Earthworks Environmental

Cherie Koester, CEO at Earthworks Environmental, sets the bar high for the company she founded in September 2014. Her goal is to nurture and grow Earthworks into the most prestigious and experienced environmental consulting firm in the U.S., specializing in dust control and storm water pollution prevention. With her wealth of experience, that goal likely will be achieved sooner than later.

Cherie founded Earthworks after serving as Director of Environmental Compliance for a large landscape maintenance and landscape construction company in Metro Phoenix. While at that firm she created and ran the environmental compliance and safety division. Previous to that that role, she was a compliance inspector for the Maricopa County Air Quality Department.

Cherie gained five years of experience working closely with the development and construction industries by inspecting a wide variety of regulated sites and sources. She is a member of the Clear Air Council for MCAQD and is an expert in storm water pollution prevention and the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System. She is proficient in leading public education presentations on particulate matter pollution, dust control regulations and the necessities of staying in compliance with federal and local air pollution laws. Cherie is skillful in ensuring dust compliance and assisting the regulated community with rule interpretation. She has a specific expertise in identifying field observations then indicating cost effective and accurate job site practices.

Cherie received her Master of Science degree in International Environmental Technology Management & Sustainability in December 2011 from Arizona State University. She earned her BS in May 2008 from ASU and also holds an associate degree from Northeast Wisconsin Technical College in business administration.

Prior to her work with the air quality department Cherie gained experience in the regulated community as an office manager for Pauley Construction, a contractor of the Salt River Project. She learned aspects of the contracting industry including professional bids, job coordination, and accounting. She acquired her passion for the environment and health and safety issues as assistant store manager of a family-owned health and nutrition business.

A native of Green Bay, Wisc., Cherie has three adult children which all work with her at Earthworks. Cherie enjoys spending time with her family and is particularly fond of cooking, swimming, riding her bike, and perfecting her wine palette.

Cherie is active in industry groups throughout the United States and encourages her employees to do so as well.

Maybe because she grew up where it’s cold and now, she lives here in the Valley, this is what Cherie says people don’t know about her: “I am a Christmas fanatic and listen to Christmas music at least three times a week while I cook, all year long.”

Dawn Joseph is not one to shy away from a challenge. Operations Manager at Earthworks, Dawn is also a successful personal business owner and State Board Certified Aesthetician and licensed with the Arizona Radiation Regulatory Agency as a laser technician.

A native of Mesa, Ariz., Dawn says joining Earthworks was “a leap of faith into an unfamiliar field.” It has paid off handsomely, helping expand her role and responsibilities as Operations Manager. Her passion is customer service. Dawn excels at patience and consistency, is extremely adaptable, and understands that every customer is important.

Dawn is a highly skilled communicator with a strong work ethic. Dawn utilizes her calming presence in everything she does. She is goal oriented and excels at time management. She is no stranger to the real estate industry in the Valley. She has years of experience working at Southeast Valley Regional Association of Realtors (SEVRAR). Dawn is active with industry groups including Valley Partnership and the Home Builders Association of Central Arizona (HBACA).

Away from the office, Dawn enjoys spending time with her children. She enjoys the theater and cinema, but you will also find her in the outdoors observing wildlife. Sometimes you might find at home cheering on her favorite UFC fighter, Brock Lesnar. She adds she likes to unwind with a glass of single malt Scotch.

The personal accomplishment of which she is most proud: “Achieving my personal independence.” A challenge she faced and triumphed over, she proudly says.

First impressions are key to any business, regardless of size. Visitors to the Gilbert office of Earthworks Environmental are greeted by Administrative Assistant Madison McMain, who makes them feel welcome and more important makes them feel like family. After all, Madison’s mother is company owner Cherie Koester.

Madison is responsible for maintaining staff schedules, event planning, invoicing for billing, and of course – welcoming guests to the office at the front desk. A native of Green Bay, Wisc., Madison lives in Queen Creek. An expectant mother, Madison is pursuing Bachelor of Science degrees in nutrition and communication at Chandler-Gilbert Community College.

