Erin K. Rothman

Climate Scientist | Urban Planner | Entrepreneur
Innovating at the intersection of data, design, and resilience

With over 20 years of experience at the nexus of climate science, urban planning, and entrepreneurship, Erin Rothman has built a career solving some of the most complex environmental and social challenges facing communities today. Her work spans leading-edge research, technology development, and strategy across public and private sectors.

Erin is currently the Managing Director at Manzana City Inc. and Co-Founder and Chief Scientist at Mērak Labs, where she leads multidisciplinary teams focused on resilience analytics, flood risk mapping, water quality, and climate adaptation. Her leadership is marked by the integration of smart sensor networks, advanced data analytics, and nature-based infrastructure planning to support climate-resilient communities across North America.

Previously, Erin was the founder and CEO of StormSensor, Inc., a climate tech company that revolutionized how cities monitor and respond to stormwater and coastal systems. There, she led innovation across product development, fundraising, strategy, and governance, raising $16M in investment and scaling a national presence.

Earlier in her career, Erin served as a Principal Scientist and Managing Principal at leading environmental consultancies including SLR Consulting, SoundEarth Strategies, and Rothman & Associates. She has advised city governments, developers, and nonprofits on environmental remediation, regulatory compliance, and sustainable redevelopment, bringing a unique blend of scientific insight and strategic oversight.

Erin holds an MSc in Natural Resources and Wetland Ecology from The Ohio State University and a BA in Technical and Scientific Communication from Miami University. She is known for translating complex data into actionable, equitable solutions—bridging ecosystems, infrastructure, and communities for long-term impact.

Matt Boczkowski

Matt Boczkowski has a diverse work experience in various industries and roles. Matt is currently the CEO of Aquaporin A/S, a company focused on water filtration through biotechnology. Before that, he held multiple roles at SUEZ, including Vice President Industrial Strategy, Growth, Market Development, and Global Director of Marketing and Growth Initiatives. Matt also worked at GE Water & Process Technologies, where he served as a Market Leader and Key Account Executive – Oil & Gas, Senior Business Development Manager, and Sales and Marketing Manager. Earlier in his career, Matt worked at Air Liquide as a Project Engineer and GEA Group as a Field Service Engineer – Biofuels. Matt started his career at Pall Corporation as an Applications Specialist – Pharma and F&B.

Matt Boczkowski’s education history includes several academic achievements in various fields. In 2001, he obtained his Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) degree in Microbiology and Immunology from McGill University. Moving forward, Matt pursued his passion for Chemical Engineering and completed his Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng) degree from McGill University in 2006.

In 2008, Matt furthered his education by pursuing an MBA degree in Strategy and Marketing from HEC Montréal, which he completed in 2009. That same year, Matt also acquired a Certificate in Energy Management from Hydro-Québec, specializing in Renewable Energy.

In 2017, Matt attended Crotonville Alumni, where he earned a certificate in the Manager Development Course, focusing on Organizational Leadership. Finally, in 2019, he enrolled in the IESE Business School and successfully completed a Certificate program in Executive Leadership, emphasizing Business Administration and Management.

Throughout his education journey, Matt has consistently expanded their knowledge and expertise across diverse domains, including Microbiology, Engineering, Marketing, Energy Management, Leadership, and Business Administration.

Brian Richter

Brian Richter
President, Sustainable Waters | Adjunct Professor, University of Virginia

Brian Richter is a globally recognized authority on water science and conservation, with over 30 years of experience advancing sustainable water management practices. He is the President of Sustainable Waters, an international education and advisory organization that supports communities, governments, and industries in addressing water scarcity and promoting responsible water use. He also serves as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Virginia, where he teaches upper-level courses on water sustainability and mentors graduate research.

Previously, Brian spent three decades with The Nature Conservancy, where he led the Global Water Program and directed high-impact freshwater initiatives spanning the Americas, Asia, and the Pacific. He has worked on more than 170 river and water projects across six continents and regularly advises major global corporations, investment banks, and international organizations such as the United Nations.

