PPRC Staff
Chris Wiley, Executive Director
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Chris has been PPRC's Executive Director since May 2001, Chris spends much time thinking about the "big picture" of pollution prevention in the Northwest. His current activities include:
Prior to his ascension to directing duties, Chris was PPRC's "Industry Guy" for five years (1996-2001). In this capacity he worked on projects that affected P2 implementation in businesses, such as: Greening Supply Chains; Developing Product Stewardship Tools; Creating On-Line Chemical Inventory Software; Providing Industry Sector Environmental Assistance; Integrating P2 in Raw Material Specifications; and Facilitating Business Information Networks. Chris originally came to PPRC after working as an Environmental Manager for a wayward metal fabricator in Seattle. In this position he developed compliance strategies, integrated environmental and safety into ISO 9000 quality management systems, tied environmental outcomes to worker productivity and safety, oversaw pollution prevention capital improvement projects and worked himself out of a job by creating management systems that empowered shop employees to take responsibility for waste inventory, reporting and management. Chris holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Policy and Assessment from Western Washington University. Chris spends his downtime skiing (water and snow), being a kid (out of necessity....he has four kids - Braeden, Leyna, Cater, and Avery), mountain climbing, hiking, brewing beer, and playing "punk-r&b-emo-metal-ska" sax for a local band. |
Chloe Birnel, Communications Director
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PPRC’s newest recruit, Chloe has been has been spreading the word about PPRC’s great work since October 2007. Some of her many projects include:
Chloe has a B.A. in Environmental Policy from Western Washington University. She brings with her experience working on communications and outreach projects for non-profits both big and small; including The Wilderness Society and People For Puget Sound. Prior to working with PPRC, Chloe was working as a nature guide in Homer, AK. |
Cathy Buller, Networking Coordinator
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Cathy's role as PPRC's Networking Lead allows her to wear many hats. Informally, she refers to her job as, "World Change through Party Planning." In recent years her work has focused on:
Before joining PPRC in 1997, Cathy worked in consulting and for major industries on environmental impact statements, hazardous waste facility permit acquisition, and regulatory training seminars. At Univ. of California, Santa Cruz she majored in environmental planning/community studies, with several "real-world" internships in city and neighborhood planning departments. Cathy's enduring interests are sustainability, community-building, and transforming positive ideas into tangible reality. She volunteers with organizations like Whidbey Institute and the Center for Ethical Leadership, and serves on the board of Sound Circle Center: a regional resource for Waldorf School teacher training/adult education. Cathy enjoys time with friends and family, and diversions like travel, biking, swimming, reading, knitting and gardening. She continues to pursue the elusive state of Complete Basement Cleanout. |
Michelle Gaither, Technical Research Coordinator
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Michelle is PPRC's resident super sleuth, who helps find answers to ANY type of question relating to pollution prevention and the environment. Her current projects include:
Michelle has an M.S. in Environmental Science and a B.S. in industrial engineering, and career experience in both areas. The two disciplines complement each other in addressing environmental issues and solutions. Prior to PPRC, Michelle's work experience included: management of research projects for the Clean Washington Center to develop applications for using recycled materials; Support of the labwide "Environmental Sustainability Project" for Battelle / Pacific Northwest National Labs at the Hanford site; and, manufacturing engineering at a successful electronics company. Beyond PPRC time, Michelle enjoys raising four children, organic gardening, playing and coaching basketball and softball, home improvement, and hosting dinner parties with her husband at their West Seattle home. |
Ken Grimm, Industry Outreach Manager
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Ken joined PPRC after working extensively in the manufacturing sector. He draws on this expertise while working with various industry sectors, and the challenges they face while simultaneously becoming more competitive and "green." Contact Ken for information on:
After leaving college, where his major emphasis was psychology (P2 is all about behavior change, right?!), Ken spent some time in the autobody trade before embarking on a seventeen-year journey in the metal fabrication industry. After stints as a lead painter and supervisor, Ken spent the last six years acquiring a hat collection which included ETC (Employee Transportation Coordinator), ISO 9000 Internal Auditor, Safety Director, Human Resources Manager, and Environmental Coordinator. He received an award of recognition from the mayor for his work as an ETC and has many years of no violation inspections from the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency to his credit, including one which called the facility a model company in the four-county area they regulate. Outside of work Ken enjoys a variety of activities with friends and family, including fishing, camping, hiking, backpacking, cooking and motorcycle riding. He builds computers as a hobby, and currently has 20+ systems in the homes of friends and relatives. |
Ana Simon, Business Manager
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Ana is PPRC’s finance wizard. Other finance issues that she can help you with are:
Ana has a B.A. in Accounting and Business Administration from the University of the East, Manila, Philippines. She was a practicing CPA and was working on her MBA degree prior to her move to the US. Ana has more than 10 years local experience in working for not-for-profit organizations. Currently, Ana is reviewing for her Enrolled Agent License to pursue a career in tax practice. Life after PPRC’s number crunching routine is: salsa dancing, karaoke and landscape design. |
Debra Taevs, Project Manager
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Debra is PPRC's Oregon staff person at large, as well as working on various projects that serve all of Region 10. Major focus areas include:
Debra has a Masters in Public Administration/Environmental Policy from the University of Washington and a Bachelors in Business from San Diego State University. She has had extensive experience working with organizations to implement new technologies as well as facilitating shifts related to efficiency and environmental improvement. As a recent mid-career Peace Corps volunteer in Romania, Debra developed a full-scale environmental education program and also worked to protect cave ecosystems. After hours, Debra hikes, bikes, dances and may again, one day, pick up her fiddle. |