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NameEmployer
Years of Work Experience
Years as FWEA MemberDiscipline/Area of Expertise/Volunteer ExperienceBrief Bio
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Manasi ParekhArdurra Group Inc78Environmental Engineer
FWEA Involvement: WW Process Committee, Seminars Committee, Director-at-Large (DAL)		Manasi Parekh is a Project Manager with Ardurra in their St Augustine, FL office. She has over 7 years of experience in water and wastewater treatment, pipelines, pump station rehabilitation, permitting and construction services. Ms. Parekh completed her undergraduate in Chemical Engineering from India and Masters in Environmental Engineering from University of Florida.
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Joe PaternitiClay County Utility Authority4023Civil Engineer
FWEA Involvement: Air Quality Committee Chair (2002-2007), FWEA Officer and Current President (2021-2024)		My water story is published in the June 2024 issue of the Florida Water Resources Journal (available at FWRJ.com).
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Suzanne MechlerCDM Smith2325Environmental Engineer
FWEA Involvement: Past FWEA President with 5 years on the Ex-COM, Board Member (approx.10 years between DAL and Ex-COM), Membership Committee Chair (approx. 3 years), Southeast Chapter Chair (and engaged in committee for approx. 10 years), and Student Chapter at UF (approx. 3 years).		Suzanne Mechler has more than 23 years of experience as an environmental and civil engineer for CDM Smith, focusing on water and wastewater treatment, water distribution as well as water resources. Since joining CDM Smith in January 2002, Ms. Mechler has served as project manager and/or engineer on a number of environmental engineering projects and has been the Client Service Leader, her current position, for eight years now.

Suzanne is skilled in Hydraulics, Hydrology, Environmental Engineering, Water Supply, and Water Treatment. She is currently managing sales for municipal clients in Palm Beach County and Broward County, FL. Her focus on projects are to build a strong community and provide high-quality services.

Suzanne holds a Master of Engineering degree in environmental engineering from the University of Florida (Go Gators!). She was born and raised in Palm Beach County. She enjoys nature photography and generally being outdoors mountain biking, kayaking, boating, and paddleboarding.
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David HernandezHazen and Sawyer1111Environmental Engineer/Wastewater Treatment
FWEA Involvement: South Florida Chapter (Chair, Vice Chair, Member), S&YPC (Chair, Vice Chair), DAL, WW Process Committee (Member, Seminar Local Host Coordinator), and Ex-COM - Secretary/Treasurer/Vice President.		David is an Associate with Hazen and Sawyer focusing on wastewater treatment. He has been active in FWEA for his entire career. He has served in leadership positions for the South Florida Chapter and the S&YP Committee. He is an active member in the WW Process Committee. He has served as a Director at Large and is currently serving on the Executive Committee as Vice President.
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Nicole Cohen Carollo Engineers66Environmental Engineer
FWEA Involvement: FWEA SYPC Chair (2 years), FWEA Manasota Vice-Chair (1 year), FWEA Board Member/Director-at-Large (1 year), and WEF SYPC Workshop Liaison (1 year)		Nicole Cohen has been an invaluable asset to the Carollo team since joining in 2018. With a master's degree in environmental engineering, specializing in environmental process engineering, she is a dynamic professional with a proven track record in various facets of the field. Nicole's extensive portfolio encompasses strategic planning, master planning, biosolids management, and utility management. Beyond her role at Carollo, Nicole is dedicated to the Florida Water Environment Association (FWEA), serving on the board, and actively contributing to the organization’s growth. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for innovation, Nicole consistently delivers solutions that exceed expectations and drive organizational success.
