Cohort Five (On Hold Until Further Notice)
Erica Becvar, US Air Force (AF) Environmental Management System (EMS) Program Manager
Ms. Becvar leads the Executive Order (EO)-mandated requirement for the AF to be 100% in conformance with International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 14001 for all AF appropriate facilities. She is currently standardizing the AF Emergency Management Systems (EMS) so that AF activities that drive environmental impacts may be identified. This will enable AF leadership to make strategic investments in pollution prevention (P2) efforts to minimize the AF’s impact on the environment, while sustaining the AF mission. Ms. Becvar has a Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in environmental-related fields.
Joseph Chisholm, Environmental Management Systems (EMS) Coordinator, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Mr. Chisholm is working to help his region lead by example in reducing the carbon footprint of all facilities. As part of this effort, he is working on reducing the actual footprint by implementing smaller workstations into the Regional headquarters. This allows the region to increase collaboration between programs, and by reusing current furniture, prevent new materials from entering the supply chain. Mr. Chisholm has a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and a Master’s degree in Environmental Science
Kelly Fields, Green Environmental Management System (GEMS) Coordinator and Industrial Hygienist, Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center
One of Ms. Fields’ main goals is to keep the medical center in compliance with environmental regulations and reduce the hospital’s overall environmental footprint. She has experience in environmental permitting, which she got during her 6 year tenure at Social Security Administration. Ms. Fields has a Bachelor’s of Science degree with a major in environmental science and a minor in chemistry.
Bradley S Fuhrman, Federal Space Manager Specialist, General Services Administration (GSA)
Mr. Fuhrman is responsible for agency space changes, modifying occupancy agreements, outleases, rent bill management, and spatial data management. In addition, he is currently managing construction projects. Mr. Fuhrman has training in areas of procurement, global project management, leadership, financial management, green products and communication.
George Johnson, Green Environmental Management System (GEMS) Coordinator, Veterans Affairs (VA)
Mr. Johnson has over thirty years experience as an environmental scientist in public and private sector positions. He has worked on issues dealing with water quality, solid waste, hazardous waste, leaking underground storage tanks, rule and program development, environmental review and power plant siting.
He also has experience in marketing, policymaking, and data analysis.
Dr. Karen McNamara, National Aeronautical and Space Administration (NASA) Johnson Space Center (JSC), Strategic Opportunities in Sustainability Lead
Dr. McNamara works in the Strategic Opportunities and Partnerships Development Office as the lead for JSC’s sustainability partnerships initiatives. She works with industry, academia, and other government agencies to integrate JSC’s technology in water purification, energy conservation, and remote and telemedicine into the public domain. Dr. McNamara used to be a professor of Chemical Engineering at Worchester Polytechnic Institute
Erica Mensch, Community Planner, Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC)
Ms. Mensch is responsible for developing projects for repair and replacement of Navy facility infrastructure. During her tenure at NAVFAC since 2007, she has worked on planning projects throughout the United States, Bahrain and Japan. Ms. Mensch has a Bachelor’s degree in Geography and a Master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).
Rebecca Olson, Sustainability Program Specialist, General Services Administration (GSA)
Ms. Olson is the program lead for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) projects within her region; she also leads her region’s sustainability council. Her duties includes educating the region about the requirements of Executive Order (EO) 13514 and the supporting Strategic Sustainability Performance Plan as well many other sustainable and energy-related programs. Rebecca has been a LEED Accredited Professional (AP) since November 2006.
Ryan Smith, Construction Control Representative, General Services Administration (GSA)
Before joining the GSA, Mr. Smith managed the development and sale of commercial and heavy industrial projects around the world. He has extensive experience in due diligence studies, project scoping, planning, financing, design, construction, maintenance, and demolition of commercial and industrial real estate. Mr. Smith holds a Master’s of Real Estate Development and Construction Management.
Paula Sutton, Environmental Project Manager, US Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security (CBP DHS)
Ms. Sutton works for the Field Operations Facilities Program Management Office which provides project management support for air, land, and sea ports of entry. She is involved in planning, managing, and maintaining environmental compliance at CBP facilities. Ms. Sutton has a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology, and a Master’s degree in Public Service Archeology.
Shannon J. Sweeney, Contract Specialist, General Services Administration (GSA)
Mr.Sweeney has over ten years of construction and business experience. While in the construction industry he has been responsible for the construction of several banks, office buildings, and retail buildings. He has a passion for sustainability and has worked on several sustainable projects over the years that include composting, photovoltaics, and mobile work projects. Mr. Sweeney has Masters of Business Administration (MBA) in Construction Management
Aliona Vanina, Realty Space Management Specialist, General Services Administration (GSA)
Ms. Vanina is extensively involved as a Workplace Specialist with federal space utilization for federal agencies, and private sector outlease tenant assignments and occupancy management services. Prior to joining GSA, she was an independent business/marketing consultant for a number of companies, and a licensed realtor. Ms. Vanina Aliona has a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and Operations Management, as well as a Masters of Business Administration (MBA).
Angela Wood, Environmental Management System Coordinator, Veterans Health Administration Ms. Wood is responsible for conducting International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 14001 environmental management system audits, providing environmental compliance training and consultation; and collaborating on sustainable procedures. Ms. Wood has a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Health and a Masters degree in Meteorology.