Madison enjoys cooking nutritious food, working out, lifting weights, and cross-fit training. She is also an avid hiker and enjoys spending time with her husband (an active duty Marine) when he is home. The personal accomplishment of which she is most proud? “I am so proud of the person I am and the attitude that I bring forward every day,” Madison says. “I am a positive person with a touch of sarcasm. I am so extremely proud of my husband and all that he and I have gone through with us being stationed in (Oceanside) California. I am so proud to be a mom. I have the best mother in the world and can’t wait to live up to being just like her.”

The best advice she has to share: “Do what makes you happy.”

Hilary Goodine is an outgoing, loving person from Green Bay, Wisconsin. Four years ago she relocated to sunny Arizona following her year abroad in Scotland. During her time abroad she built her love for traveling and getting to know people from around the world. When returning to Arizona, Hilary completed her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education with specialties in STEM and Environmental Education.

Though she loved her time in the classroom, she grew a greater appreciation for organization, data analysis, and the opportunity to work with people one on one. Hilary is excited to work with Earthworks Environmental while in her free time keeping her passion of working with kids by teaching on sundays and volunteering with a local musical theater group.

Outside of work, Hilary loves socalizing while listening to country music and going dancing. You can also find her outside exploring new places with the people she loves the most. With her adventurous spirit, Hilary is excited to be part of Earthworks Environmental team. She is confident she will help create a positive experience for both the staff and the clients, as well as use her professional skills to help take Earthworks Environmental to the next level.

Brendan serves as the National Operations Analyst & Advisor. He is tasked with being the company’s subject matter expert on the varying environmental regulations across the country. Brendan analyzes the ever-changing, multi-layered regulations and policies of federal, state, and local regulatory agencies to ensure that Earthworks maintains the strongest compliance standards for its clients. Brendan ensures that the company standard is met and maintained amongst its divisions as the company continues to grow throughout the nation. He also manages Earthworks’ proprietary ERX software program in conjunction with the Senior Technology Manager. Brendan is based in the company's flagship state of Arizona but also divides his time between Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Wisconsin.

Brendan possesses 15+ years of wide-ranging environmental compliance experience. He has previously held the role of Director of Training & Development at Earthworks and attained the specialized CPESC certification in 2018.

Throughout his career, Mark Hubbard has had a keen interest in environmental issues. Besides earning a Master of Science degree in environmental management from the Fulton School of Engineering at Arizona State University, Mark published an article in the Journal of Environmental Health on the effects of ozone on hospital visits for asthma.

Mark brings that expertise to Earthworks Environmental as Lead Compliance Manager for the newlycreated Florida office. His responsibilities include Storm Water Pollution Prevention (SWPP) manual preparation, notice of intent/notice of termination filing, SWPP program management, site inspections, permit compliance assistance, construction general permit (GCP) applications, street sweeping, and site clean-up. He will provide National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System/SWPP consulting services in Florida for commercial and residential development. It is one of the services Earthworks Environmental offers in Arizona.

A native of Warwick, R.I., Mark now calls Mesa home. Prior to joining Earthworks Environmental, Mark was Business Assistance Coordinator for the Maricopa County Air Quality Department. Besides his M.S. degree from ASU, Mark holds a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Biola University in La Mirada, Calif.

When he’s off the clock, Mark enjoys watching movies and playing with his granddaughters and restoring a 1966 Corvette with his father.

Mark says the best business advice he’s been given is: “Always finish what you start.”

The best advice he has shared: “The most respected leaders are the ones that can identify and remove the roadblocks that keep others from achieving their potential.”

Matthew Trygg joined the Earthworks team in October 2018. Previously he's worked in the Natural Resource and Restoration Industries. Matt has worked on a wide range of projects ranging from Army Corps, townships, and home owners’ associations. Before coming a compliance manager, Matt worked installing BMPs and native landscapes, rising through the ranks into managing installation processes. Now as the IL division Lead, he takes pride in having learned the ropes as compliance manager and again rising up to now maintaining compliance for all of our clients, following NPDES and SWPP guidelines for the entire division.

Matt is native to Illinois, born and raised in the Chicago land region. He graduated from Illinois State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences 2014. Matt is QCIS certified, DECI certified, and is currently working towards CESSWI certification.

