Welcome to the Environmental Leadership Chronicles podcast, a podcast series from the California Association of Environmental Professionals. In this episode, we are joined by John Dietler, Ph.D., Senior Vice President of Operations for the West at SWCA Environmental Consultants. John shares his career journey from starting as a field archaeologist to becoming a key leader in overseeing operations across ten Western states.

With vast expertise in cultural resources and environmental compliance, John offers an insightful discussion on bridging technical work with business development. He also sheds light on SWCA's employee ownership model, emphasizing its impact on the company's growth and operation. Through engaging anecdotes, John explores navigating unique cultural landscapes in states like California, Hawaii, and Alaska, and the importance of understanding diverse Indigenous communities.

This episode is a deep dive into the evolving landscape of environmental consulting, as John elaborates on how disciplines like archaeology can heavily influence and guide modern developmental practices while respecting the voices of native tribes. Whether you're an aspiring environmental professional or simply curious about bridging past and present landscapes, this episode is sure to captivate and inform.

In this episode, we meet with Megan Musolf (she/her), Assistant Long-Range Planner for the City of Carpinteria. Megan shares her journey from studying Environmental Studies at UC Santa Barbara to building a career as a planner in the public sector, where she works to implement the City's Housing Element programs through zoning code amendments. We discuss how student advocacy shaped her housing policy perspective, and what it means to grow a network early in your career. She also serves as the Social Media Officer for the Central Coast Section of the American Planning Association (APA). Megan offers thoughtful insights for emerging professionals and a fresh take on the evolving role of young planners today.

Megan also walks us through her involvement in the controversial Munger Hall project at UCSB, illustrating a real-world application of environmental planning and policy advocacy. The episode explores the evolving role of young planners in shaping urban environments, the importance of professional organizations in career development, and the unexpected challenges and learning curves in transitioning from academic life to full-time employment. Tune in to hear Megan's fresh insights and why the fight for sustainable and community-centered housing remains crucial in today's urban landscape.

The opinions Megan shares today are her own and don't represent the official views of the City of Carpinteria. She's here sharing her personal experiences and perspectives.

Thanks for listening and we hope you enjoy. 

In this episode, we meet in person with Lesley Owning, a seasoned Principal Planner and Environmental Planning Group Manager at Helix Environmental Planning. With over 13 years of experience, Lesley manages CEQA and NEPA requirements for diverse projects, from infrastructure to renewable energy.

Lesley highlights her career journey and key transitions that led her to her current leadership role. She emphasizes the importance of mentorship and flexibility in nurturing her team, sharing her approach to career development and project management.

Listeners will be inspired by Lesley's enthusiasm for projects like aquifer storage and groundwater recharge. She also discusses the evolving nature of the environmental industry and how leaders can support their teams in balancing personal and professional growth.

This episode is a brief 2025 AEP Conference Recap for our podcast listeners and viewers! This year’s gathering brought environmental professionals together at Zachari Dunes in Oxnard, California, in early April. Centered around the theme “Seeds of Change, Waves of Progress,” the conference offered a blend of insightful keynotes, dynamic breakout sessions, and meaningful networking opportunities. Attendees explored everything from emerging CEQA trends and climate resilience to cutting-edge tools and AI in environmental planning. To capture the spirit of the event, we spoke with attendees from across the profession—here’s what they had to say about their experience at this year’s conference.

We’re joined by Bridget Fithian, Executive Director of the Sierra Foothill Conservancy and a leader in land conservation across the Central Sierra. Born and raised in Mariposa, Bridget’s deep connection to open spaces has shaped her career in conservation, where she has helped protect over 30,000 acres of land through innovative partnerships and creative solutions. 

Under her leadership, the Sierra Foothill Conservancy has expanded public access to nature, preserved critical landscapes, and played a key role in conservation planning, fire resilience, and environmental stewardship. Bridget also serves as Board Chair of the California Council of Land Trusts and holds leadership roles with the Sierra Cascade Land Trust Council and the California Conservation Action Fund. 

