PROJECT TITLE: MN GreenStep Schools: Statewide Launch in 12 Schools 

PROJECT MANAGER QUALIFICATIONS AND ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION 
Project Manager Qualifications: Jonee Kulman Brigham, AIA, LEED AP O+M, is a Senior Research Fellow at the Minnesota Design Center of the University of Minnesota and an Institute on the Environment Fellow, and leads work in Green Schools and Environmental Education. As Manager and PI she will provide administrative oversight for the project, including managing the budget and personnel, as well as coordinating program development drawing on her experience in program planning, design, and management of sustainability programs and projects at both the University and private sector working across institutions and disciplines. She served as Co-PI and co-editor of the State of Minnesota B3 Sustainable Building Guidelines for 10 years, and was PI of the B3 Post Occupancy Evaluation (POE) development applying it to numerous consulting grants using the POE methodology. As a practicing architect in school renovation projects, she coordinated the needs and inputs of school districts, school staff, community members, and interdisciplinary design teams. As an energy consultant, she managed and conducted analysis for utility-sponsored energy design assistance coordinating the inputs of construction cost estimates, design team ideas, and client priorities to arrive at multiple cost-benefit scenarios. She also develops environmental education integrating the built and natural environment. She is currently PI leading MN GreenStep Schools Phase II development. 

Organizational Description: 
The Minnesota Design Center (MDC) is part of the College of Design at the University of Minnesota. MDC uses design thinking to addresses systemic issues throughout Minnesota, helping communities and organizations realize opportunities in their built and natural environment to stimulate economic prosperity, encourage social vitality, and enhance human health and well-being. 
Task Leaders at the University: Higher Ed Sustainability Liaison: Beth Mercer-Taylor, JD, is Sustainability Education Coordinator for the Institute on the Environment. As Higher Ed Sustainability Liaison and Co-PI, she will promote project connections between K-12 and higher education as well as be a conduit for sustainability resources and contacts across the University Campuses. Mercer-Taylor administers Sustainability Education programs, the Sustainability Studies Minor, and related courses. Her work involves mentoring students, supporting faculty, and leading campus sustainability initiatives. She oversees or co-leads emerging K-12 sustainability programs at the University, such as Water Journey Camps, MN GreenStep Schools and an internship program. She will coordinate the involvement of the Institute on the Environment, whose approach bridges disciplines and sectors to create a synergistic setting for discovering solutions, educating leaders, and engaging partners. 
Design Futures Lead: Tom Fisher, Director, Minnesota Design Center (MDC) will lead ‘design thinking for the future’ to help shape a program that is innovative and future-ready, anticipating societal and economic shifts. Tom Fisher is a liaison to a network of innovative initiatives across the State of Minnesota and coordinates the work of MDC in its community-engaged projects throughout Minnesota. 

Qualifications of Task Leaders Outside the University Program Launch Catalyst School Delivery Leader: Shelli-Kae S. Foster is the YES! (Youth Eco Solutions) Program Manager and will lead the implementation of the program in 12 school districts. She has partnered with the MN GreenStep Team to plan the program launch based on YES!’s demonstrated and unique leadership in youth-led environmental education that integrates learning with facilities improvement. Foster has an MBA in sustainable business and has led YES! projects including ones funded by ENRTF. Previously, Foster worked as a School District Energy Manager. YES! Is a program of 
Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center.