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Megan NelsonOrange County Utilities1810Environmental Engineer
FWEA Involvement: Current Secretary/Treasurer (2024), DAL (2020-2024), Central Florida Chair (2019-2021), Member Relations Chair (2018-2020), Various Central Florida Chapter leadership positions (2014-2019) including Vice Chair, Treasurer, and Social Chair. 		Megan is a Senior Engineer at Orange County Utilities and has dedicated 18 years of service to the Utilities sector, including ten years with Orange County and previous experience in consulting engineering. Megan is responsible for managing Capital Improvement Projects from original conception to final completion and has procured over $30M in engineering services and over $200M in construction services for Orange County. Projects include sustainability and innovation, wastewater treatment, reclaimed water storage, pumping, and distribution, and transportation. She earned both her Bachelor and Master of Science Degrees in Environmental Engineering from the University of Central Florida and is licensed in Florida. Megan’s dedication to serving her community extends beyond her technical services. She is currently a member of FWEA and serves on the Board of Directors. Megan is a leader within United Way, volunteers with Orange County Public Schools, and teaches yoga and mindfulness programs for all ages and abilities.
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Michael DemkoWade Trim2624Environmental Engineer
FWEA Involvement: West Coast Chair (2005-2007), Manasota Founder/Chair (2009), Central Florida Chair (2022), and Director-at-Large (Current).
Virgina WEA Involvement: Virginia Section Conference Chair (2015) and Virginia Southeast Chair (2017),		Mike is a UF grad in Environmental Engineering and has an MBA from UF. He is a PE in Florida, Massachusetts, Virginia, North Carolina, and Georgia. He is a certified Project Management Professional. Mike has volunteered with FWEA for 24 years having chaired three local chapters (West Coast, Manasota, and Central Florida) and is currently a Director at Large. Mike took a brief time out working in Virginia for eight years where he volunteered for the Virginia Water Environment Association.
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Joan FernandezCDM Smith2020Environmental and Civil Engineering/Project Management
FWEA Involvement: Board - DAL (3 years), Treasurer (1 year), Vice President (1 year), SE Chapter Chair (2 years), and Collection Systems Committee Chair (3 years).
Chesapeake WEA Involvement: Newsletter Editor (2 years), Collection Systems Chair (1 years), Spring Meeting Committee Chair (2 years), and Tricon Conference voting member and abstract reviewer (2 years).
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Dustin ChisumArdurra1315Environmental Engineering
FWEA Involvement Southwest Chapter (all roles), DAL (5 years)		SWFL Client Service Manager for Ardurra, experienced in water & wastewater engineering.
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Mike SweeneyToho Water Authority4318Environmental Engineering:
FWEA Involvement: FWEA Past President, Utility Management Committee (WEF & FWEA), FWEA Executive Director (current); WEF Fellow, WEF Life Member, WEF Chair of Utility Management, Literature Committee, Management Information Systems, WEF Program Committee., WEF Delegate 		Mike served Toho Water Authority for over 12 years. and has 40+ years of water sector experience includes serving in executive positions for 3 large midwest water reclamation utilities; and as a consultant for water utilities across North America; and served in adjunct professor positions. He has and continues serving local charitable non-profit boards, including the Osceola Council of Aging, Osceola Historical Society and Rotary International. Among other recognitions, he has been recognized as a member of the FWEA FSSSSS and received a WEF Fellow in 2018. He holds Ph.D. and M.S. degrees in Environmental Engineering from Purdue University and a B.S. in Public Health and Environmental Science from Indiana University. Demonstrated expertise in developing and executing innovative, strategic and effective solutions that provide value. Experienced in relationship building in every community served, includingcommunities in challenging international locales.
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Brittany BassettMartin County Board of County Commissioners 112Environmental Science Hydrology and Water Security
FWEA Invovement: FWEA Treasure Coast Chapter (Membership Chair 1 year and current Vice Chair)		Brittany is an experienced plant operator with a demonstrated history of working in the government administration industry. Skilled in water treatment, wastewater treatment, and water quality. Strong community and public services professional.
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Kristiana DragashCarollo Engineers1615Civil/Water Resources/Planning & Hydraulic Modeling
FWEA Involvement: DAL (2013-2015), Vice President, President-Elect, President, WEF Delegate, WEF Delegate at Large		Kristiana has 16 years of experience in the water sector. She is a project manager at Carollo Engineers and focuses on planning and hydraulic modeling. After becoming the first YP to serve as president of FWEA in 2019, she become a WEF delegate for FWEA and is now serving in WEF's House of Delegates as a Delegate at Large. She actively participates in grass roots advocacy efforts to promote sound, science-based, public policy.
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