In this episode, we’ll explore how land trusts shape conservation, the role of environmental planning, and what it takes to protect and restore California’s landscapes for future generations.  

In this episode, we're joined by Cynthia R. Harris, Director of the Institute for Environmental Sovereignty at the National Congress of American Indians. A respected leader in environmental law and tribal sovereignty, Cynthia brings deep expertise in climate adaptation, water conservation, and green infrastructure, all while advocating for tribal self-determination. 

Before joining NCAI, she led tribal consultation research in California as Director of Tribal Programs at the Environmental Law Institute. With experience in local government, national policy, and leadership roles at the American Bar Association and the National Academies of Sciences, Cynthia offers a unique perspective on the intersection of tribal sovereignty and environmental policy. 

At NCAI, the nation’s oldest and largest American Indian and Alaska Native organization, she continues to advance tribal governance and environmental justice. Join us as we explore her insights on Indigenous leadership in environmental stewardship. Thanks for listening, we hope you enjoy! 

Welcome to the Environmental Leadership Chronicles, brought to you by the California Association of Environmental Professionals. In this episode, we are thrilled to feature Cameron Lukos, a GIS analyst and biologist at GPA Consulting, who is pioneering the integration of technology and biology in environmental science.

Cameron discusses his dual role in providing GIS support across various departments, including biology, architectural history, and CEQA compliance, while also engaging in fieldwork such as biological surveys and habitat assessments. He shares insights into how his family's legacy in the environmental industry has shaped his career path, drawing inspiration from his father's work as an aquatic biologist.

As the student liaison for AEP's Orange County chapter, Cameron is passionate about mentoring the next generation of environmental leaders. He offers valuable advice to students on networking, gaining industry experience, and the importance of internships.

Join hosts Jessa and Corinne as they delve into Cameron's journey, exploring the intersection of GIS technology and biology, and how Cameron's dedication is creating a positive ripple effect in the environmental sector.

Listen in to discover how Cameron navigates the challenges of a rapidly changing industry, his vision for the future, and his commitment to fostering new talent in environmental science.

In this episode, we're thrilled to feature Shelby Rust Busó, the Chief Sustainability Officer for the City of San Diego. As a key figure in San Diego's climate action plans, Shelby brings a wealth of experience in sustainable building design, mobility, local food systems, and resiliency planning. Her role is crucial in implementing San Diego's ambitious Climate Action Plan, which aims to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2035.  

Shelby discusses her career journey from her roles in Miami and Atlanta to her current position leading San Diego's efforts in building decarbonization and climate action implementation. Whether you're an environmental professional or simply passionate about sustainability, this episode offers valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of environmental leadership. 

Thanks for listening, we hope you enjoy! 

In this episode, we feature Joan Valle, the Chief of Regulatory for the Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District. With over 20 years of experience in environmental planning, Joan shares her expertise in managing teams and programs related to key environmental regulations such as CEQA, NEPA, and the Clean Water Act.

Joan discusses her passion for finding win-win solutions with resource agencies and stakeholders, as well as her active role in lobbying state and federal decision-makers for policies that benefit Riverside County and beyond. She also talks about her involvement with the AEP Legislative Committee and the National Association of Flood and Stormwater Management Agencies.

Join hosts Jessa and Corinne as they dive into Joan's leadership journey, her career path from environmental analyst to division chief, and her insights into the challenges and rewards of working in flood control and water conservation. Joan also shares her thoughts on the importance of effective environmental laws and policies, and her vision for the future of the environmental profession.

Listen in to learn more about Joan's experiences, her favorite projects, and what drives her dedication to protecting communities through innovative environmental solutions.

In this episode, we feature Claudia Garcia, who serves on the state board for AEP and is the director at large, as well as the liaison for the state board's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity committee. Alongside her, we have Chief Esparza, a dedicated DEI consultant working closely with the AEP state board to foster inclusive cultures within the organization. We discuss integrating DEI practices within AEP, and strategies for making inclusivity a cornerstone of professional communities, and how to effectively advocate for change.