Jennifer Fencl
Cedar Rapids
Summary
Accomplished Environmental Planner with 26 years of expertise in grant writing and project management. Demonstrated success in securing over $20 million in funding, driving significant environmental initiatives through strategic partnerships and robust community involvement. Core competencies include stakeholder engagement, environmental policy development, and sustainable project implementation. Committed to advancing environmental sustainability through innovative planning solutions.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR
East Central Iowa Council of Governments
Cedar Rapids
01.2010 - 04.2024
- Coordinated strategic initiatives, funding acquisition efforts, and administrative tasks for regional jurisdictions and watershed authorities.
- Led a team of up to 5 employees.
- Monitored team performance and provided evaluations.
- Facilitated collaborative efforts among stakeholders and state experts to develop effective implementation plans for three watershed management projects.
- Assisted team members on two hazard mitigation plans and FEMA flood buyout projects.
- Prepared environmental review documents in accordance with 2 CFR 200, ensuring compliance with NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) and SHPO (State Historic Preservation Office), resulting in successful project approvals.
- Organized educational programs including community presentations, workshops, and informational print materials on water quality and flood mitigation.
- Experience with grants through the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, EPA Climate Action, EPA Brownfields, USDA Rural Development, Iowa NRCS Partners for Conservation, HUD-CDBG Water Sewer Fund, FEMA Hazard Mitigation & Flood Buyouts, and CDBG-DR Iowa Derecho Recovery.
- Ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders, including farmers, urban and rural residents, elected officials, business leaders, and state and federal agencies.
- Managed Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) projects for 3 Water Sewer Fund grants totaling $1.5 million, 3 CDBG-NDRC Iowa Watershed Approach projects totaling $16.2 million, and 21 CDBG-DR Derecho Recovery grants totaling $3 million in the last nine years.
SOLID WASTE PLANNER
East Central Iowa Council of Governments
Cedar Rapids
08.1996 - 12.2009
- Designed and executed initiatives to minimize waste across six public facilities in the regional solid waste planning area.
- Directed regional proposal processes to optimize purchasing power for waste facility services, resulting in more streamlined contract management and reporting requirements.
- Assembled and updated solid waste management plans, operation plans, and emergency response plans.
- Authored grant proposals for funding initiatives aimed at landfill waste reduction.
- Facilitated meetings for public waste commissions, and gave informational presentations.
- Conducted surveys and gathered data to create recycling initiatives.
- Reduced presence of outdated chemicals through targeted management initiatives in schools.
SOLID WASTE INTERN
Johnson County Council of Governments
Iowa City
09.1994 - 05.1996
- Conducted research on diverse subjects for the Solid Waste Planner.
- Surveyed businesses about their recycling efforts.
- Completed diverse assistance tasks.
Education
MASTER of SCIENCE - Urban and Regional Planning focusing on Environmental Studies
University of Iowa
08.1996
BACHELOR of SCIENCE - Geography
University of Iowa
05.1993
Skills
- Environmental Policy Analyst
- Community Development Planning
- Proposal Development
- Public Administration
- Project Management
- Public Engagement
- Collaborative Meeting Leadership
- Fostering Multi-Partner Relationships
- Data Gathering
- Analytical Problem Solving
- Guidance for Public Sector Projects
- Employee Supervision
- Financial Budgeting
- Effective Written Communication
- Strong Verbal Interpersonal Skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office
- Thorough Document Review
- Technical Documentation
Certification
- Driver's License, 02/18, State of Iowa
- Certified Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Grant Administrator, 03/22, Iowa Economic Development Authority
References
- Doug Elliott, 319-361-5297, douge711@gmail.com, former supervisor
- Cara Matteson, Sustainability Director Linn County, 935 2ND St. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52404, 319-892-5148, Cara.Matteson@LinnCountyIowa.gov, professional colleague
Timeline
ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR
East Central Iowa Council of Governments
01.2010 - 04.2024
SOLID WASTE PLANNER
East Central Iowa Council of Governments
08.1996 - 12.2009
SOLID WASTE INTERN
Johnson County Council of Governments
09.1994 - 05.1996
MASTER of SCIENCE - Urban and Regional Planning focusing on Environmental Studies
University of Iowa
BACHELOR of SCIENCE - Geography
University of Iowa
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