Environmental Leadership Chronicles

Environmental Leadership Chronicles is brought to you by the California Association of Environmental Professionals. We interview leaders in the environmental industry to share information about their career development beyond the technical work. This podcast is for anyone who is interested in any and all things within the environmental profession.

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Episodes

Thursday Jan 18, 2024

Co-host Corinne Lytle Bonine joins the podcast as we feature Jenny Vick, West Coast Offshore Wind Lead for HDR. 
As an established environmental consultant, Jenny has over 18 years of environmental and project management experience preparing CEQA and NEPA documents for a wide range of marine and coastal projects, including renewable energy, substations, transmission, and ports.  
Jenny discusses the exciting opportunities and challenges in developing offshore wind in the Pacific Ocean – and keeping on the cutting edge of this rapidly evolving industry.  
She earned a bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from the University of California, Santa Barbara and a Master’s degree in Marine Biology from James Cook University in Australia.  
Join us as we learn about Jenny's approach to mentorship and carving your professional pathway. Thanks for listening, we hope you enjoy! 

Thursday Dec 14, 2023

This episode is a feature in our CEQA Series where I'm joined by co-host, Corinne Lytle Bonine and we feature Andrew Saba, Managing Director at Stockdale Capital Partners. 
Andrew is responsible for asset management with a focus on healthcare real estate at Stockdale Capital Partners – a real estate investment firm based in Los Angeles. Andrew discusses how commercial developers approach CEQA in project planning, and considerations for streamlining development for healthcare and housing needs. 
Join us as we learn about from a developer's perspective on engaging with environmental processes. Thanks for listening, we hope you enjoy! 

Monday Dec 11, 2023

This episode is a feature in our CEQA Series; our host Konnie Dobreva speaks with guests Tim Haile, Executive Director at Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) and Meghan Macias, Director of Technical Services at EPD Solutions 
Konnie, Meghan, and Tim discuss the impacts of SB 743 on VMT mitigation and TDM programs designed to reduce emissions, urban sprawl and promote use of alternative transportation. 
Tim Haile, an award-winning transportation expert, emphasizes the importance of innovative transit programs and the need for sustainable, equitable, and accessible transportation solutions. He discusses his leadership in connected and autonomous vehicles, including the deployment of shared autonomous vehicles in the Bay Area. 
Meghan Macias brings over two decades of experience in transportation planning to the conversation. She leads a team focused on comprehensive technical analyses for land development projects across California. Meghan's expertise includes traffic engineering and a deep understanding CEQA. 
Join Tim, Meghan, and Konnie as they discuss challenges and strategies surrounding VMT mitigation and its impact on transportation planning and development in California.

Tuesday Sep 26, 2023

In this episode, co-hosts Corinne and Jessa feature Pedro Peterson, Ph.D. - who manages the Local Planning Section at the California Air Resources Board (known as CARB). CARB provides resources and guidance to local governments on how to align land use and mobility policies with the State’s climate, air quality, and equity commitments. He has previously led teams at CARB overseeing investments from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund on affordable housing and transportation. Before joining CARB, he was a Senior Planner with the City of San Francisco, and independent consultant for the Inter-American Development Bank in Washington, DC, and completed a Ph.D. in City and Regional Planning at UC Berkeley. 
Listen in as we learn about Pedro’s insights on leadership as an environmental professional and the path that led him to his current role with CARB.

Wednesday Aug 23, 2023

In this episode, we delve into the world of Generative AI with Gayani Weerasinghe, an intellectual property attorney and Hobson Lane, an AI developer, professor, and social impact entrepreneur.  
As generative AI continues to evolve and become more integrated into our lives, we wanted to launch a miniseries on the practical applications and limitations of AI to frame discussions on how we can use it within the environmental industry. We discuss the legal considerations of using this powerful tool, as well as the opportunities it presents – including greater accessibility. 
Disclaimer: the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the California Association of Environmental Professionals. 

Tuesday Jul 11, 2023

In this episode. we feature an interview with our guest Dr. Cheryl Croshere. 
Join us as we dive into the world of sustainable transportation with Cheryl, an advocate, researcher, and consultant. With a diverse academic background spanning women's studies, transportation planning, and cultural anthropology, Cheryl brings a unique perspective to the table.  
Cheryl discusses her lifelong passion for sustainable transportation. Discover how she combines the power of data, storytelling, and genuine human connections to inspire individuals to envision a future with alternative modes of transportation. 
As the Executive Director of the non-profit Sacramento and 50 Corridor Transportation Management Associations (TMA), Cheryl's current focus is on creating a groundbreaking travel behavior change program. Tune in to hear her vision of helping 100,000 Sacramentans drive a little less and experience a whole lot more joy and well-being.
Thanks for listening, we hope you enjoy! 