Matt and his wife live in the Chicago land area. In his free time, he volunteers at the local elementary school and enjoys being a part of forest restoration projects.

The best business / life advice he’s been given: “If you’re not learning something new every day, you must not have gotten out of bed.”

Aaron joined Earthworks as a Compliance Manager in January 2018 after relocating from Ohio in June 2017. Prior to joining Earthworks Aaron worked for 10 years in the fields of environmental due diligence and contaminated site management for both regional and multi-national environmental consulting firms.

Aaron has completed hundreds of due diligence projects including ASTM E1527-05/13 and AAI compliant Phase I Environmental Site Assessment’s (ESA) at sites ranging from agricultural properties to active and closed commercial and industrial facilities primarily focused on manufacturing operations. He has completed dozens of limited compliance reviews that assessed a review of plans, permits, policies and procedures at industrial facilities for compliance with applicable air, storm water, waste water, chemical reporting, and universal and hazardous waste rules and regulations. He is also knowledgeable regarding ASTM E2600 vapor encroachment condition elements.

Phase II ESA experience includes field sampling and regulatory reporting related to hazardous substance and petroleum contaminated sites. He is knowledgeable regarding free product recovery, UST system closure sampling, soil boring and monitoring well installation, groundwater sampling and monitoring, PCB chip and wipe sampling, and indoor air and sub-slab soil gas sampling.

Aaron has also conducted work related to pre-renovation and pre-demolition asbestos inspections; health and safety plan development and inspections; and wetland delineation and impact assessments primarily focused on linear infrastructure projects.

Aaron is a graduate of Johnson State College in Johnson, VT with a degree in Natural Resource Management and is a U.S. Army Veteran. Aaron served as a Combat Engineer, Training Sergeant and Paratrooper and was deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan).

When he’s not in the field, Aaron enjoys dual sport motorcycling, mountain biking, travelling, and enjoying the Arizona sunshine.

Martin joined the United States Marine Corps straight out of high school at 17. He enlisted as a small arms repairman but later moved into maintenance management. He was deployed for in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. He holds a degree in Computer Networking with an emphasis on cyber security. He doesn't envoy the cubicle life which is why he enjoys being a compliance manager with the Earthworks team. Plenty of fresh, dry air in Arizona. Not only does he help our clients stay in compliance, he is also our go to guy for our installations and social media.

On his time off, if he's not spending time with his family, beating his boys on some video games, or cooking, Martin enjoys doing anything that allows him to smoke his cigars in peace.

Johnathan joined the Earthworks team as a compliance manager in July 2018. He was born and raised in central Florida. Prior to working for Earthworks, Johnathan was a Deputy Sheriff in Florida for 8 years. While working at the sheriffs office, Johnathan was a part of several different units to include crime suppression, narcotics and the tactical drug unit. Johnathan was also a member of the SWAT for over 5 years.

After his work at the sheriffs office, Johnathan started a small renovation business where he buys and renovates older homes.

While he is not working, Johnathan enjoys anything outdoors. Johnathan along with his father and brothers are currently section hiking the Appalachian Trail that stretches from Georgia to Maine. Johnathan will never turn down an offer to go fishing or diving.

Martin joined Earthworks in January 2018. Previously he's worked in the hospitality and warehouse industry, and was an instructor at the sheriffs office in multiple areas (firearms, driving, general topics, ect.). He was also a firearms, driving, simunitions and reality based training at the Police Academy and was certified to do all these things through the Florida Deptartment of Law Enforcement. Overall he has 15 years in law enforemcnet, 11 of those on SWAT.

He's been an avid competitive powerlifter since he was 14 (almost 32 years now) and has always been into health and fitness. Martin is an OCD recycler and has always cared about the environment which is why Earthworks is a great fit.

I was born and raised in Prior Lake, Mn and grew up in the country my entire life. I played basketball and football all the way throughout high school, and then went on to play basketball at Hamline University. While at Hamline University, I received my Bachelor’s diploma with a major in Environmental Studies and a minor in Business Management.

