Each member of our senior management team has more than 20 years of experience in the environmental and engineering consulting profession.

Eileen Straughan, President and founder of the company, has 23 years of experience in environmental science, planning, and design for transportation and land development projects. Eileen’s years of experience have led her to note: “During my career I have witnessed the environmental discussion grow from polarization and conflict to recognition that by working together we can achieve far better outcomes for our growing society and the natural and human environment. This is an exciting time to be an environmental professional because it’s not all about compliance anymore. It’s about sustainability and doing what is right to meet the needs of a growing society in its security, housing, transportation systems, and infrastructure, while protecting, preserving and enhancing the natural and human environment in which we all live. It’s not about finding a way to avoid environmental laws and regulations, it’s about finding where and what the resources are, understanding how they might be affected by our projects, and discovering how to avoid and minimize potential impacts.” Eileen’s expertise is in water resource management and her passion is improving our ability to achieve water quality standards through implementation of low impact development strategies, innovative stormwater management techniques, and stream restoration.

 

Russ Ruffing, Director of Operations, is a life-long outdoorsman who has turned his avocation into his career. “I feel that my environmental “career” began at a very young age, as far back as early elementary school. Even in those days, I had a keen interest in biological and ecological systems—I studied and kept detailed records of bird nesting and large tree specimens, for example. As I got older, I spent many spare-time hours picking up trash in forest plots and stream floodplains. It was only natural, then, that I should gravitate to this business to earn a living! Fresh out of college, you could say that I was a bit idealistic. While that is not typically realistic, I still think it is important that our work is rooted in that kind of thought. I find that the trick is to incorporate that kind of idealistic approach—what I now would call a holistic or sustainable approach—into everything we do, all the while realizing that we must continue to meet the needs of our ever-growing society.” Russ has 22 years of experience in environmental impact analysis, regulatory compliance, and project management. He is an experienced project manager and has negotiated with federal, state, and local regulators on a variety of public works projects.

Kevin Clarke, Director of Planning, has an extensive background in environmental planning. A licensed pilot, he has special expertise in environmental issues related to airport development, both domestically and in South America. “As a pilot flying high over the landscape, everything looked so pristine and in order. With the vast expanses of undeveloped terrain, it was hard to understand the concern that the natural environment was being adversely impacted by mankind’s actions. While hiking, biking, climbing and surfing through these areas I started to look closer and it became apparent, even in seemingly remote areas, that nature is very sensitive and responsive to society’s manipulation of the environment. I truly believe that development and preservation can happily coexist, and are not mutually exclusive. Echoing Eileen Straughan’s statement above, effective coordination between all stakeholders and regulators can achieve practical, cost effective and long lasting results. It takes a comprehensive understanding of potential cause and effect, and utilization of the latest science, technology and engineering practices to achieve this. The staff at Straughan Environmental Services has those skills and dedication.” “To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe.” —Anatole France

Kathleen Liedy, Controller, has 18 years experience in accounting and finance. She joined our team here at SES two years ago. “When I decided to transition from public accounting after five years, I knew I wanted to work with a small business and help them grow to fulfill their vision. I have always felt a responsibility to protect the environment. I feel very fortunate that I have been given the opportunity to work with the team at Straughan Environmental Services, Inc. to achieve their individual and corporate goals in a setting that reflects my personal value of the environment.” She leads the accounting department, working with clients to provide them with accurate, up to date information regarding the progress of our projects. She negotiates terms of contracts, tracks receivables, and ensures that our projects stay within budget, aiding the financial stability of the company. Kathleen is also an active board member of the South River Federation.

Paul Dane, Director of Environmental Design, has over 25 years experience in Engineering and Construction.  Paul’s main interest is blending natural ecological techniques with engineering practicalities.  He has a particular interest in rivers and streams having spent much of his childhood close to water and fishing. Paul commented  “ I was pleased to join Straughan as the company is very genuine in its desire to propose solutions which are sustainable and practical.  This approach resonated well with me and has helped attract a very talented group of enthusiastic designers to the organization from a wide variety of backgrounds.”

Paul is an experienced project manager and has worked on major infrastructure projects in the United States and overseas.

^ Top