealing with new challenges like data center development and large electric loads, ever-changing tariffs on imported goods, or old challenges like electric rate design and energy generation development, Mr. Walsvik brings a wholistic, fundamentally sound and creative approach to challenges. A lifelong learner, he built his result-oriented approach through a diverse legal and business career inside regulators like the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), litigating at nonprofit advocacy groups, working in manufacturing facilities, and negotiating transaction terms at large corporations. Mr. Walsvik has been involved in the energy, renewables, and trade spaces for nearly a decade in various roles, and clients has an ability to sort through the complex regulatory, technical, and legal issues to find creative solutions to problems. He is an adept strategic advocate, who helps clients understand the practical effects of decisions, while always providing staunch legal analysis. Mr. Walsvik is a leader in Wisconsin’s energy regulatory space and is constantly engaged with his industries and their communities. At the state level, he serves as the Chairperson of the Public Utilities Section of the Wisconsin State Bar, and as a Board Member of the Wisconsin Public Utilities Institute (WPUI). Nationally, he serves on the Board of the Energy Bar Association’s Electricity Steering Committee as the editor of a report which documents major federal changes in the electricity sector every year. Mr. Walsvik earned his J.D. degree from the University of Wisconsin Law School.

Mr. Wilson is an energy and utility lawyer who spends much of his time representing clients before state regulators. Mr. Wilson has extensive experience representing electric and gas utilities, energy developers and customers of water and wastewater utilities in rate cases, construction projects, mergers and acquisitions, siting disputes, enforcement actions, investigations and complaint cases. He is a member of the firm’s Executive Committee and co-chair of the Associate Committee. Mr. Wilson earned his J.D. degree from the University of Iowa College of Law.

This coming January is his 40th anniversary in practice.  Mr. Hazelbaker’s career includes service as in-house counsel to the Wisconsin Counties Association, and work as a county attorney, personnel director, and administrator. His 30 years of private practice experience include extensive litigation and business experience. Mr. Hazelbaker focuses on municipal and land use law, employment, and small business. He draws on a wide range of experience to be of assistance to clients in land use and real estate, municipal, business, government relations and general practice. Mr. Hazelbaker received his undergraduate and law degrees from UW-Madison. He has represented individuals, communities, and businesses in every part of Wisconsin. Mr. Hazelbaker frequently teaches other lawyers in continuing legal education courses. 

Ms. Wal’s practice focuses on real estate transactions and leasing, real estate development and construction. Since 2007, she has represented owners of construction projects that total over $1 billion. In addition to her real estate and construction practice, Ms. Wal advises corporate, institutional and bank clients in commercial and construction lending transactions.

Ms. Wal has an extensive background in banking as a former Business Banker, Middle Market Commercial Banking Paralegal and Project Manager for compliance issues at three of the largest banks in Milwaukee. While at Chase Bank (formerly Bank One), She was a member of a national project team formed to create new versions of Middle Market commercial loan documents.

Mr. Anderson is WILMIC’s Director of Claims and works with lawyers in resolving malpractice claims made against policyholders. He enjoys the challenge of helping place policyholders at ease during a time of stress, when they are facing a legal malpractice claim or grievance. Before joining Wisconsin Lawyers Mutual in 2003, Mr. Anderson practiced personal injury law in Madison and served as legal counsel for an insurance company. He began his career in general practice and is a 1992 graduate of the University of Wisconsin Law School. Mr. Anderson serves on the content planning committee for the State Bar of Wisconsin’s Solo/Small Firm Conference.

Mr. Beier prior to joining WILMIC in November 2016, he was a civil litigation attorney in Madison with experience before state and federal courts as well as Wisconsin administrative agencies. He has broad experience in diverse areas of the law, including personal injury, employment law, contract law, business law, commercial law, and debtor/creditor law. Mr. Beier is a 1996 graduate of South Dakota State University, with a degree in Political Science, and graduated from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 2000. He is a member of the State Bar of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Defense Counsel, Milwaukee County Bar Association and the Dane County Bar Association. Mr. Beier also serves as a board member on the State Bar of Wisconsin’s Solo/Small Firm and General Practice Section.

Ms. Bosworth has been with the firm since 2014, and has been a partner since 2020. She graduated magna cum laude from the University of Minnesota Law School in 2012. She specializes in plaintiff’s personal injury work, and has litigation experience in complex medical malpractice and products liability cases, as well as premises liability and motor vehicle accidents. She’s been recognized as a Top Trial Lawyer under 40, an Up and Coming Lawyer by the Wisconsin Law Journal, and a Super Lawyer Rising star since 2019. She was also honored with the prestigious designation of Wisconsin Law Foundation Fellow in 2023. She helped co-found Women Lawyers of the North (a local bar associated dedicated to supporting and uplifting women lawyers), where she currently serves on the board. She also serves on the board of the Wisconsin Association for Justice (a group of plaintiffs lawyers dedicated to securing justice and fair trials for the injured.)

Ms. Campbell is recognized as a top-rated personal injury and civil litigation attorney. She prides herself on delivering exceptional results for her clients. She is hired by other law firms to assist with complex cases. She has a deep understanding of the law, is able to navigate complex claims, and works with her clients within all points of the legal system; from pre-suit to verdict, and if necessary, up through the Supreme Court. Ms. Campbell has been listed as a Wisconsin Super Lawyers Rising Star from 2019-2024.