While attending Hamline University, I worked at Three River’s Park District doing a variety of jobs maintain the park. My junior year I traveled to South Dakota for a week to help the SD Fish and Game conduct a whitetail deer capture. I also volunteered with the MN DNR that served as my senior year internship.

After college I worked with our family business doing furniture refinishing and cabinet finishing until I got hired by Earthworks. I still help with that business on the side as well.

In my free time I like to fish and hunt! Working with Earthworks Environmental is especially gratifying to me knowing that I am helping keep Minnesota’s lakes, rivers, and streams free of pollution. It’s a good feeling knowing that you are helping keep some great fishing spots clean and free of sediment pollution.

Working with Earthworks Environmental has been great so far, and I am excited to see what the future brings.

Ben joined the Earthworks team as a compliance manager in May 2019. He was born and raised in Winter Haven, Florida. Prior to working for Earthworks, Ben was a claims adjuster at State Farm. He also played baseball in college and coached for a short period after.

While he is not working, Ben enjoys hunting/fishing and playing sports. He has competed in local sporting events and barbeque competitions.

Blake joined Earthworks as a Compliance Manager in August 2019 to open the Colorado division. Prior to Earthworks Blake worked as Environmental Scientist and Biologist for various consulting firms. With professional experience in performing wetland jurisdictional delineations, writing California Environmental Quality Act documents, working with local regulators, and conducting various threatened and endangered species surveys. Blake is passionate about the environment and enjoys his current role for he can talk to people about how to preserve our wonderful landscapes.

Blake graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder with a bachelor’s in Environmental Studies and minor in Atmospheric and Oceanic Studies.

Outside of work, Blake enjoys hunting, fly-fishing, birdwatching, gardening, and spending time with family and friends.

Neil served in the United States Marine Corp during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Shipping out to bootcamp on September 11th 2001. He served two combat tours in the role of an infantryman. Neil is married with his wife and has two sons. Upon leaving the United States Marine Corps he worked in the construction field as a boom operator for a local Arizona concrete pumping company. When the economy to a downturn Neil took on a position to learn additional skills in the regulatory side of business. Conducting audits and inspections became second nature to him that would help him in the future when working for Earthworks Environmental. Achieving a Bachelors in Organizational Leadership, has also helped Neil in recognizing how to help clients to stay compliant while also staying within budget and on schedule.

In his free time he enjoys spending time with his family, working on cars, and staying physically fit.

Joshua (Josh) was born in sunny California but moved to Arizona at the ripe age of 9 and considers himself an Arizona native at heart who joined the Earthworks team in late 2019. After over 7 years of managing hundreds of employees and millions of dollars of inventory for a major retail chain and developing his trademark unparalleled work ethic and his eye for detail, he decided it was time for a career change.

As Josh has always been an avid outdoorsman and family man who loves hiking, camping, rock climbing and above all else, fishing, he has a unique passion for protecting our environment. Combining his top-notch work ethic, his eye for detail, and his love for the environment, Earthworks Environmental was a perfect fit!

In his free time, you can find Josh being the resident “handyman” for his family and friends, listening to country music, and (of course) fishing!

One of Josh’s favorite quotes is “Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.” -Pele

Born and raised in Arizona, this native fits in perfectly as Earthworks’ Senior Technology Manager, based out of our Mesa, AZ office.

Having traveled when he was young, to England, France, China, Michael stayed in AZ, achieving a bachelor’s degree in Biology from Univ of AZ and has been employed in environmental field since 2008, primarily focused on air quality. Michael worked as a regulatory inspector, moved to policy/rule-making, performed technical analysis work to support State Implementation Plans, managed air emissions reporting program, and served as co-chair on a joint AZ & EPA project designing a new reporting program. Most recently, he worked as an air quality compliance and permitting lead for Miami Copper Smelter and currently serves as chapter secretary in the local AZ chapter of Air & Waste Management Association.

Outside of his ‘home office’ (thank you Covid), Michael enjoys hiking, camping, gardening, and spending time with his wife and son. He has always had an interest in computers and programming, where Earthworks has given him the opportunity to explore his new career focus in software development.

Michael’s favorite part about working at Earthworks is the optimum work/life balance which is very important.

