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  • Our Team

Our Team: Leaders & Experts

Biographies

Photos available for download from our Image Gallery

Carrie Clement, PE, Executive Director

Carrie Clement provides strategic leadership for all aspects of Resource Renew and is responsible for the operational, environmental and financial performance of the organization. In this capacity, Clement strives to fulfill the organization’s public health and environmental mission while ensuring safety and service excellence, strategic planning and growth, as well as innovation and stewardship of the organization’s human and financial resources.

With Resource Renew since 2000, Clement possesses broad knowledge of the wastewater industry. Her career has spanned multiple positions since she began her work at Resource Renew as a civil engineer.

Clement earned a B.S. degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Minnesota.  She is licensed as a Professional Engineer in the State of Minnesota and holds a Minnesota Class A Wastewater Operator license.  She is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and active in the Duluth Chapter of ASCE, serving as its President in 2009.   Clement is also a member of the Minnesota Wastewater Operators Association, the Central States Water Environment Association, and the Water Environment Federation.

Brandon Kohlts, Director of Planning and Technical Services

Brandon Kohlts oversees a broad range of functions including Resource Renew’s capital budget, environmental compliance, management information services, engineering and planning functions, and all operations and maintenance of Resource Renew’s solid waste facilities including the Regional Solid Waste Transfer Station, Materials Recovery Center, Household Hazardous Waste Facility and Yard Waste Compost site.  Kohlts ensures the integrity and long term reliability of Resource Renew’s wastewater and solid waste infrastructure. Through integration of state-of-the-art technologies, exceptional planning and management of the capital improvement program, management of the interceptor inspection and maintenance program, and ongoing project management and technical support, Brandon and his team support facility operations to ensure reliability, effectiveness and longevity.

With Resource Renew since 2007, Kohlts served in various positions of increasing responsibility and has been in his current position since 2020.

Kohlts earned a B.A. degree in Urban and Regional Studies from the University of Minnesota Duluth. He is a member of the American Planning Association and the Minnesota Wastewater Operators Association.  Kohlts previously served on the St. Louis River Alliance Board of Directors.  Prior to joining Resource Renew, Kohlts worked as a planning professional for the Arrowhead Regional Development Commission (ARDC) in Duluth, MN.

Chuck Kimball, PE, Director of Operating Services

With Resource Renew since 2018, Chuck Kimball oversees all operations and maintenance of the wastewater treatment system including the regional water resource recovery facility, 75-mile network of large interceptor sewers, and 17 wastewater pumping stations. Kimball and his team strive to meet and exceed rigorous environmental standards and provide the community with necessary services while maintaining the reliability of treatment and equipment associated with wastewater treatment operations.

Prior to joining Resource Renew, Chuck spent 29 years at Minnesota Power—17 years in a variety of engineering roles and the remaining twelve years in management.  He retired from Minnesota Power in 2018 as the manager of technical systems.

Kimball earned a B.S. degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering at North Dakota State University in Fargo.  In 1995 he became a registered Professional Engineer licensed in the State of Minnesota and more recently obtained a State of Minnesota Master A Electrician license.

Lacie Jurek, Director of Human Resources

As Resource Renew’s Director of Human Resources, Jurek leads and manages the human resources department including employee benefits administration, labor relations, recruitment, organization development, worker’s compensation, and legal compliance.  It is her aim to build and maintain a positive workplace culture through leadership, recruitment, and retention initiatives.

Joining Resource Renew in 2022, Jurek possesses robust experience in human resources, serving for the majority of her career in manufacturing industries.

Jurek earned a B.A. degree in Communication from the University of Wisconsin, Superior. She is a member of both the Northland Human Resources Association and the Society of Human Resource Management. She is also a volunteer basketball coach in the community.

AJ Axtell, Director of Community Relations

Joining Resource Renew in 2006, AJ Axtell works to establish mutually-beneficial relationships in the region to ensure the organization achieves its clean water and landfill abatement goals.  Axtell is responsible for the development, planning, management, and execution of strategies for all aspects of public and legislative affairs.  Additionally, Axtell leads the daily operation and development of environmental programs related to pollution prevention, recycling and waste reduction, composting, hazardous waste management, biosolids management program development and education, and water quality programs.  AJ also oversees the organization’s Administrative Team, responsible for various internal and external support activities, including support for the Board of Directors.

Axtell holds a B.S. degree in Biology and an M.S. degree in Microbiology, both from Central Michigan University.  Axtell serves on the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and the Leadership Duluth Steering Committee, and formerly served on the the Fuse Duluth Leadership Council.  She is also a long-time member of Business Networking International.  

Cathy Remington, Director of Finance

With Resource Renew since 2006, Cathy Remington works to position the organization for long-term, financial stability. In collaboration with the board and Executive Director, she effectively manages the organization’s finances while ensuring compliance with all public purchasing regulations. She sets the financial direction and develops strategies designed to drive Resource Renew’s sustainable financial position, while keeping rates stable. Under Remington’s leadership, Resource Renew has continued its exceptional record in financial reporting, receiving the Government Finance Officers’ Association (GFOA) Award for Excellence in Financial Reporting for more than 30 years.