Brian has developed foundational tools for hydrologic analysis and ecosystem restoration, including the widely used Indicators of Hydrologic Alteration (IHA) software. His scientific publications place him in the top 10% of researchers worldwide by impact, and his thought leadership has been featured in global media, including a BBC documentary with Sir David Attenborough.

He is the co-author of Rivers for Life: Managing Water for People and Nature, and the author of Chasing Water: A Guide for Moving from Scarcity to Sustainability, now available in six languages.

Jack Schmidt

Jack Schmidt is a Professor at Utah State University and Director of the Center for Colorado River Studies within the Quinney College of Natural Resources. With nearly four decades of experience, he is a leading expert in river science, focusing primarily on the Colorado River, its tributaries, and the Grand Canyon. His research explores the complex relationship between ecosystem health and the impacts of dams, reservoirs, and water diversions.

A former chief of the U.S. Geological Survey’s Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center, Dr. Schmidt has played a pivotal role in shaping our understanding of river management in the American Southwest. Under his leadership, the Center for Colorado River Studies advances innovative research, education, and outreach to support informed decision-making and sustainable management of major river systems.

To learn more about Jack and his work, please visit: https://www.colorado.edu/center/gwc/john-jack-schmidt.

Anne Castle

Anne Castle is a senior fellow at the Getches-Wilkinson Center for Natural Resources, Energy, and the Environment at the University of Colorado Law School, focusing on western water issues, including Colorado River policy and Tribal water rights.  Castle was appointed by President Biden in 2022 as the U.S. Commissioner and Chair of the Upper Colorado River Commission, a position she held until January 2025.  She is a founding member of the Water Policy Group.

From 2009 to 2014, Castle was the Assistant Secretary for Water and Science at the U.S. Department of the Interior where she oversaw water and science policy for the Department and had responsibility for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and the U.S. Geological Survey.  While at Interior, Castle spearheaded the Department’s WaterSMART program, which provides federal leadership and funding to support sustainable water supplies, and launched the federal Open Water Data Initiative.

Castle practiced water law for 28 years in Denver, Colorado with the Rocky Mountain based law firm of Holland & Hart LLP.  She chaired the law firm’s management committee and its natural resources law department. She currently serves on the boards of the Colorado Water Trust, Colorado Legal Services, and Stanford University’s Water in the West program. She is the co-founder of and senior advisor to the nationwide initiative on Universal Access to Clean Water in Tribal Communities.

James Roberts

Founder & CEO | Honolulu, Hawaii, United States

James Roberts is the Founder and CEO of WaiHome, a company dedicated to modernizing backyard wastewater treatment. Under his leadership, WaiHome focuses on passive, aboveground treatment systems that are easy to install and provide high-quality, reusable effluent—helping homeowners create sustainable outdoor spaces. Learn more at www.waihome.com.

WaiHome LLC
Principal Investigator (Aug 2021 – Present | 3+ years)

Limtiaco Consulting Group
Staff Engineer (Sep 2020 – Jul 2021 | 11 months)

The University of British Columbia
M.A.Sc. Researcher & Academic Consultant (Sep 2016 – Jul 2019 | 3 years)

Additional Engineering & Research Roles

Connect on LinkedIn: James Roberts

 Nathaniel Banks

Nathaniel Banks
Co-founder & CTO, PolyGone Systems | Forbes 30 Under 30 Fellow

Nathaniel is a pioneering innovator in environmental technology, specializing in microplastic monitoring and filtration solutions. As the Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of PolyGone Systems, he leads the company’s engineering, research, and product development, driving advancements in sustainable water treatment solutions. His expertise in design, prototyping, and engineering spans over a decade, having worked with some of the world’s most renowned design offices and institutions.

