Program Overview

The Forum provides a platform for professionals new to the Interstate Technology & Regulatory Council (ITRC) and the environmental community to connect, learn, and engage, and foster professional development and the exchange of innovative ideas. The Forum is structured to promote and support collaboration and leadership and provides a space for emerging professionals to learn from each other and take advantage of leadership opportunities ITRC provides by actively participating in our programs and project teams.  

2026 Leadership Committee

Alexandria Widdowson

Co-Chair

Wyoming DEQ

    Samantha Fuchs

    Co-Chair

    Geosyntec Consultants

      Nia Gilliam

      Outreach & Engagement Coordinator

      Brown & Caldwell

        Lok Ming (Tom) Tam

        Social Coordinator

        California DTSC

          Federico Sinche Chele

          Co-Mentorship Coordinator

          Chicago MWRD

            Cesar Gomez-Avila

            Co-Mentorship Coordinator

            Parsons

              Leadership Committee Responsibilities

              1. Co-Chairs (At least one must be state member): Oversee EEL goals, deliverables, annual planning; organize and lead regular calls; facilitate discussions and decision making for the Forum in coordination with ITRC staff and other ITRC programs.
              2. Outreach and Engagement Coordinator: Lead the development of promotional strategies for the EEL Forum within ITRC and externally; manage announcements and marketing; support the development of promotional materials.
              3. Social Coordinator: Lead the planning of in-person and virtual networking opportunities, including Annual Meeting events and regional and local networking events
              4. Mentorship Coordinator: Lead and facilitate the ITRC mentorship platform.
              5. ITRC Staff Program Advisor: Support internal coordination by organizing webinar calendars, identifying speakers, and collaborating with programs and project teams for joint events.  

              Program Goals and Benefits

              Increase active participation of ITRC members new to the environmental community in our programs and project teams, particularly in leadership roles.

              Support the development of professional and leadership skills needed for career growth in the environmental community and expand access to networking and mentorship opportunities.

              Strengthening connections between EEL members and the broader ITRC community, while increasing the visibility and value of emerging professionals in ITRC’s activities.

              Membership Details

              • Membership is free and open to all ITRC members, but it catered towards environmental professionals who are in the early stages of their career, new to their organization or the environmental community, new to ITRC, or those pursuing an advanced academic degree.
              • All members are required to be a member of ITRC in good standing, and involved in at least one Active ITRC Team.

              Forum Participation

              The forum meetings and documents are facilitated through Microsoft Teams. If you are interested in being a member of the forum, please reach out to Taylor Voelkel, tvoelkel@ecos.org.

              Taylor Voelkel

              Project Manager