Our Team
Karen L. Sands, AICP, ENV SP
Director of Planning, Research and Sustainability
ksands@mmsd.comKaren oversees all projects related to District sustainability and green infrastructure. Coming from a strong planning background, Karen’s ability to connect projects (both internal to the District and external to partners) ensures that District projects are strategically connected. The ability to connect the various moving parts of the District’s sustainability work is crucial to making sure that true collective impact is achieved.
Bre Plier, AICP, ENV SP
Manager of Sustainability
bplier@mmsd.comBre is a certified planner who specializes in program management, grant writing, and community engagement. Her educational background centers on urban planning, community sustainability, and natural resource management. She has over seven years of experience working with green infrastructure projects and developed the District’s Neighborhood Green Infrastructure Outreach Program.
Chris Schultz, CPM
Senior Project Manager
cschultz@mmsd.comChris has substantial experience in water quality and led the development of the District’s Regional Green Roof Initiative Program since its inception in 2010. He serves as the lead project manager on the Green Infrastructure Partnership Program (a funding program for green infrastructure implementation) and the Green Infrastructure Center of Excellence. Chris brings years of experience working with contractors and a deep understanding of connections to the region’s water.
Nadia Vogt
Senior Project Manager
nvogt@mmsd.comNadia brings extensive experience in developing green infrastructure projects at all scales with a specialty in connecting neighborhoods through education and outreach. An important focus of her work is leveraging investments in water resources to bring about additional quality of life improvements by addressing the triple bottom line of sustainability.
Andy Kaminski, P.E.
Project Manager
akaminski@mmsd.comAndy specializes in managing relationships and green infrastructure projects with the 28 municipalities the District serves. The District provides annual funding, through the Green Solutions program, that helps municipalities build green infrastructure projects that make sense for their unique needs. As a certified professional engineer, he can help you plan your project, assist with basic project design, and answer your questions related to funding and MMSD’s stormwater rules.
Lisa Sasso
Project Manager
lsasso@mmsd.comLisa’s expertise lies in cultivating partner relationships to extend the reach of the District to better meet the needs of both the District and community stakeholders. Lisa brings her background in business and freshwater science to implement meaningful green infrastructure projects with partners. Lisa works on a variety of projects from schoolyard design to workforce development.
Jay Feiker, GISP
Neighborhood Outreach Coordinator
jfeiker@mmsd.comJay adds a unique blend of experience and education to the District’s sustainability and green infrastructure team. His background as an educator, GIS professional and hydrogeologist help communicate complex projects to people from all different education levels and backgrounds. The focus of his work is educating the public about green infrastructure and its connection to protecting our most valuable asset – Lake Michigan.
Matthew Magruder
Environmental Research Manager
mmagruder@mmsd.comMatt oversees the Districts’ research-related activities for green infrastructure and strategies for technological innovation. Matt can help work through ideas to ensure there is support in addressing challenges related to implementation, funding, and project alignment with District objectives. Interested in water quality and urban biodiversity? So are we! Matt can help you evaluate best management practice alternatives to maximize biodiversity potential and protection of our freshwater resources.
