EPR is delighted to announce Emmett Perdue, P.E. as our newest Principal and Chief Operating Officer. Emmett’s journey to this role is founded on his dedication to the team and the positive impact he has made on our organization.
“I would like to thank Kevin, Sonny, and Will for honoring and respecting my contributions to EPR through this opportunity. It means quite a bit to me that they recognize my efforts and trust me to help lead the company.”
Emmett Perdue is no stranger to EPR. Since 2014, he has been an integral part of our continued growth and has led multiple complex and rewarding projects. As EPR’s newest Principal, Emmett will continue to provide leadership and vision to staff, and ensure the highest quality service to our clients.
“Emmett not only represents the core values of EPR, but demonstrates the passion for what we do through his leadership and the work that he does. We’re excited for this opportunity at EPR as Emmett moves into his role as Principal and COO. This is an exciting new chapter as we continue to write the story of EPR.” – Sonny Kaiser, founding owner and CEO.
As COO, Emmett will manage the core operations of the firm, working closely with department leads and supervisors to ensure EPR continues to provide the highest level of service in the industry.
“I will continue to do the things I have always done because it’s what I love to do. But more importantly, because of the people I get to do them with. It’s the reason I accepted the offer to personally invest in EPR, to rise into the leadership of the company, and to challenge myself to help make EPR even better.”
Emmett is the first Principal added to EPR’s leadership team since the company’s founding in 2012. We look forward to a bright future with Emmett’s contributions and continued growth of our leadership team.
Erin Bennett celebrates an impressive 10-year milestone with EPR, highlighting a decade of substantial contributions to environmental preservation and restoration. Within her role at EPR as an Environmental Specialist and Water Resources Engineer, Erin’s diverse range of projects includes, encompassing stream and wetland restoration, feasibility analysis for mitigation, agricultural pond initiatives, research endeavors, watershed assessments, and pipeline risk assessments.
Erin’s journey into environmental science was rooted in her childhood experiences. Growing up in the vicinity of the Great Smoky Mountains, she was immersed in the beauty of pristine forests and meandering streams. These early encounters with nature sparked a realization of the need to protect fragile ecosystems. With a natural affinity for math and science, coupled with a love for problem-solving and outdoor adventures, Erin’s path was set in motion.
“I have always loved my math and science classes, problem-solving, and being outside,”
Her interests led her to pursue a degree in biological engineering with a focus on ecological engineering. This academic journey paved the way for a career that aligned her passions with tangible ways to make a positive impact on the environment.
“These ecosystems reduce flooding, clean water, clean air, increase biodiversity and habitat, and provide jobs that impact the world and the environment,”
Outside of work, Erin enjoys a variety of hobbies, including traveling, attending concerts, hula hooping, cooking, and spending time with her loved ones. As we celebrate Erin’s 10th anniversary at EPR, we’re celebrating her milestone commitment that will undoubtedly continue to shape a more sustainable and resilient world for generations to come.
EPR is celebrating Matt Koon’s 10-year anniversary, a milestone that speaks volumes about his dedication to making a positive impact. With over 20 years of expertise in MicroStation and AutoCAD, Matt’s role as an Environmental Technician and CADD Analyst at EPR revolves around a diverse portfolio of projects, including stream and wetland restoration, ecosystem mitigation, and watershed initiatives.
Matt’s journey into the field was driven by his appreciation for the outdoors. With a passion for fishing, hunting, and hiking, he recognized the significance of preserving natural landscapes for future generations. Matt was inspired to embark on a career path that would allow him to contribute meaningfully to the restoration of streams, wetlands, and wildlife habitats.
“When you love the outdoors, the opportunity to actively nurture our natural environments through your work is incredibly exciting,”
Over his tenure at EPR, Matt Koon’s proudest accomplishment has been witnessing the successful completion of restoration projects. EPR projects have restored habitats for a diverse array of fish and wildlife species.
“Seeing a project through from start to finish and knowing that it has provided a home for various species of fish and wildlife is truly rewarding,”
Outside of his role as a steward, Matt Koon enjoys fishing, spending quality time with his family, and enjoying the great outdoors. As we celebrate Matt’s 10 years at EPR, we celebrate his dedication to the ecosystems that have been revitalized, and habitats restored.
We are thrilled to welcome Heather Wallace to the EPR team! Heather has a remarkable 22 years of experience in investigating natural resources and is thrilled to get back to restoring streams, wetlands, and habitats.
Her expertise in various terrestrial and aquatic species, combined with her deep understanding of the Endangered Species Act, make her a valuable asset for the protection of fragile ecosystems.
“Even on a small scale, finding ways to minimize the impact on species that are already in decline can benefit the environment and other more common species as well.”
Heather has a passion for discovering new places, immersing herself in new environments, and learning about local flora and fauna. It gives her a special connection to the natural world and an understanding of the ecology of different species.
Outside of her scientific expertise, Heather can usually be found in her garden, riding her bike, or training her German shorthaired pointers for hunting and field testing.
Heather’s commitment to the environment is evident in her daily work. With her impressive skills and knowledge, we are confident she is the perfect addition to our team and will be instrumental in helping to accomplish our goal of protecting threatened and endangered species such as bats, turtles, migratory birds, and invertebrates. Welcome to the team Heather. We are very excited to have you.
Over the course of his 25-year career, David has been at the forefront of environmental protection. Inspired by his first geography professor, David pursued his interest in nature with a degree in Environmental Studies from Texas State University. The rest is history.
Since then, David has seen many changes in the consulting industry, but his persistence and dedication to clients and the community have made lasting positive impacts. Over the years, his proudest project has also been the longest-lasting. David led the Bolivar Ferry project from initial concepts and permitting to what is, 15 years later, a growing public beach enjoyed by area residents and wildlife alike.
“By doing a good job every day, following the rules, and providing a really good product for the client… that’s the difference we make.”
David doesn’t sit still outside of work either, providing leadership for his neighborhood and community volunteer events, planting trees, and still enjoying the natural world that put him on his path. His advice to new professionals?
“This is what I was meant to do. Find the right place for you… the one that works the best and stick to it.”
We celebrate David’s 10th year with EPR and his continued inspiration to his team and community. David personifies EPR’s corporate value of Environmental Stewardship and natural resource conservation.