Ms. Healy focuses her practice on a wide variety of personal injury cases. Prior to joining Habush, she worked as an attorney at a civil litigation firm in Madison, Wisconsin, where she dedicated her career to helping those who need it most. She has vast experience representing individuals in both state and federal courts, as well as with transnational litigation. In recognition of her civil litigation work, Ms. Healy was designated a Super Lawyers Rising Star in 2019, 2020, and 2021. Currently, she sits on the board of directors for the Wisconsin Association for Justice (WAJ) and is the immediate past chair of the Women’s Caucus. Additionally, she was  nominated to serve as a Regional Officer for WAJ. She is also a member of the James E. Doyle Inn of Court and is an active member of the Legal Association for Women in Dane County, serving on the board of directors from 2019-2021. Healy received her undergraduate degree from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, and graduated cum laude, with honors, from Valparaiso Law School. While in law school, she served as editor of the Law Review.

Ms. Scheuerman joined Weiss Law Office, S.C., in October 2022 after spending more than a decade at a large Fox Valley law firm, where she practiced as a Shareholder. Her practice has always been focused on personal injury and civil litigation, and before joining Weiss Law Office, she also served as a municipal prosecutor. Ms. Scheuerman practice has also included appellate work in a variety of practice areas. She was involved in a case that was argued before the Wisconsin Supreme Court to determine the rights of injured parties to access UIM and UM insurance coverages during the “Truth in Auto” era. The outcome of Belding and its companion-cases remains to this day one of her proudest achievements because of the impact that decision had on Wisconsin law and injured parties throughout the State. One of Ms. Scheuerman’s greatest passions is legal education, both for attorneys and for the public. For this reason, a 2019 invitation to be a regular feature on WHBY’s radio segment, The Lawyers, with Mr. Dukelow was especially meaningful. Given their shared passion for education and civil public discourse, Ms. Scheuerman and  Mr. Dukelow then collaborated to put a fresh spin on his podcast Civic Revival. For almost two years, they recorded weekly discussions about the Rule of Law and the need for a return to civil discourse in American life. Before wrapping up the podcast, Ms. Scheuerman and  Mr. Dukelow  returned to their alma mater, Lawrence University, as visiting scholars to record their last episode live in front of a student audience.

Mr. Lewandowski is senior counsel with Husch Blackwell. He guides clients on compliance issues regarding surface and groundwater and remediation of contaminated properties. With experience in aligning the clean water laws of Wisconsin with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines, Mr. Lewandowski understands the subtleties of state regulations covering surface and groundwater. He has the unique ability to handle client matters in courts, administrative agencies and legislatures. Though he generally collaborates with private sector clients, he also successfully defended a rural county in Wisconsin in a Superfund contribution action. Mr. Lewandowski defends businesses in state and federal enforcement actions, including citizens’ suits and federal criminal enforcements. He earned his B.A. degree, cum laude, from Ripon College and his J.D. degree from the University of Wisconsin Law School.

Ms. Murn is an attorney with Axley Attorneys and a member of the Business Practice Group at Axley. Ms. Murn focuses her practice primarily on commercial real estate, business, and estate and succession planning, as well as catering to the unique legal needs of family-owned businesses. Attorney Murn’s other areas of practice, including commercial real estate, land use, construction law, riparian rights, and general business practice, allow her to serve clients with a full 360-degree approach to asset protection, business strategy and conveyance of real estate. She represents business owners of all kinds both in their everyday dealings as well as when they are buying or selling commercial real estate or developing land. Ms. Murn also represents a number of commercial construction companies with a nationwide presence. Her experience working with local municipalities gives her a leg-up on representing business owners or those looking to purchase and develop real estate. Ms. Murn earned her B.A. degree, cum laude, from Marquette University and her J.D. degree, cum laude, from Marquette University Law School.

Mr. Sorenson is a shareholder with von Briesen & Roper, S.C. and has more than 35 years of experience helping clients with a wide range of legal issues. He provides counsel on corporate law, business succession planning and estate planning. Mr. Sorenson also represents municipalities, and with regard to real estate he counsels on land use, zoning, smart growth, water front litigation and nonmetallic mining. He is a Fond du Lac County Court Commissioner and serves as a mediator and arbitrator in real estate and labor disputes. Widely known and respected by his peers, he has served in many capacities with the State Bar of Wisconsin, including terms as president (1997-1998) and Secretary (1994-1996), as well as chairing several of their Standing Committees, including the Finance, Solo and Small Firm, Communications, Convention and Entertainment Committees. He was also president of the National Conference of Bar Presidents (2007-2008) and a member of the American Bar Association House of Delegates. Mr. Sorenson is a member of the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation Board and the Green Lake County/Ripon Area Foundation Board. He is the past President of the Ripon Main Street Development Board of Directors and an adjunct professor of Business and Politics and Government at Ripon College. Mr. Sorenson is a member of the Board of Directors for the Green Lake Festival of Music and Badger Boys State. Mr. Sorenson is a frequent lecturer on legal ethics, real estate law and waterfront rights. He served as chairman of the Board of Directors for Community Health Network (CHN) and remains active in health care organizations.