I served in the U.S. Army from 2004 to 2008 after which I received my A.A.S. in Natural Resources Conservation followed by a B.S. in Aquatics and Fisheries Science. While going to college I participated in projects ranging from invasive species removal and cutting hiking trails to wetland construction and fisheries research from the state of Arizona to the state of Massachusetts.

While working on my Bachelor’s at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse, NY I started an internship with a lake management consultant company working on low cost, environmental friendly management of invasive aquatic plants and lakeshore habitat improvement which lead to a full time position. Eventually I took a position with the U.S. Geological Survey as a biologist and participated in research focused on aquatic invasive species and endangered species. I have also worked several positions in the natural resource field with various state agencies and universities.

I joined Earthworks in February of 2019 and have enjoyed my time here. I am happy to part of a company that works to prevent environmental issues such as pollution and sedimentation. Previous experience has taught me that prevention is often the best and most cost-effective measure in keeping our aquatic ecosystems healthy.

In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family. We really like to go camping and exploring the Minnesota rivers, especially the St. Croix River!

Braxton was born and raised in a small suburb outside of Green Bay, WI, before making the move to Arizona. Braxton initially joined Earthworks in its early days as a member of the install crew. During the Fall of 2017, he began attending Arizona State University while pursuing a degree in Construction Management. Braxton has worked for Team Fishel as a Wireless Small Cell Technician and for Meritage Homes as the intern to the Director of Land Development, all while balancing the demands of being a full time student. He is always looking to improve and advance, as is evident from his burgeoning education and work experience. Over the Summer of 2020, he held the position of Internal Auditor at Earthworks, and has now transitioned to Compliance Manager. He has amassed numerous certifications in the fields of homebuilding, compliance, and safety. Braxton says he feels right at home here, and with his impressive career trajectory at a young age, Earthworks intends to keep him feeling at home for quite some time.

In his free time, Braxton enjoys staying active and finding new and exciting experiences or activities. Always attempting to live by the words: “If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door”. Braxton sees himself as a bit of an adrenaline junkie and go-getter, as he is always ready for whatever comes next. Whether that means preparing for his first solo skydive jump or planning snowboarding trips to Japan, he always wants to be known as ‘The Yes Man’ and has no plans to slow down any time soon.

Savannah joined Earthworks in 2019, working as both a Compliance Assistant and Operations Assistant. Her responsibilities include permit applications & modifications, recordkeeping & reporting, submissions to regulatory agencies, and other such tasks essential to the administrative compliance of Earthworks’ clientele. Savannah lives in Tempe, Arizona and hails from the Midwest. She is currently studying Urban Planning at Arizona State University, following two years of study in Architecture. She has her sights set on long term employment at Earthworks and has focused her college coursework accordingly.

Given the demands of being a full-time student, Savannah could not be happier to be working part time at Earthworks. The end goal of full time employment at Earthworks will be realized once she has earned her Bachelor’s Degree in 2021, and we are ecstatic that she has included us in her future plans. Outside of work and school, she enjoys working out and running with her husky. Staying active is very important to her as it mentally reminds her to push her limits and not be afraid to try new things.

Kobe joined the Earthworks Environmental team in July 2020. Kobe has lived in Richmond, Indiana his entire life until recently graduating from college and moving to Greenwood, Indiana. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Geology from Earlham College in 2020. During his time at Earlham College, Kobe was able to intern with the Richmond Sanitary District as the Conservation Education Intern. He worked with members of the Soil & Water Conservation District and Lead Sanitation Engineers completing sewer inspections, inspecting farmers drainage ditches, surveyed local sewer manholes, and attended state MS4 Stormwater meetings. Also, in his time at Earlham he got the opportunity to travel to Montreal for a summer term, visit Niagara Falls and Washington D.C., and play Division 3 football. Kobe is also Level 1 INDOT Construction Stormwater, OSHA 30-Hour, OHSA 40-Hour HAZWOPER and QCIS certified.

