EPN expands leadership, launches dynamic year of programming
EPN expands leadership, launches dynamic year of programming
Chris Winslow, PhD, director, Ohio Sea Grant and Stone Laboratory, Ohio State, introduces the intergovernmental stewardship process for improving Lake Erie at the March 19, 2024 EPN program, "Our North Coast: An insight into Intergovernmental stewardship to improve Lake Erie from Ontario to Ohio.” Photo credit: Duane Gandelot
Hallie Stelzle and Harrison Fried. Photo credit: Duane GandelotBy Molly Bean
COLUMBUS, Ohio —As environmental challenges intensify, the Environmental Professionals Network (EPN) kicks off its 13th year with fresh leadership and a renewed sense of purpose.
Led by new program director Harrison Fried and new program assistant Hallie Stelzle, EPN continues to unite professionals across Ohio to address pressing issues like water crises and climate resilience, while promoting personal well-being and professional growth through dynamic events.
Fried is a proud alumnus of the School of Environment and Natural Resources (SENR) within The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES). With a vision that fuses community-building with cutting-edge sustainability programming, Fried is poised to usher in an era of growth for the network.
“I’m thrilled to join EPN at such a pivotal moment,” Fried said. “For over a decade, this network has been a place where ideas spark, partnerships bloom, and solutions are born. My goal is to build on that foundation by expanding our reach — especially online — so environmental professionals and students across Ohio can connect more easily and impactfully.”
With a rich background in environmental policy and network analysis, Fried aims to expand the network’s digital presence, enhancing accessibility for those who may not always be able to attend in-person events. His experience aligns with the EPN’s simple but powerful vision: a thriving community, connected both in person and online, united by their shared passion for sustainability.
“For over a decade, this network has been a place where ideas spark, partnerships bloom, and solutions are born”Harrison Fried
Stelzle will oversee EPN’s hallmark breakfast events, ensuring that every detail — from registration to catering — reflects the professionalism that EPN’s members have come to expect. Together, Fried and Stelzle bring new energy to an already vibrant network.
An exciting year ahead
EPN’s 13th year promises to be one of the most engaging yet. Joe Campbell, a senior lecturer at SENR who has led EPN for the past seven years, is excited about the upcoming programs.
“We have such a dynamic lineup this year,” Campbell said. “From co-hosting with the Ohio Environmental Council to exploring mental health and mindfulness in environmental work, we’re covering new ground. We’ve always been about addressing the biggest environmental issues, but now we’re also acknowledging the personal challenges that come with this work. Mental well-being and resilience are just as critical as technical expertise.”
The first event, a breakfast on Sept. 19, tackled the timely topic of emerging environmental contaminants. The session also marked the beginning of the Ohio Environmental Council’s Ohio Public Interest Environmental Law Conference. Experts, including Heather Raymond, CFAES water quality initiative director, reflected on key lessons from the Toledo water crisis a decade after the event. Haley Shoemaker, agriculture and natural resources educator with Ohio State University Extension, served as a panelist to discuss how Ohio communities can better govern environmental risks such as emerging contaminants.
Photo credit: Duane GandelotLooking further ahead, EPN’s Oct. 8 breakfast will offer something different: a professional development workshop that blends climate resilience training with mindfulness strategies. This program, designed for both students and professionals, will provide critical tools for navigating the emotional and mental challenges of working in climate adaptation, offering attendees skills that will serve them for years to come.
A legacy of impact
Since its inception, the EPN has consistently been more than just a series of programs. Recognized as a Program of Excellence by Ohio State’s Office of Outreach and Engagement, over the past 12 years, EPN has delivered more than 110 programs, one with over 1,400 attendees featuring local, regional, and national voices discussing key issues such as water quality, climate change, wildlife conservation, and sustainable land management.
The network also offers field-based educational opportunities in Ohio, allowing participants to observe and learn about on-the-ground activities. Capstone SENR students have showcased their collaborative projects with clients — many of whom are SENR alumni working in environmental careers — co-creating knowledge and advancing environmental sustainability and natural resource management.
“Back in early 2012, a group of initial advisors saw great promise in what soon became the EPN,” said David Hanselmann, who led its establishment as a new SENR lecturer at the time. “But EPN’s real success can be attributed to active involvement by those outside Ohio State, along with engagement of students, staff, and faculty — still a hallmark of EPN.”
“Now we’re also acknowledging the personal challenges that come with this work. Mental well-being and resilience are just as critical as technical expertise”Joe Campbell
What’s next
For well over a decade, EPN has provided a platform where environmental professionals can meet, exchange ideas, and drive positive change. From water quality crises to sustainable land management practices and climate change, the network has become a go-to resource for professionals across Ohio and beyond.
As EPN moves forward, the focus remains on creating opportunities for connection, learning, and action. Fried and Stelzle are committed to continuing the tradition of offering high-caliber programming while expanding the network’s reach through digital tools and innovative formats.
“EPN has been a place for those conversations and collaborations to happen, and I’m honored to be part of the next chapter,” Fried said.
For more information on EPN’s upcoming events, or to join the network, visit epn.osu.edu.
