Staff

Prairie Rivers' staff of highly qualified experts and activists is supported by your generous contributions.

Glynnis Collins, Executive Director

Glynnis took over the leadership role as Prairie Rivers Network’s Executive Director in July. Glynnis was previously one of PRN’s Water Resources Scientists working to make sure we have clean water flowing through our rivers by ensuring that the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency follows the Clean Water Act requirement to set protective standards for the amounts of harmful pollutants that can be in our waterways. As Executive Director, Glynnis brings with her an intimate knowledge of PRN’s program work and forward-thinking, pragmatic leadership to continue our important work. Glynnis has a B.S. in Environmental and Forest Biology and a M.S. in Biology.

Traci Barkley, Water Resources Scientist

Traci Barkley joined the staff in 2005 and works to reduce pollution entering into our streams by ensuring that municipalities, mining operations, and industries follow Clean Water Act regulations that include specific limits on the amount of pollution that is allowed to be discharged into a river or stream. She is a former Prairie Rivers volunteer with a B.S.in Ecology and an MS in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences.  She has previously worked for IEPA where she was involved in water quality monitoring; provided technical assistance to the public, local watershed groups, and state agencies; and was involved in statewide discussions related to water quality standards, NPDES permits, and TMDL development. She also coordinated RiverWatch and ForestWatch volunteers for the Illinois EcoWatch program, a citizen monitoring program that tracks ecological trends in Illinois.

Kim Erndt, Habitat Conservation Program Coordinator

Kim Erndt joined the staff in 2004 and works to help protect stream corridors and wildlife habitat. By working with citizens, farm communities, and agencies she works to both increase awareness of landowner conservation practices and to improve the policies and practices that protect and conserve stream corridors and wildlife habitat. Kim is also assessing the training and technical assistance needs of the communities and groups in Illinois working on water quality issues. Previously, Kim worked for the U.S. Geological Survey, helping to conduct watershed assessments; and she has worked for Living Lands and Waters, the Mississippi River group that works to connect people to the river through clean-ups and educational programs. Kim has a B.A. in Wildlife Biology and M.S. in Biology, Aquatic Toxicology.

Stacy James, Water Resources Scientist

Stacy James joined Prairie Rivers Network in 2006. Her policy and outreach work focuses on nonpoint source pollution from urban and agricultural stormwater runoff, and she also coordinates Prairie Rivers' involvement in the Mississippi River Water Quality Collaborative.  Previously, Stacy was a post-doc for the U.S. Geological Survey Columbia Environmental Research Center in Missouri, where she conducted research on the effects of contamination on aquatic organisms. Her dissertation at the University of Missouri assessed how amphibians respond to cadmium contamination in the aquatic and terrestrial environment. Before enrolling in graduate school, she worked all over the U.S. as a seasonal technician for bird, mammal, amphibian, reptile, and plant projects.

Cecily Smith, Policy and Outreach Specialist

Cecily works to promote river stewardship and to help individuals and community groups become effective conservation leaders. Cecily is currently partnering with other not-for-profits, and state and federal agencies, to educate the general public and health care providers about how pharmaceuticals enter our rivers and streams, how these chemicals harm fish and wildlife, and what disposal solutions are available to prevent these contaminants from entering our rivers and streams. Cecily has a BA in English, a JD, and a Masters in Public Administration with an emphasis in environmental policy.

Brad Walker, Mississippi River Restoration Coordinator

Brad Walker joined the staff in 2006 and works to build awareness about the multitude of issues the Mississippi River faces and the importance of river restoration efforts along the River. Brad, an Illinois native, has a BS in Civil Engineering and MA in Geography. He worked for many years managing the construction of large public work projects specializing in wastewater treatment plants before changing his path to concentrate upon environmental advocacy. He has considerable experience organizing people
in environmental-related advocacy activities. Phone: (618) 541-0778

Vickie Nudelman, Office Manager

Vickie Nudelman joined Prairie Rivers Network in 2005 and maintains all the financial and member data for PRN. She has a BS in Computer Information Systems and Marketing from Florida Atlantic University. Prior to moving to Illinois, Vickie worked for the Mississippi Center for Community and Civic Engagement as the program coordinator of a service-learning grant that focused on improving civic education by utilizing college students as civic tutors to K-8 students in after-school programs. Vickie also previously worked as a technical writer where she coauthored several computer textbooks.