Kobe appreciates the Earthworks culture and the work-life balance. He feels everyone shares the same vision with a dedication to keeping clients in compliance while maintaining a fun and enjoyable atmosphere. In addition to that, Kobe enjoys a great degree of control and freedom within his job due to the trust earned from producing high-quality work and results. Working hard to maintain that level of trust keeps him engaged during work hours and allows him to thoroughly enjoy his pastime.

When not working, Kobe enjoys spending time with his girlfriend, family, friends, and his pets. Some additional hobbies of his include anything involving the outdoors, sports, and exercising.

John joined the Earthworks Environmental team in June of 2020. A recent graduate from Hanover College in southeastern Indiana, John previously worked with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management where he worked with the regulation team as a waste-water facility inspector. John worked closely with the Office of Water Quality, assisting with the tasks at hand for the IDEM commissioner and OWQ branch chief. At Hanover College, John graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, a minor in Environmental Studies, and membership in the school’s Business Scholar Program.

Outside of work, John is an avid golfer and tennis player. He played college golf at Hanover and traveled to North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida to play in various collegiate tournaments. John also enjoys watching the Colts and the Padres when football and baseball season roll around. 

John’s favorite part about working for Earthworks is the independence. He definitely appreciates being able to problem solve on his own, and also appreciates the fact that there is an extensive supporting cast behind the scene always ready to help and assist.

Matthew Manwaring was born in St. George, Utah and shortly moved to Denver, Colorado where he has been living for the past 22 years. He earned his Bachelors of Science in Environmental Science at Metropolitan State University of Denver in 2020. He spent his senior year working in Rocky Mountain National Park performing research on the effects of soil respiration at 12,500 foot altitude. Shortly after graduation he started his career at Earthworks operating in the Denver Metro area.

His hobbies include hiking and camping in the mountains of Colorado and climbing 14ers of the Rockies. Traveling also takes up a lot of his interests having backpacked the countryside of Iceland to tasting exotic food in Paris.

Working for Earthworks has given Matthew an exciting career working close with the environment and having a hand in protecting important ecosystems and resources of the United States. All while providing a responsible and fun working environment that not many get the chance to experience right out of College.

Joe was born and raised in Phoenix Arizona where he lives with wife and 3 sons. He earned a BS in Chemistry at ASU and upon graduation went to work for the Maricopa County Air Quality Department. Joe was a compliance officer specializing in Non Metallic Mineral Mining regulations during his 12 years with the department. He was proud to build relationships between the various government agencies he’s worked with and the regulated community.

Joe joined Earthworks as a compliance manager in August 2020.

When he is not working, Joe can be found in the garage woodworking, playing guitar or coaching football.

A retired Army veteran with the Corps Of Engineers. Jason Emily previously worked in Code Enforcement as a Plan Reviewer and as an Environmental Driller, joining the Earthworks team in September 2020 as a Compliance Manager. Jason applies his knowledge and experience in attention to detail and regulation adherence to the job site.

Jason grew up in the Mark Twain National Forest area of Missouri. An avid outdoors enthusiast who enjoys hiking, camping and exploring new areas. A graduate of Drury University with a degree in Environmental Management and studies in Environmental Science and Biology.

Jason enjoys spending time with his twins, playing softball, fishing and watching the St. Louis Cardinals.

Jason serves as a Compliance Manager of the Delaware & Maryland area. He has loved learning about storm water and environmental compliance measures. He has lived in numerous places throughout his life, from Hawaii to Kuwait, and spent his college years at Penn State University. He graduated PSU with a Bachelor of Science degree in finance and economics.

Along with the rest of his team, Jason is an outdoor enthusiast. He enjoys traveling and experiencing America’s diverse terrain. Hiking, camping, and skiing are some of the activities he enjoys doing in his free time. Quality time with family at home and tending to home maintenance projects is his passion.

Jason lives by the golden rule: “Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth.”

Kevin Smith joined Earthworks in December of 2020. Previously, Kevin has worked for a HVAC company for new home construction from 2000 to 2007. After that, moved to San Antonio to pursue a job as a Construction Manager for a Home Building company. Few years later he moved back to Houston where he would work as a Project Manager for a Landscape. In 2014 started a job as a Storm Water Compliance Inspector and has been enjoying it ever since. In his spare time , Kevin enjoys Mountain biking, fishing and spending time with his two children.

