SWP Team
SWP Main Office Staff
Carl Lindquist Executive Director
During his environmental career Lindquist has worked at the local level, state level (Wisconsin, Vermont) and federal level (two National Parks; Mt. Rainier and Isle Royale) but for the last 25 years he has been grateful to work at the non-profit level as the Executive Director of the Superior Watershed Partnership (SWP). Founded in 1999 the SWP will be celebrating its 25th Anniversary next spring (more information soon)! He is proud of his work with the SWP Board in creating the SWP Great Lakes Climate Corps (GLCC), SWP Land Conservancy, SWP Energy and Climate Office, SWP Volunteer Corps (Governor’s Award Winner) and K-12 Great Lakes Education Programs! Lindquist has served on numerous boards and advisory bodies including two terms as the US Chair of the Lake Superior Binational Forum (US and Canada). He also helped form the Climate Adaptation Task Force (CATF) which assists communities and Tribes with climate adaptation. A strong supporter of the arts he helped establish the Concert for Lake Superior and the Boreal Chamber Symphony. Lindquist is also a piano composer, an avid hiker and bicyclist and takes great pride in his two adult children (Nels and Ingrid). He studied Environmental Management, Anthropology and Writing and received his degree through the University of Wisconsin with graduate coursework in Public Administration through Northern Michigan University.
Gina Rotter Accountant and Grant Administrator
Gina joined the SWP in March 2020, bringing 2 years of public accounting experience providing assurance services to government and tribal industries. She graduated with honors from Northern Michigan University with a B.S. in Accounting. Gina is responsible for general accounting, financial analysis of projects, and grant management and financial reporting.
Geraldine Grant Senior Planner
Geri is responsible for leading the organization’s watershed planning and habitat restoration programs. In addition to program coordination, Ms. Grant works closely with local, state, and federal partners to further the organization’s mission. Geri specializes in natural resources planning, aquatic ecosystem restoration, physical and biological field assessments, and special studies related to Great Lakes priority issues. Geri possesses a Master of Science in Biology (Aquatic Ecology/Fisheries) and over 28 years of experience in the field of natural resources including 13 years of federal service as a Fisheries Biologist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Jeff Koch Partnering for Watershed Restoration (PWR) Coordinator and Great Lakes Climate Corps (GLCC) Program Manager
Jeff is responsible for coordinating watershed restoration efforts, grant opportunities, workshops, and newsletters for the Partnering for Watershed Restoration (PWR) group. He is also involved in many other projects at SWP, including the Great Lakes Climate Corps (GLCC), Community Environmental Monitoring Program (CEMP), and GIS analysis. Jeff brings a diverse skillset to SWP obtained through 20 years of professional natural resource experience, including 10 years with the Ottawa National Forest in wildfire suppression, fire ecology, and GIS analysis, and five years as an environmental scientist with a consulting company performing groundwater sampling, surface water sampling and wetland delineations. He holds a B.S. degree in Natural Resource Management from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
Kathleen Henry Special Projects Coordinator and Education Specialist
Kathleen coordinates SWP’s community/preK-12 education and outreach programming and assists with grant writing, reporting, and management. Kathleen is a certified National Geographic Educator, returned Peace Corps Uganda Volunteer, National Park Service Teacher-Ranger-Teacher participant, and NCCC AmeriCorps alum, earning her a Congressional Service Award. She holds degrees from Johns Hopkins University (M.S. in Education; Special Education and Early Elementary) and Northern Michigan University (B.S. in Environmental Studies; minors in Native American Studies and Political Science). With extensive experience in environmental education and leading formal classrooms, Kathleen strives to engage the Upper Peninsula community in hands-on, relevant, and impactful environmental experiences—singing along the way!
Arlo
Arlo joined the SWP team in July of 2021 as an 8 week old puppy! Arlo is responsible for greeting friends, boosting office moral & providing stress relief around the office. Arlo’s hobbies include playing catch with a frisbee, taking long naps under Gina’s desk & watching squirrels play outside. Arlo’s favorite part about being the SWP office dog is getting belly rubs and treats from everyone!
