Water Quality Staff

Richard Friesner
Director of Water Quality Programs
978-349-2523 | rfriesner@neiwpcc.org

Richard joined NEIWPCC in 2016 as Director of Water Quality Programs. Richard works on a variety of projects including wetlands, monitoring, water quality standards, nutrients, TMDLs, harmful algal blooms, and others. He serves as the NEIWPCC representative on the Management Committee for the Long Island Sound Study and has working on technical nutrient related assessment work with the USGS. Richard joined NEIWPCC with 10 years of experience in the Environmental Science and Policy field and most recently worked at George Mason University as the Director of both the Washington Scholars Program and the Washington Youth Summit on the Environment at George Mason University. He holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Public Policy from George Mason University, an M.S. and B.S in Environmental Science from the University of Kansas. [Full bio]

Jordan Bishop
Environmental Analyst
978-349-2512 | jbishop@neiwpcc.org

Jordan assists with a variety of projects in support of NEIWPCC’s Water Quality programs. He serves as the project manager for the Long Island Sound Study (LISS), working closely with LISS staff, CT DEEP and NYSDEC on research, monitoring, and public education and outreach initiatives. He organizes the wetlands and NEBAWWG workgroup meetings, and presents information to stakeholders and the general public. Jordan joined NEIWPCC in June 2021, and earned his doctorate in ecology from Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic. [Full bio]

Devon Case
Environmental Analyst
978-349-2049 | dcase@neiwpcc.org

Devon leads NEIWPCC’s nonpoint source pollution programming. He manages the Nonpoint Source workgroup, organizes the Annual Nonpoint Source Conference, and coordinates NEIWPCC’s Biennial Nonpoint Source Training Workshop. Devon also assists with the management of the Tracking and Accounting Collaborative. Devon joined NEIWPCC’s Water Resource Protection Division in May of 2022, and holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from the University of Southern Maine. [Full bio]

Maryann Dugan
Environmental Analyst
978-349-2514 | mdugan@neiwpcc.org

As an Environmental Analyst in the Water Quality Division, Maryann works on a variety of projects to include water quality and watersheds. She serves as the project manager for the Harmful Algal-Bloom (HAB) program, the Monitoring program, and the Northeast Aquatic Biologist conference.  She also serves as the project manager for the RI DEM monitoring staff and contract.  Maryann joined NEIWPCC in September 2019. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Public Affairs with a major in Environmental Management from Indiana University. [Full bio]

Sarah Healy
NEIWPCC Environmental Analyst;
Long Island Nitrogen Action Plan
631-444-0426 | sarah.healy@dec.ny.gov

Sarah supports the Long Island Nitrogen Action Plan (LINAP) by participating in the development and implementation of initiatives to reduce nitrogen in Long Island’s surface and ground waters. She assists with program coordination, administration, and short and long-term planning for LINAP, facilitates collaboration and meeting coordination with stakeholders, performs agricultural outreach initiatives, and maintains the LINAP Project Tracking Database. Sarah joined NEIWPCC in September of 2022, and holds a B.S. in environmental science from Binghamton University.

James Ammerman
NEIWPCC Environmental Analyst;
Long Island Sound Science Coordinator
203-977-1543 | james.ammerman@longislandsoundstudy.net

Jim joined NEIWPCC in December of 2015 as an Environmental Analyst for the Long Island Sound Science Study (LISS), where he works with partners in both Connecticut and New York to adopt monitoring strategies that support the reporting of LISS’s environmental indicators. He analyzes existing data to provide guidance and consultation on estuarine environmental issues, prepares syntheses of scientific reports, and evaluates technical reports developed by others. Jim serves as staff lead for LISS’s Science and Technical Advisory Committee, participates in the review process of LISS technical and research project deliverables, and provides technical assistance to help implement environmental statutes. Jim previously directed New York Sea Grant, has conducted extensive water quality research in several estuarine and coastal ecosystems, and has worked with two different EPA Science Advisory Board panels on water quality issues. Jim holds a B.S in biology, as well as a Ph. D. in marine biology.