Wednesday Jun 21, 2023

In this episode, I am joined by a guest co-host, Konnie Dobreva and we feature Jenny Delumo. 
Jenny is a Senior Planner and Transportation Review Team lead at the San Francisco Planning Department where she reviews complex transportation projects for environmental impacts and works on transportation policy. In addition to transportation and environmental planning, she has experience in sustainable development, redevelopment, and inter-agency collaboration. 
Jenny discusses the importance of finding a mentor, being a mentor, and being a champion for others' success. Join us as we learn about Jenny’s approach to leadership as an environmental professional. 

Friday Jun 02, 2023

In this episode, I am joined by a guest co-host, Corinne Lytle Bonine and we feature Kevin Cunningham. 
Kevin is an environmental practitioner with a strong background in managing the preparation of various CEQA compliant documents for public infrastructure and land development projects. He also has expertise in navigating the regulatory landscape through developing and overseeing the permitting process for projects involving jurisdictional waters.  Kevin is actively engaged in mitigation negotiation where he focuses his efforts on looking for opportunities to strike a balance between project goals and environmental preservation. 
Kevin holds the position of Environmental Project Manager at the Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District.  He and his team of Assistant and Associate Planners are responsible for providing comprehensive CEQA compliance and permitting services required to deliver stormwater infrastructure projects in accordance with legal requirements and environmental best practices to support implementation of the District’s Capital Improvement Plan. 
Listen in on our conversation with Kevin as he details his journey to where he is now and shares his thoughts on how to increase diversity within the environmental profession.
Thanks for listening, we hope you enjoy this episode! 

Thursday May 25, 2023

In this episode, I am again joined by co-host, Konnie Dobreva and we feature Audrey Zagazeta, President & CEO of Circlepoint. 
Audrey has decades of experience in environmental planning, working in both the public and private sectors. She has managed multi-disciplinary projects for local municipalities and private developers, providing innovative and sustainable solutions to a variety of environmental challenges. 
Under her leadership, Circlepoint has a renewed commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and within the communities they serve. She understands the importance of fostering an inclusive environment that embraces diverse perspectives and experiences, allowing for more comprehensive and impactful solutions.  
Join us as we learn about Audrey's journey to becoming a CEO and her approach to leadership.

Tuesday May 23, 2023

In this episode, we feature Michael Brandman, former President & CEO of Michael Brandman Associates. Michael is a pioneer in the environmental industry; in 1974, Michael was one of the original founders of the Association of Environmental Professionals and served as the California AEP State President in 1983. His journey closely aligned with the environmental movement, witnessing the establishment of crucial policies such as CEQA, NEPA, the Endangered Species Act, and the Clean Water Act.
In 1982, Michael started Michael Brandman Associates, a consulting firm that provided expertise in environmental compliance at the local, state, and federal level. Over the course of 30 years in business, they successfully completed over 8,000 projects and employed a team of 65 individuals. In 2012, Michael Brandman Associates was acquired by First Carbon Solutions, cementing their impact in the industry. 
During this conversation, Michael shares his insights on the opportunities AEP provides for leadership, training, and mentorship, as well as the driving force behind the establishment of AEP's Code of Ethics. While he has retired, Michael remains engaged with AEP, continuing to contribute his wisdom and expertise to the field he helped shape. 
It was a true pleasure to speak with Michael, we hope you enjoy this episode! 

Thursday May 18, 2023

In this episode, we feature Julie Regan, Executive Director of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA). We recorded this episode onsite at the 2023 AEP State Conference, just a few minutes after Julie stepped off the stage from giving her keynote address. 
Julie is a seasoned leader in communications, government affairs, and environmental conservation, with decades of experience in both the public and private sectors. In 2022, she was appointed Executive Director of TRPA - the first environmental interstate compact agency of its kind in the United States. TRPA is charged with protecting the breathtaking Lake Tahoe – the second deepest lake in the United States and the ancestral home of the native Washoe people.  
Julie has been instrumental in finding a balance between environmental preservation and sustaining a thriving $5-billion dollar tourist-based economy at Lake Tahoe. 
Julie earned her master's degree in journalism from Temple University and is currently a Ph.D. candidate in environmental science at the University of Nevada, Reno, where she is focusing her research around the intersection of science and public policy.  
She is also a past Co-Chair of the nationally-focused Network for Landscape Conservation and has contributed to the global discussion on over-tourism through her writings on destination stewardship. 
We had a great time speaking with Julie to learn about her experience and leadership principles. Thanks for listening, and we hope you enjoy this episode! 

Tuesday May 09, 2023

In this episode, we hear from attendees at the 2023 AEP Conference: Mountain Vibes & Lake Blues in Lake Tahoe.
We've compiled a series of short clips from a variety of conference-goers sharing their experience. Over the course of the conference, we had the opportunity to speak with a variety of attendees, including environmental scientists, policy experts, planners, and many others. Each person had their own unique perspective and experiences to share, shedding light on the pressing issues, innovative approaches, and inspiring stories from the world of environmental professionals.
So sit back, relax, and enjoy these firsthand accounts of the AEP conference. And who knows, maybe you'll be inspired to attend the next one yourself!

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