Bjorne
Bjorne joined the SWP team in August of 2022 as a 12 week old newfoundland puppy. Bjorne is responsible for assisting SWP technical staff with their lunch and periodic play breaks to ensure staff stay focused and productive throughout the workday. He is highly motivated by peanut butter & carrots. Our playful giant is extremely proficient in shedding, treat eating and stealing Arlo’s toys.
SWP Climate Office Staff
Tyler Penrod Great Lakes Climate Corps (GLCC) Program Manager and Climate Adaptation Task Force (CATF) Coordinator
Tyler uses his first-hand experience as a former Great Lakes Climate Corps (GLCC) Crew Member and Crew Leader to plan, train, and supervise GLCC projects while working closely with tribal, federal, state, and local partners to implement a variety of environmental and recreation projects in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and throughout the Upper Great Lakes Region. With climate change adaptation and mitigation at the core of his work, Tyler serves the Marquette County Climate Adaptation Task Force (CATF) as Coordinator and is working to expand SWP's low-income energy assistance program. Tyler holds a B.S. degree in Ecology and Public Relations from Northern Michigan University.
Marissa Martz Administrative Coordinator
Marissa started with the Superior Watershed Partnership in late 2020, right after obtaining her B.S. in Environmental Studies and Sustainability from Northern Michigan University. Marissa coordinates all energy assistance payments for MEAP clients & is the main contact for all energy providers that partner with the SWP MEAP program. Marissa also assists with SWP related field work and education events where she specializes in invasive species. Marissa has always been passionate about environmental conservation & helping those in need. She enjoys being a voice for more sustainable lifestyles and land uses throughout Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Krystle Baecker Climate & Energy Technician, MI Healthy Climate Corps Member
Krystle is currently serving her second service term at SWP as a MI Healthy Climate Corps Member. As a Climate and Energy Technician, Krystle assists the energy programming by conducting Home Energy Scores, weatherizing homes, and connecting homeowners with local energy efficiency resources and home efficiency improvements. She also assists with GLCC projects and with CEMP sampling and data summarization. During the summer, she leads a group of teens from KBIC as supervisor of the Youth Conservation Corps. She also helps with SWP’s community volunteer events and environmental education lessons.
In her free time, Krystle enjoys reading, ambling walks through the woods, talking to animals, and growing wildflowers and native plants.
SWP Energy Office Staff
Tonya Swenor Energy & Climate Program Manager
A leader and advocate for low-income residents of the Upper Peninsula (UP) of Michigan, Tonya Swenor started at the Superior Watershed Partnership (SWP) as an intern in 2011, and has since has led conservation and social service programs including the Better Buildings for Michigan, Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) and the Tribal Youth Conservation Corps. She has been an active member of several state-wide and local workgroups and partnerships focused on collaboration among existing energy assistance systems. In 2021, Tonya was invited by Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer to join the UP Energy Task Force, focusing on serving the low-income population with energy assistance and home energy security. Tonya manages the SWP Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP), which has provided energy assistance and self-sufficiency services to over 4,000 eligible low-income households, through a grant administered by the Michigan Public Service Commission and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. In an effort to make the SWP MEAP a “one-stop shop,” she began working with the Department of Energy in 2019 to implement the Home Energy Score (HES) program, and formed relationships with utility partners to compliment the HES by creating direct referrals for energy waste reduction services. These collaborations have benefitted hundreds of families with utility bill assistance, free home energy improvements, residential solar installations and utility energy waste reduction services. Tonya’s passion for energy conservation, energy education, and energy security shines through in the real work she does every day.
Kasey Grieco Assistant Energy & Climate Program Manager
Kasey started with the Superior Watershed Partnership in early 2021 as a Caseworker & was shortly promoted to Assistant Program Manager. Kasey provides day to day oversight of the MEAP program while coordinating with MEAP partners & energy providers to ensure client’s energy needs are met. Kasey is very passionate when it comes to helping those in need achieve energy security. Ms. Grieco possesses a B.A. in English & Women’s Studies from Guilford College as well as an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Southern Maine.