Shayne Holler is a California transplant, being born in San Diego, and raised most of his life in Northern California near the coast in Humboldt County. Humboldt State University is where Shayne earned his Bachelor of Science in Ecological Restoration and Oceanography. Shayne has resided in Colorado for three years after living in a variety of states. Shayne has a background of being a US Navy Veteran, a Commercial Diver and a Park Ranger.

Shayne started his career at Earthworks with a passion for the Environment and making a difference in the natural world. He knows the importance of clean water and a healthy ecosystem and knows that a career with Earthworks is a path in the right direction.

In his spare time, Shayne enjoys kayaking and hiking as often as possible. He is at home when he is outdoors and spends most of his time connecting with nature. Shayne also loves to cook and bartend when he is around family and friends.

Travis Jendel brings years of construction experience and interpersonal relationship skills to his job at Earthworks Environmental. As a native Texan, Travis spent summers as a teen building boats on Grapevine Lake and helping with remodel jobs throughout the Dallas/ Fort Worth metroplex. Shortly after graduating he became part of the Texas Ironworkers Union. Travis helped complete large projects in downtown Dallas, including Winspear Opera house and the Wyly Theatre.

Immersed in managing construction jobs over the years, he found a passion for the environmental aspect of the industry. He started as a compliance manager in 2015 and obtained his CESSWI June of 2018 along with multiple hours of certification through OSHA. In December 2020, Travis joined the Earthworks team to help manage and grow the Texas and Oklahoma divisions. He has enjoyed building client relationships and problem solving for this fast growing market.

In his free time, he enjoys woodworking, being outdoors, going to concerts and watching his two daughters’ evening and weekend activities. Travis enjoys meeting new people and cares deeply about making a difference with kindness.

Keith joined the Earthworks team as a compliance manager in February 2021. Born in Brooklyn, New York, he studied architecture at Pratt Institute before joining the US Marines in 1987. He was eventually stationed in Honolulu, Hawaii and served with the 1st Marine Division in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He also served in the Hawaii Army National Guard and after 9-11 re-enlisted in the US Coast Guard Reserves. In 2014 he deployed to Afghanistan with the Coast Guard’s Re-deployment Inspection Assistance Detachment. He retired as a Chief Petty Officer in 2017 with 22 years of service. In 2020 he retired from the Honolulu Police Department after serving as a Bomb Technician and SWAT operator with over 27 years of service.

When not working he enjoys retirement in Hawaii by spending time with his family, working out, sailing, and hiking. He recently completed the John Muir Trail in California and plans to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Aconcagua in Argentina and hike the Camino De Santiago in Spain.

Kimberly joined Earthworks in March of 2021 as a Compliance Manager in Austin, Texas. Kim was born and raised in Wisconsin, and before joining the Earthworks team had just relocated from Fargo, North Dakota. While in Fargo, she received her master’s degree at North Dakota State University in natural resource management. During her time in school, she worked as a graduate assistant for the agriculture department and assisted in sunflower genetic research with the US Department of Agriculture. For her undergraduate degree, Kim went to the University of Dubuque where she played soccer and received her degrees in chemistry and education.

Outside of work, Kim enjoys an active lifestyle of yoga, running, biking, and lifting weights. She also loves to spend time outdoors and has volunteered for several years at Girl Scout Camps in Wisconsin and California.

Earthworks has provided Kimberly the opportunity to feed her passion of working outdoors and contributing to the protection of our natural world.

Rachel joined Earthworks in May of 2021 as a Compliance Manager in Arizona. Rachel was born and raised in Connecticut and moved to Tempe, AZ for college. She studies Architecture at ASU and is minoring in Project Management and Sustainability. Graduating in May, 2022, Rachel plans to continue her education and sustainability practices.

Earthworks has given Rachel the opportunity to see the architectural side, sustainability aspects, and how to manage a successful project, all key pieces for her future ahead. Earthworks has made me feel part of the family.

