An Insider Look at EPA Resources for Parks  

Robyn DeYoung is U.S. EPA’s Green Infrastructure Program Manager in the Office of Water.  In May 2021 she re-established the Green Infrastructure Federal Collaborative with 10 other federal agencies to align knowledge, resources and technical assistance to collectively advance green infrastructure implementation.  Robyn has worked at EPA for over 11 years focusing on helping state and local achieve clean water, clean air and adapt to climate change impacts.  She’s developed EPA tools and written papers that estimate the multiple benefits renewable energy, energy efficiency and green infrastructure.  

Robyn started her professional career at Environmental Business Council of New England connecting local policy makers and private businesses.  After graduating from Boston University with a Masters in Energy and Environmental Analysis she moved to Columbus, OH where Robyn worked at the Ohio EPA to develop a state-wide emission offset program to improve air quality and inventory greenhouse gas emissions.  

Robyn is also a certified performance coach through ICF and mindfulness instructor. She enjoys playing field hockey, biking and gardening. Robyn holds an MA in Energy and Environmental Analysis and BA in Environmental Science, both from Boston University. 

Robert Goo currently works at the US EPA in the Office of Water in the Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds.  Mr. Goo has worked for the Clean Water Act Section 319 Nonpoint Source Program since 1990 and his focus is on preserving and restoring watershed hydrology through the use of green stormwater infrastructure and low impact development policies and practices. He was a member of the NPDES Phase II stormwater regulation team and has worked on a variety of issues such as greening transportation systems, urban trees, water harvesting and reuse, voluntary codes and standards, e.g., LEED and SITES, decentralized wastewater treatment systems and coastal nonpoint source management programs.

NRPAs Director of Government Affairs. Kyle has been with NRPA for nearly 4 years. Prior to that he spent over 10 years on Capitol Hill in a variety of roles.

Alison Souders is a Financial Analyst with the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Wastewater Management. Ms. Souders has served as a member of the State Revolving Fund Branch since 2017, where she is a member of a team that implements and evaluates the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and provides technical assistance to EPA’s regional offices. She is currently the staff lead on marketing and outreach. Ms. Souders has a Bachelors from American University in Economics and International Studies and she is currently pursuing a Masters of Public Management at Johns Hopkins University.

Elizabeth Svekla, AICP, is the Manager of the Green Infrastructure Planning Group at the Philadelphia Water Department. Her work with PWD over the last decade has focused on guiding a team of planners, environmental scientists, and GIS specialists, to develop a range of strategies for implementing green stormwater infrastructure projects on public land throughout the City of Philadelphia. These projects range in size from a single stormwater tree trench to large scale plans for stormwater management districts. Liz has a B.S. in Landscape Architecture and a Master’s in City and Regional Planning from Rutgers University.