Andrew Jessen Energy Education Coordinator
Andrew joined the SWP MEAP team in early 2021. As the Energy Education Coordinator, Andrew creates workshops for MEAP clients to educate them on topics such as: energy efficiency, energy waste reduction, sustainability and more. Andrew collaborates the GLCC Energy Crew to provide education & conservation opportunities for all MEAP clients. Andrew is also responsible for creating and distributing energy efficiency kits for select households. Andrew possesses a B.S. in Environmental Studies and Sustainability with a concentration in Renewable Energy from Northern Michigan University.
Chuck Lester Energy Services Coordinator
Chuck drove through a blizzard to make the move to the Upper Peninsula in 2012. He brought with him a passion for the outdoors along with some fundraising, sales and customer service experience. After the snow melted, SWP put him to work removing Russian spotted knapweed along Lake Superior’s shoreline where the native dune grass is giving up space to the invasive plants. His next assignment from SWP was in outreach as a canvasser working to promote the Better Buildings for Michigan program. These days, Chuck helps MEAP clients across the UP reduce their energy costs by coordinating and scheduling Home Energy Scores and weatherization projects. He also does some casework, helping people keep the lights on and stay warm.
Kelly Jensen Intake Coordinator
Kelly started with the Superior Watershed Partnership in late 2019 as a caseworker. After her promotion in 2021, Kelly coordinates and prioritizes all incoming energy assistance requests from MEAP clients, ensuring their energy needs are met. Kelly enjoys assisting those in need.
Tina Watkeys Application Specialist
Tina joined the Superior Watershed Partnership Energy & Climate Office in September 2024 as the Application Specialist. She has many years of customer service experience. Tina attended Michigan State University and Northern Michigan University and holds a degree in Biological Sciences. She enjoys working to help those in need and her position at SWP allows her to do just that. Tina and her husband are in the process of building their self- sustaining homestead/farm in Alger County. In her spare time, she enjoys being in nature and spending time with family and friends. Tina also loves animals and helps those in need by adopting from animal shelters across the Upper Peninsula. Whether it is a human or animal, Tina wants to help all those in need.
Betty Nelson Caseworker
Betty began working for the Superior Watershed Partnership in late 2018. Betty brings 32 years of experience from working as a Medicaid Specialist with Michigan’s Department of Health and Human Services. Betty assists clients over the phone and in-person ensuring the completion of MDHHS & MEAP program requirements. Betty brings outstanding customer service skills to the MEAP team.
Bryanna Cass Caseworker
Bryanna joined the SWP MEAP team in 2022 as a Caseworker. Bryanna brings 14 years of customer
service skills to our clients. Bryanna assists clients through the energy assistance process. Bryanna has a degree in Business from Northern Michigan University. Bryanna enjoys assisting those in need
throughout the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
Leah Dompierre Caseworker
Leah joined the SWP MEAP team in 2024 as a Caseworker. She brings 15 years of customer service skills to assist clients through the energy assistance process. A born and raised Yooper, Leah has a passion for helping those in need throughout the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
Matthew Krause Great Lakes Conservation Corps Energy Technician
Matt joined the Superior Watershed Partnership in early 2022. As an Energy Technician, he performs
Home Energy Scores (HES) on homes all across Michigan's Upper Peninsula, informing and educating homeowners on how to more efficiently utilize energy. He also performs enhanced energy efficiency projects such as weatherization and solar project assistance on homes of people in need; with goals of lowering energy bills and making the homes of the SWP clientele more comfortable. Matt possesses a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering Technologies from Michigan Technological University.
Alec Bush Energy Technician
Alec was attending Northern Michigan University when the Great Lakes Climate Corps was recommended to him by a peer. In the summer of 2022, he took his first job with the SWP as a Crew Leader in the GLCC. Since taking that job he has found a strong passion for conservation, sustainability and energy efficiency. He returned to the SWP in 2025 to work for the energy and climate office. Alec has a B.S in biology with a concentration in botany and a A.A.S in welding and fabrication, which he puts to use as a Lead Energy Conservation Technician; among other projects when the GLCC needs a hand. His goal is to help provide a future with a diverse and healthy ecosystem through means of educating the public on good energy usage and efficiency, and action by helping install efficient practices on people’s homes. An avid outdoorsman, he loves camping, hiking, biking, kayaking, snowboarding, hunting, and many other activities that are offered in the UP of Michigan.
2023 SWP Great Lakes Climate Corps
