Michael Bridges, Chair
Michael Bridges, a Springfield area native, is a partner with the law firm of Husch Blackwell Sanders LLP. A significant part of his practice involves water-related matters, and he has a long-standing interest in issues pertaining to water quality and availability in the Ozarks. A graduate of the Springfield Chamber’s Leadership Springfield program, he presently serves as president of the Springfield Little Theatre board of directors, is past-chairman and a current member of the Springfield Art Museum board, and is a member of the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association board. He is a state-certified mediator and has served as a coach at several mediation trainings conducted by the Missouri State University Center for Dispute Resolution. Michael is also a member of Rotary of Springfield and has served as a vestry member and youth advisory committee member at Christ Episcopal Church in Springfield. 2nd Term Expires December 2014
Robin Melton, Vice Chair
Robin Melton is President and Owner of Environmental Works, Inc. (EWI), an environmental consulting firm. After starting the company in 1992, Robin has successfully grown the firm to nearly 50 associates and three locations-Springfield, MO headquarters with regional offices in Rolla, MO and Kansas City, KS. She has over 18 years experience managing environmental projects in southwest Missouri and across the United States. Her educational background includes a B.S. in Geoscience from Missouri State University, Graduate Study in Physical Geography at University of Georgia, and an MBA from Webster University. Robin also holds multiple professional certifications including: Registered Environmental Manager, National Registry of Environmental Professionals and Certified Hazardous Materials Manger, Institute of Hazardous Materials Managers.Robin strongly supports environmental preservation practices which will lead to a sustainable future. In fact, she has purchased a building to expand EWI facilities at 1455 E. Chestnut Expressway, with plans to renovate using environmentally-friendly materials and energy efficient systems.
She also strongly believes in the importance of giving back to the community. Robin shares her time and talent by serving as a board member for the following non-profit boards: Springfield Chamber of Commerce, Jordan Valley Innovation Center, Inc., Urban Neighborhoods Alliance, Watershed Committee of the Ozarks, and Missouri Petroleum Storage Tank Insurance Fund. EWI is also a corporate sponsor of the James River Basin Partnership. 2nd Term Expires December 2013
Stuart Murr, Secretary
Stuart Murr is the owner of Smart Designs, a company committed to the design and construction of high-quality, environmentally responsible homes. Stuart grew up in Cabool, Missouri and graduated from Drury University in 1997 with a Bachelor of Architecture. As an Intern Architect he worked with Bass Pro Shops and Pellham, Phillips, Hagerman before branching into residential architecture in 2001. In 2005 Stuart formed Smart Designs.
Stuart is passionate about preserving the environment, including the quality of water that flows through our beautiful Ozarks lakes and streams and ultimately into our homes for drinking. He is a member of the US Green Building Coalition-Missouri Heartland Chapter, The James River Basin Partnership, and currently sits on the board of the Ozarks Green Building Coalition, Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity, and the Watershed Committee of the Ozarks. Stuart and his wife Kate have two little campers, Jane and Brady. 2nd Term Expires December 2014
William H. Cheek
Mr. Cheek has been a resident of Springfield and Greene County since 1973. Recently retired, Bill is an Emeritus Professor of Geography and Planning at Missouri State University where he served on the faculty and in various administrative positions for 34 years. Trained as a geographer and planner, he has a long-standing research and personal interest in the environment and water quality. He holds a Ph.D in geography from Michigan State University and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners. Cheek served as a member and chair of the Springfield Planning and Zoning Commission and has conducted planning commission workshops in several communities in southwest Missouri. Bill was a member of the Water Quality Task Force for the Water Quality Planning Group, Vision 20/20. He also was on the WCO Task Force planning for the Watershed Center at Valley Water Mill. He is currently a member of the board of directors of the James River Basin Partnership. Bill and his wife, Maret, have two children and four grandchildren. 2nd Term Expires December 2012
Leslie Carrier
Leslie Carrier, a Colorado transplant and Springfield resident for over 20 years, has a keen interest in the environmental issues concerning the southwest Missouri area. She has worked several years as an event planner, in both professional and volunteer roles. Leslie has served the community as a member and past president of the board of directors of Ozark Greenways, Inc., a member of the advisory board of the Hulston Cancer Center, and a member of the Springfield/Greene County League of Women Voters. 2nd Term Expires December 2012
Keran Lemons
Keran Lemons, a native of Southwest Missouri, is the Loan Manager for the Springfield Region of Arvest Bank. Growing up hiking, biking, hunting, fishing and participating in all lake activities created a long term interest in the maintenance of the natural resources available in the area. A graduate of Springfield’s Leadership Springfield, he has served this organization as president, vice-president, treasurer, secretary, Academy Chair and Kenworthy Award Recipient. Other community organization associations include Greater Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce membership, previously chairing the Ambassador Committee, and as a past board member of the Springfield Family “Y”. 1st Term Expires December 2014