Remington holds a B.S. degree in Accounting from the University of Wisconsin, Superior. She has earned the Certified Management Accountant credential, and is a member of the GFOA, Minnesota GFOA, National Institute of Government Purchasing (NIGP) and Minnesota Chapter of NIGP. She also serves on the Finance Committee of the Head of the Lakes United Way. 

Jason Barsness, Director of Safety

Jason Barsness joined Resource Renew in 2020. He is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive program to ensure the workplace safety and health of all employees and leads the organization-wide Safety Committee. Under Barsness’ and the Safety Committee’s leadership, Resource Renew enjoys exceptional results in employee safety, and has been recognized by statewide and multi-state organizations for the effectiveness of its safety program. Since 2008, all four workplace locations have been certified as Minnesota Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (MNSHARP) worksites by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry’s Occupational Safety and Health (MNOSHA) division. Resource Renew’s worksites are the only public organizations to earn MNSHARP certification.

Barsness earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Human Resource Management and Organizational Management from the University of Minnesota Duluth. He is certified both as an  Asbestos Inspector and Lead Renovator for the State of Minnesota. Jason is a member of the Minnesota Safety Council and the American Society of Safety Professionals. Prior to joining WLSSD, Barsness served as Safety Manager and led the safety programs at ISD 709 Duluth Public Schools and Georgia Pacific Corporation.

Grant Brown, Director of Information Services

Joining Resource Renew in 2010, Brown is responsible for developing technology and communication strategies and policies that will support the organization’s needs now and into the future.  Under Brown’s leadership, Resource Renew utilizes advanced technologies to increase the effectiveness, security and efficiency of the organization. Brown and the MIS Team ensure the organization has the technological tools it needs to achieve its clean water and landfill abatement mission.

Brown earned a B.S. degree in Computer Science, B.A. degree in Psychology, and an A.A. degree in Criminalistic Chemistry, all from Bemidji State University.

Nathan Hartman, PE, Engineering Manager

With Resource Renew since 2008, Nathan (Nate) Hartman oversees the integrity and long term reliability of the wastewater and solid waste infrastructure. Through integration of state-of-the-art technologies, exceptional planning and management of the capital improvement program, development and maintenance of facility master plans, management of the interceptor inspection and maintenance program, and ongoing project management and technical support, Nate and the Engineering Team support operations to ensure the effectiveness and longevity of Resource Renew’s facilities and infrastructure.

Hartman earned a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering and a B.S. degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Minnesota Duluth. He is licensed as a Professional Engineer in the State of Minnesota. He is a member of the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), and Engineering Alliance Minnesota (formerly MnSPE).   Hartman is also a member of the Minnesota Wastewater Operators Association. Promoted through a series of engineering roles at Resource Renew, he was named Engineering Manager in 2020. Prior to joining Resource Renew, Hartman worked as a Project Engineer at USG Interiors.

Tim Lundell, Environmental Services Manager

Tim Lundell oversees Resource Renew’s compliance with various environmental permits, industrial pretreatment program, and highly-regarded internal laboratory. Tim is responsible for developing, implementing, and enforcing guidelines that promote compliance with the regulations and permits. Lundell and the Environmental Services team focus on providing effective, high-quality services in order to meet the needs of the local community while advancing the organization’s mission to prevent pollution and protect the environment.

Lundell holds a B.S degree in Aquatic Biology from Bemidji State University. Lundell joined Resource Renew in 2002, serving in various positions of increasing responsibility and promoting to Solid Waste Services Manager in 2019 prior to being named the District’s Environmental Services Manager in 2024. Before joining Resource Renew, Lundell worked for the National Park Service and the MN Department of Natural Resources.

Chase Poppenhagen, Solid Waste Services Manager

Joining Resource Renew in 2020, Chase Poppenhagen oversees WLSSD solid waste facilities and services including the organization’s regional solid waste transfer station, Materials Recovery Center, Household Hazardous Waste Facility providing local and regional hazardous waste collection programs, Source-Separate Organics Composting Facility and associated reuse programs. With a strong commitment to sustainability and efficiency, Poppenhagen and the Solid Waste Services team are dedicated to providing high-quality, effective waste management solutions that meet the needs of both residents and business—advancing the organization’s mission of responsible waste management and reduction.

Poppenhagen holds a B.S. degree in Geological Sciences from the University of Minnesota Duluth and is actively involved in local, regional, and statewide groups and initiatives focused on hazardous and solid waste management solutions. During his tenure, he has worked at the Household Hazardous Waste Facility, led the organization’s Clean Shop program, and was promoted to his current position in 2025. Before joining Resource Renew, Poppenhagen worked as a Staff Scientist at Braun Intertec Corporation.