In Rachel's spare time, if she has any, she enjoys gardening, painting, and cooking :)

Jeff is well known in construction circles, with over 40 years of experience in the construction industry. His expansive knowledge of each aspect of the industry has proven to be a great asset for him, and in turn for Earthworks. Jeff is our Senior Compliance Manager in Oklahoma, while also lending support to Texas. As a stormwater professional for over 18 of his 40+ years in construction, he has worked with clients in all 4 major areas in Texas (Dalla/Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, and Austin). Jeff has also consulted, directed, and trained clients to perform Safety and Stormwater inspections, as well as handle remediation issues with regulatory entities on a national basis. He is now focused on providing compliance support to construction companies and industrial facilities throughout Texas. In 2009, he realized a personal achievement in attaining his CESSWI certification.

Jeff is Texas-born and raised at Fort Worth, which has given him a great appreciation for the outdoors; specifically hunting, fishing and camping. He is a father to 3 children of his own and 2 additional step-children, who in turn have provided him with 6 grandchildren. The Porters may be short on spare time, but certainly no shortage of love in their growing family. In their spare time, he and wife love to argue over what they are having for supper. Jeff loves to cook with his many recipes that have been handed down for generations, while even finding time to create some of his own. We are grateful to have Jeff and his wealth of experience here at Earthworks.

Carter joined the Earthworks Environmental team in May of 2021 as a Compliance Manager in the Des Moines, Iowa area. He was born and raised in northern Illinois. Prior to working for Earthworks he worked in a tire and lube auto shop.

In his free time, Carter enjoys watching or playing sports, spending time with his family and friends, and learning to play the guitar.

Jacob was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, then moved to sunny Arizona where he grew up. Before joining Earthworks in April of 2021, Jacob worked various odd jobs; everything from the food business to retail stores. For the past 9 years he has worked in the construction industry.

In his free time, Jacob loves to spend time with his wife and three kids. They enjoy the great outdoors, going on hikes, to the lakes and their favorite escape from the heat, Christopher Creek. He enjoys playing golf, basketball and softball and does so whenever he can.

Jacob has enjoyed his time at Earthworks and looks forward to continuing to grow with the company.

Jeremiah Churchill was born and raised in Vermont. He left the snowy winters 20 years ago and never looked back. He is a veteran of the United State Marine Corps, Peace Corps and two terms of service for AmeriCorps. Prior to joining Earthworks in the summer of 2021, Jeremiah was Director of Construction Operations for a local non-profit that served veterans, the elderly and low income individuals. He holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in Environmental Studies and is passionate about the environment. In his spare time, he enjoys gardening, art, woodworking and spending time with his wife and two children.

Aaron previously worked in the Natural Resource and Environmental Health fields. Before becoming a compliance manager, Aaron worked as a health inspector, regulatory biologist, and a park ranger. Now as a compliance manager in Ohio he enjoys learning and growing in this role to ensure compliance for our clients by following NPDES and SWPPP guidelines for the state of Ohio and local municipalities.

Aaron is native to Ohio from the city of Xenia, Ohio near Dayton. He graduated from Wright State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Health Science in 2015.

Aaron and his wife live near Dayton, Ohio. In his free time he enjoys spending time with family, birding, and volunteering with local environmental organizations.

Daniela joined Earthworks in July 2021 as a Compliance Manager in Arizona. Born in Tucson raised in Sonora, she studied Environmental Sciences Engineering at ITSON in Sonora and M.S in Sustainable Projects and Buildings at ITESO in Jalisco. Daniela plans to learn and obtain more experience to keep growing with the company.

Managing water resources sustainably is a big part of her studies, Earthworks is a great place to observe her studies applied in real life on each project while learning more stuff around it.

Daniela enjoys dancing, traveling, staying active, being outdoors, learning about animals, plants and different ways to protect the environment.

Sam joined the Earthworks team in July 2021 as a Compliance Manager. Born in Le Sueur, MN, he studied environmental science at Saint John’s University. Throughout his college career, Sam studied abroad in Botswana, Africa, had an internship on Kodiak Island, and committed to a volunteer program in Tanzania, Africa. Before joining Earthworks, Sam was an Ecological Field Technician helping to eradicate invasive species throughout Minnesota.

In his free time, Sam likes to go fishing, play hockey, and cooking.