SWP Office Staff
At the Superior Watershed Partnership and Land Conservancy, our dedicated staff is at the heart of a mission to protect and preserve the Great Lakes ecosystem.
As an award-winning 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we’ve set national benchmarks in pollution prevention and pioneered innovative, science-based programs that yield measurable, real-world results. Our team is relentlessly committed to a diverse range of conservation and public education projects—from safeguarding Great Lakes habitats and advancing community pollution prevention, to leading climate change adaptation, invasive species control, and water quality initiatives. Recognized by esteemed organizations such as the US Environmental Protection Agency, Environment Canada, and honored by Michigan’s Governor Granholm, our expertise and unwavering passion drive us to protect the headwaters of Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, and Lake Huron for future generations.
Main Office Staff
Carl Lindquist
Executive Director
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 & Grant Administrator
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
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
Coordinator & Program Manager
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
Kathleen Henry
Special Projects Coordinator and Education Specialis
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
Greeter & Morale Booster
Arlo
Greeter & Morale Booster
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
Productivity Manager
Bjorne
Productivity Manager
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.
Climate Office Staff
Tyler Penrod
Program Manager & Coordinator
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 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
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.
Energy Office Staff
Tonya Swenor
Energy & Climate Program Manager
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 Manager
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 Program Specialist
Andrew Jessen
Energy Education Program Specialist
Andrew joined SWP at the start of 2021. He works closely with Casework and the Energy Services Team to implement energy education projects, coordinate in-person workshops, and run household energy diagnostics. He graduated summa cum laude from Northern Michigan University with a B.S. in Environmental Science and Renewable Energy Technologies. He has experience in international energy market research, grant writing, GIS analysis, and leading sustainability education initiatives. Outside of work, he enjoys reading, surfing, and playing music.
Chuck Lester
Energy Services Coordinator
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 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 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 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 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 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
GLCC Energy Technician
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 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.
Molly L.
Program Eligibility Specialist
Molly L.
Program Eligibility Specialist
Molly joined the SWP MEAP team in late 2023 as a case worker and took on the role of Program Eligibility Specialist when the MI Impact Program was introduced at the start of 2024. Through her role, she works with clients to income verify those that are ineligible for SER, provides education on further assistance/social programs that clients may be interested in and eligible for, and helps clients self-advocate to ensure that they are receiving the benefits they are entitled to. Molly studied Sociology at NMU and is excited that she can combine that with her love of the U.P. and community-based care.
When she’s not at work, you can usually find Molly catching up with friends or in the middle of a craft project (usually at the same time!)