Under Nathaniel’s leadership, PolyGone Systems has secured approximately $2.8 million in funding from federal agencies such as NOAA and the NSF, state organizations including NJCSIT and NJEDA, and private venture capital investors. His work has positioned PolyGone as a leader in cutting-edge environmental solutions, with several large-scale pilot projects, including:

The Atlantic County Utilities Authority Wastewater Treatment Pilot (Under Construction)

The West County Wastewater District Treatment Pilot (Detailed Design Phase)

The IISD Experimental Lakes Area Microplastic Monitoring Station (Completed 2023)

Nathaniel’s passion for sustainability and technological innovation is rooted in his architectural and environmental design background. He holds a Master’s in Architecture from Princeton University, where his thesis project, Plastic Plastic, proposed groundbreaking systems for plastic recycling and microplastic collection—earning Best Presentation at the 2021 Princeton Research Day Awards. He also completed his Bachelor’s in Architecture at Syracuse University, where he received the James A. Britton Award for Faculty Favorite Thesis for his work on adaptive building systems. His academic pursuits also led him to University College London, where he studied urban geography and circular development models.

Beyond his technical contributions, Nathaniel is a recognized thought leader in clean technology. He has been invited as a keynote speaker and panelist at numerous prestigious conferences, including:

US-China Cleantech Trade Delegation (2023) – Delivered keynote presentations to government officials and industry leaders across Shanghai, Nanjing, Suzhou, Guangzhou, and Changzhou.

World Water-Tech North America Showcase (2023) – Presented PolyGone’s innovations to an audience of water utility managers and technology suppliers.

California Water Board Subcommittee on Microplastics (2023) – Shared findings from PolyGone’s research on microplastic pollution.

TMA Blu-Tech Blue Week Conference (2023) – Panelist alongside California water authorities and industry experts.

Circular City Week NYC (2022) – Presented microplastic research and pilot studies.

Nathaniel’s contributions to clean technology have earned him widespread recognition, including being named a Forbes 30 Under 30 Fellow in Social Impact (2024), winning the World Water-Tech Startup Competition (2023), and securing finalist spots in prestigious competitions like the QBE AcceliCITY Resilience Challenge and Harvard Business School Startup Showcase.

He is also a named inventor on multiple patents pending, including:

Method, Apparatus, and System for Aquatic Microplastic Removal (2021)

Aquatic Microplastics Removal Apparatus (2023)

Modular Floatation System (2023)

With a relentless focus on innovation, environmental impact, and scalable solutions, Nathaniel Banks continues to drive the future of water technology and sustainability.

Website: http://www.polygonesystems.com
Email: [email protected]

Dragan Tutic

Dragan Tutic is a mechanical engineer by training and entrepreneur by nature. He is propelled
by a distinctive mix of empathy, curiosity, and determination. Demonstrating an inventive flair
even before entering university, Tutic accomplished the remarkable feat of constructing a fully
operational electric motorcycle, showcasing his ingenuity and passion for sustainable solutions.

Tutic’s journey as an entrepreneur began in high school when he launched a sticker and
signage company. His business acumen and innovative approach allowed the company to
expand its reach to clients in over 30 countries, marking his first foray into the global market.
In his first year of university, Tutic embarked on another ambitious project by launching a racing electric cycle motorcycle team. This venture not only demonstrated his technical skills but also highlighted his leadership qualities, as he discovered the power of assembling a team to achieve goals far beyond individual capabilities.

Tutic’s worldview was profoundly shaped by his travels across the globe, spanning three years.
During this period, he witnessed firsthand the stark inequalities and challenges posed by water scarcity. These experiences ignited a desire to create solutions that would positively impact society and the environment. With a new understanding of global challenges and a curiosity to delve into the ocean environment, Tutic founded Oneka in 2015. His vision was to harness the ocean’s power by combining seawater and waves to produce freshwater, an innovative approach to addressing water scarcity.

Tutic’s involvement in Oneka has been hands-on and multifaceted. In the early years, he was
deeply involved in market exploration, traveling to regions like the Caribbean, the Maldives, and Southeast Asia to meet clients and understand their needs.

He played a critical role in technology development, including ideation, designing and machining to bench testing and ocean deployments. Tutic even took part in diving operations, underscoring his commitment to making the technology work.

With the help of his team, he raised over $50M over four funding rounds, enabling further
development and expansion. Tutic assembled a team of industry veterans specializing in
finance, impact, manufacturing, ocean product development, desalination, and operations.