Rusty Keller, Electrical Maintenance and Reliability Manager

Joining Resource Renew in 2025, Rusty Keller works to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of both the electrical and instrumentation systems across all 530 square miles of the regional wastewater treatment system.  He provides long-term planning and budgeting to not only maintain, but also upgrade the equipment and systems required to meet the organization’s operational needs.  Keller and his team continually consider system improvements that are consistent with goals and strategies; then projects are filtered by considering their impacts to the safety of employees and public, their contribution to the reliability of service, and finally the impact of project economics on customer rates.

Joseph Schleret, Maintenance and Facilities Manager

Joseph Schleret joined Resource Renew in 2013, and is responsible for the reliability, effectiveness, and performance of the physical and mechanical systems and equipment in the regional water resource recovery facility, wastewater conveyance system, and solid waste facilities. Schleret heads up Resource Renew’s skilled, multi-disciplinary maintenance team who work in troubleshooting, maintaining, repairing, installing, fabricating, and modifying District machinery, equipment, and structures. His team develops and implements the Asset Management Program and various maintenance activities.

Schleret has a long history in industrial maintenance planning and supervision, and also served as a longtime Fire Chief in the region. Schleret’s robust educational background includes certification from the Mining Safety and Health Administration in addition to fire fighter and first responder certifications from regional colleges.

Julie Mooney, Environmental Compliance Specialist

Joining Resource Renew in 2022, Julie Mooney’s primary role is developing, implementing, and supporting the the organization’s various environmental compliance programs. Daily responsibilities include tracking, completing, and submitting various reporting obligations to local, State, and Federal agencies. Mooney also oversees permitting, inspections, and regulatory assistance to various industries and businesses.

Mooney has a B.S. degree in Biology from the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point and over a decade of professional experience in environmental compliance.

Lorilee Blais, Sustainability Specialist (Recycling, Reuse, and Waste Reduction)

Lorilee Blais has been with Resource Renew since 1996, with responsibilities including outreach and public education in the areas of recycling, reuse, waste reduction, and organic waste recovery. Blais coordinates Resource Renew’s rural recycling initiatives and works closely with various townships and elected officials to improve recycling in rural communities. Daily responsibilities also include program development, community outreach, advertising, marketing, and publication development.

Blais holds a B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Minnesota Duluth. She has served on the Recycling Association of Minnesota Board of Directors and continues as an active member. She is also a member of Reuse Minnesota.

Dori Decker, Sustainability Specialist (Organics and Pollution Prevention)

Dori Decker joined Resource Renew in 2021, with responsibilities including development and coordination of programs, community outreach and education, communications and marketing, and compliance assistance in the areas of organic waste recovery and pollution prevention. Dori is on the Board of Directors for the Minnesota Composting Council. Dori is also responsible for implementing organics recycling initiatives made possible by the Statewide organics recycling for multifamily buildings grant through the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.

Decker has a B.S. degree in Biology and a B.A.S. degree in Teaching Life Science from the University of Minnesota Duluth. Decker attended graduate school at the University of Iowa where she was awarded a research grant from the National Institutes of Health, resulting in a M.S. degree in Neuroscience. Prior to Resource Renew, Decker worked at the University of Minnesota Duluth for 13 years, where she was the Health Educator and Wellness Coordinator at UMD Health Services and an adjunct instructor.

Ryan Ihrke, Sustainability Specialist (Pollution Prevention and Clean Water Production)

Ryan Ihrke joined Resource Renew in 2022, with responsibilities including outreach and education in the areas of household hazardous waste, pollution prevention, wastewater, biosolids and Resource Renew’s educational tours program. Daily responsibilities also include program development, advertising, marketing, and publication development. Ryan is a member of the Central States Water Environment Association.

Ihrke has a B.A. degree in Fine Arts from Luther College, Decorah, Iowa and a M.S. degree in Experiential Education from Minnesota State University, Mankato.  Prior to Resource Renew, Ihrke worked at the College of St. Scholastica as a Sustainability Facilitator and Instructor of Sustainability.

Erik Johnson, Sustainability Specialist (Biosolids and Clean Water Production)

Erik Johnson joined Resource Renew in 2023, with responsibilities including outreach and education in the areas of biosolids and wastewater education. Daily responsibilities also include program development, advertising, marketing, and publication development. Erik is a member of the Central States Water Environment Association.

Johnson has a B.A. degree in Biology and Secondary Education from Luther College, Decorah, Iowa and a M.S. degree in Science Education from Montana State University. Prior to Resource Renew, Johnson was a high school biology and environmental science teacher in rural Wisconsin and a science education instructor through Montana State University.

Emma Pardini, Sustainability Specialist (Recycling, Reuse, and Waste Reduction)

Emma Pardini joined Resource Renew in 2022, with responsibilities including public education, outreach, communications, and compliance assistance in the areas of recycling, reuse, and waste reduction. She is the Sustainability Coordinator on the board of the Duluth Superior EcoRotary Club. Emma serves on the board of Reuse Minnesota.

Pardini holds a B.A. in English from Northwestern University and a Master’s Certificate in Environmental Education from the University of Minnesota Duluth. Prior to Resource Renew, Pardini served as the exhibit designer at Duluth’s Great Lakes Aquarium.