Who we are
Our interdisciplinary team has expertise in environmental science, water and energy policy, geographic information systems, natural stream restoration, aquatic ecology, geology, field monitoring, remediation, food systems, sustainable agriculture, economic analysis, and planning.
Evan Hansen
Principal
Mr. Hansen founded Downstream Strategies in 1997. For a wide range of science, policy, planning, and economic development projects, he manages interdisciplinary research teams, performs quantitative and qualitative analyses, provides litigation support, and communicates results with policymakers, local leaders, private companies, and nonprofit organizations.
Marc Glass
Principal
Mr. Glass has over two decades of experience in environmental consulting and management. Skilled in the evaluation and remediation of environmental contamination Mr. Glass offers specialized services such as expert testimony, litigation support, and expert report preparation. His experience includes environmental due diligence (Phase I/Phase II environmental site assessments), petroleum and chlorinated solvent site investigations, design and installation of monitoring well networks, aquifer testing, asbestos and biological remediation and project supervision, preparation of facility Spill Prevention Plans for above-ground and underground storage tank facilities, and mold investigation and remediation.
Kendra Hatcher
Principal
Ms. Hatcher has worked on a variety of water resources issues, ranging from analyzing spatial characteristics of international river basins to measuring local water quality. She has wide experience in field-based data collection and data management, including water chemistry and flow monitoring of surface waters. She has also used GIS technologies for over nine years to analyze and manage spatial data related to natural resources and the environment.
Meghan Betcher
Project Environmental Scientist
Ms. Betcher offers expertise in environmental science, specifically microbiology and ecology. She is experienced in project design, field sampling, data analysis, and presentation of complex scientific findings to academics, students, and community groups.
Sara Cottingham
Senior Planner
Ms. Cottingham is a planner who focuses on community and economic development in rural communities. Though well-versed in environmental analysis, she specializes in the preparation of economic development plans, recreation plans, organizational assessments, and feasibility studies for a variety of sectors. Her plans and studies have guided strategic investment and project implementation for a number of rural community revitalization efforts in Appalachia and beyond. She has also worked extensively with nonprofits, ranging from small grassroots groups to regional and national organizations, and offers expertise in grant writing, capacity building, fundraising, and volunteer management.
Evan Fedorko
Project Geographer
Mr. Fedorko is an experienced multi-disciplinary scientist, researcher, and GIS analyst. He has an extensive background in GIS software and technology and has applied those and other geographic principles to areas of health and epidemiology, environmental impact assessment, public safety, evacuation management, natural resources, economic development, geology, tourism, environment, recreation, public policy, logistics and E-government.
Heather Jewell
Project Manager
Ms. Jewell focuses on environmental site investigation, natural resource protection, and environmental due diligence. She offers expertise in emerging contaminants, geology, groundwater remediation, environmental sampling, overseeing field teams, managing large data sets, public communication strategies, natural resource permitting, and wetland delineation. Ms. Jewell is also an Environmental Professional in accordance with ASTM Standard E1527-21.
Benjamin Morse
Staff Scientist
Mr. Morse focuses on environmental site investigation and natural resource protection. He offers expertise in geology, groundwater remediation, environmental sampling, and the management of large data sets.
Kasey Osborne
Project Scientist
Ms. Osborne is a multi-disciplinary researcher with broad experience in natural resources and ecology, geospatial information science, sustainable economic development, and outdoor recreation and tourism. She has worked in various capacities with public agencies, academic institutions, nonprofits, and private entities. Ms. Osborne is experienced in grant writing, develops a range of scientific, technical, and public-facing texts, and specializes in the integration of design elements.
Matt Pennington
Senior Planner
Mr. Pennington is an environmental, community, and economic development planner with extensive expertise helping local governments and organizations balance economic and population growth with the preservation of natural resources. He is an award-winning stormwater professional and focuses on comprehensive planning, green infrastructure implementation, hazard mitigation actions, and securing grants for community projects and programs.
Will Postlethwait
Project Scientist
Mr. Postlethwait is a stream restoration specialist at Downstream Strategies with over fifteen years of experience. Skilled in stream channel, bed, bank and stability assessment, and stream and wetland habitat assessment, he designs stream and wetland restoration projects, develops mitigation plans and permits, and has overseen numerous projects through the construction and monitoring phase.
Josh Saville
Senior Scientist
Mr. Saville brings a wealth of field experience and training to support a variety of stream and wetland restoration projects. He has experience in hydrology-related field work, including surveying (GPS, theodolite, level), sediment sampling, riparian and wetland vegetation inventory, stream and groundwater monitoring, chemical/biological monitoring, habitat assessment, and stressor evaluation.
Dale Shannon
Senior Economist
Mr. Shannon uses a variety of economic modeling and statistical techniques to provide practical analyses that account for the unique economic and environmental ecosystems of a region. He has extensive experience in the tourism, travel, and recreation sectors, where he has identified opportunities to engage regional workforces and natural resources to create sustainable economies that retain local and state resident spending and capture out-of-state expenditures. Mr. Shannon is skilled in developing economic and demographic data structures to provide regions and states with benchmark analyses to compare regional strengths and weaknesses. He also helps clients measure their contributions to regional and state economies and has worked extensively with many economic impact models, including REMI and IMPLAN.
Brennan Williams
Community and Economic Development Planner
Mr. Williams is a city and regional planner with over six years of professional planning and zoning experience at the municipal level. He is experienced in comprehensive planning, neighborhood planning, zoning code development and implementation, urban design, and stakeholder engagement.
Alexis Yost
Staff Planner
Ms. Yost is a landscape designer and planner with a holistic approach to creating places that stand the test of time. With experience in the principals of conservation ecology and sustainable design, she aims to implement techniques that support science and serve communities within Appalachia and beyond. Her portfolio features a variety of projects spanning from small-scale parklets to large-scale urban and regional plans, with technical skills demonstrated that ensure each plan follows through to completion.
Affiliate
Canaan Valley Institute assesses, plans, designs, and constructs projects to improve water quality. Our dedicated team works closely with local partners and clients to restore eroding streambanks, enhance habitat in streams, improve wastewater treatment, and engage students in hands-on education. Our projects stimulate local economies and provide clean water for strong rural communities.