With over 40 employees, Oneka is now entering a new phase. The company is poised to realize ambitious projects in California, Chile, and the Caribbean, reflecting Tutic’s vision of combining entrepreneurship and engineering to create impactful solutions for society and the environment.

Tia Cavender

Tia A. Cavender is a dynamic and results-driven executive with over 24 years of experience in strategic grants planning, capital funding, and public-private partnerships. As the CEO and Founder of Dig Deep Research, LLC, she has built a nationally recognized consulting firm that helps municipalities, utilities, and public-sector organizations secure funding for critical infrastructure projects. Under her leadership, Dig Deep has secured over $49 million in competitive grants and low-interest financing, ensuring communities have access to sustainable resources for water, wastewater, parks, and public works improvements.

With a strong background in qualitative and quantitative data analysis, Tia specializes in helping organizations develop long-term financial strategies that align with their goals while maximizing external funding opportunities. She has successfully worked with city councils, mayors, public works directors, and finance officials to secure funding for essential infrastructure, ensuring financial stability and strategic growth for local governments. Her expertise extends to forging partnerships between municipalities and funding agencies, helping clients navigate complex grant application processes, and advocating for their projects at the state and federal levels.

Tia founded Dig Deep Research in 2010 (formerly Chase Park Grants) to address the increasing need for municipalities and utilities to secure reliable funding for capital improvement projects. Since its inception, Dig Deep has helped cities across the U.S. develop strategic grant plans, build relationships with funding agencies, and secure vital financial resources. The firm’s successes include:

Prior to founding Dig Deep, Tia gained extensive experience in grants management, program evaluation, and public sector funding strategies. She served as:

Beyond her consulting work, Tia is an active leader in municipal governance, public policy, and infrastructure finance. She is a member of the Colorado Municipal League, the City & County Managers Association of Colorado, and the American Water Works Association. She previously held Certified Grant Professional (GPC) status from 2007-2013, demonstrating her expertise in securing and managing grants for public sector organizations.

Her passion for community engagement is evident through her volunteer work and board leadership roles, including:

Tia holds two Master’s degrees from the University of Colorado: one in Industrial/Organizational Psychology (2004) and another in Clinical Psychology (2000). She also earned a Bachelor’s in Psychology (1998) from the same institution. Her academic background, combined with decades of hands-on experience, has shaped her ability to analyze complex funding landscapes, create strategic financial roadmaps, and drive measurable results for her clients.

–Capital Planning & Infrastructure Finance
–Grants Strategy & Public Funding
–Municipal & Utility Finance
–Public-Private Partnerships
–Government Relations & Policy Advocacy
–Data-Driven Decision-Making

Tia continues to be a sought-after advisor, speaker, and strategist for municipalities and public agencies looking to navigate the evolving landscape of public sector funding. Her leadership at Dig Deep Research has transformed the way cities and utilities approach financial sustainability, ensuring that vital community projects receive the funding they need to thrive.

Susan Fortner

Susan Fortner is a dynamic communications and public relations expert with extensive experience in strategic brand development, media relations, crisis management, and corporate growth. As the driving force behind BPR International in Columbus, OH, she oversees company operations, staff development, and event coordination while managing high-level media strategies, social media campaigns, and advertising initiatives.

With a strong background in business and communications, Susan holds degrees from Malone University and Kent State University, along with legal studies from the University of Richmond Law School. Her leadership extends beyond business, as she plays a vital role in numerous professional organizations and committees. She has served as President of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Committees since 2008 and has held key positions in the National PRSA Technology and Marketing Committees.

A dedicated advocate for community involvement, Susan is an active board member of Innovate New Albany, NAWN, the Franklin Park Conservatory Women’s Board, and the Pleasure Guild of Nationwide Children’s Hospital. She is also a member of the Junior League and the Childhood League, working to support charitable causes.

Recognized for her expertise, Susan holds the prestigious APR Certification from PRSA and continues to influence the public relations landscape with her innovative strategies and leadership.