Mary Arnold
NEIWPCC Environmental Analyst;
Long Island Sound Regional Coordinator
631-380-3335 | mary.arnold@dec.ny.gov

Mary works with the NYSDEC’s Division of Water and assists in the planning and execution of activities for the Long Island Sound Study. She partners with municipalities to assess local policies, identify water quality priorities, and implement improvement projects; she serves as coordinator for LISS EPA grants, managing project timelines and reporting; and she provides technical support and participates in LISS workgroups and committees. Mary joined NEIWPCC in 2021, and holds a M.A. in marine biology from Stony Brook University Graduate School.

Robert Burg
NEIWPCC Information Officer;
LISS Communications Coordinator
203-977-1546 | rburg@longislandsoundstudy.net

A NEIWPCC employee since 2003, Robert assists the Long Island Sound Study in developing and disseminating educational materials and outreach products. His work includes coordinating publications and web-based products that inform the public about projects that are restoring and protecting the Sound and about indicators of the Sound’s health in the areas of water quality, coastal and animal populations, habitats, and land use. He holds an M.S. in urban affairs from Hunter College.

Kristin Kraseski
NEIWPCC Environmental Analyst;
LISS Bioextraction Coordinator
631-941-7205 | kristin.kraseski@dec.ny.gov

Kristin provides overall program coordination, administration, and short and long-term planning for the bioextraction program of the Long Island Sound Study (LISS). She assesses potential challenges to, identifies solutions for, and supports the development and expansion of nitrogen bioextraction and related aquaculture activities in the Long Island Sound (LIS). Her responsibilities include ecological and cultivation research and reporting; development of a siting tool and collection of site identification data; permitting for new and expanding aquaculture operations; and environmental assessments of bioextraction and bioharvesting projects. Kristin joined NEIWPCC in January 2017 and holds a Ph.D. in forest resources (hydrology) from the University of Georgia.

Johanna Mazer
NEIWPCC Assistant Environmental Analyst;
LIRPC Bioextraction Assistant
631-380-3342 | Johanna.Mazer@dec.ny.gov

Johanna supports the Nutrient Bioextraction Initiative with program coordination, administration, and communications. She collects and organizes data, assists with permitting and grant applications, prepares and transports biomass samples, assists with creating outreach materials, and conducts a variety of administrative tasks for the Initiative. Johanna joined NEIWPCC in June of 2022, and holds a B.S. in biology and environmental studies from Gettysburg College.

Victoria O’Neill
NEIWPCC Environmental Analyst;
LISS Habitat Restoration and Stewardship Coordinator
631-444-0441 | victoria.oneill@dec.ny.gov

Victoria conducts activities associated with Long Island Sound Study funding, including preparing and evaluating project applications for habitat restoration, assessment, monitoring, and research funding. She develops partnerships to restore LIS habitats; works with regional staff to help partners prepare project workplans; and coordinates NYSDEC activities associated with the LISS Habitat Restoration and Stewardship workgroup. Victoria joined NEIWPCC in 2013. She has an M.S. in biology from the College of William & Mary.

Kelsey Mudry
NEIWPCC Environmental Analyst;
RIDEM River Monitoring
kelsey.mudry.ctr@dem.ri.gov

Kelsey implements the field sampling program for the ambient river monitoring (ARM) program. She provides technical assistance to RIDEM by performing assessments for federal Clean Water Act reporting, reviewing and identifying potential needed updates to the state’s water quality standards program, completing draft nutrient criteria/thresholds for Rhode Island’s freshwater lakes and ponds, and advancing the development of nutrient criteria/thresholds for Rhode Island’s rivers and streams. Kelsey joined NEIWPCC in July of 2023 and earned a B.S. in Marine Biology and Marine Affairs from the University of Rhode Island.