About Eco News Network
Eco News Network provides news, trends and commentary on ecological issues, challenges, products, processes, science and leisure. Business news as well as eco-leisure news is featured. Staff writers, guest authors and contributors offer the latest developments and present the challenges facing all of us as we embark on sustaining the planet.
The founders of Eco News Network have been immersed in environmental issues before green was cool; participating in product development, leading trends and contributing to the understanding of what it will take to sustain our world moving forward. It is our belief that knowledge is power. We hope you will have something to share to keep this important dialogue in motion.
Meet the Minds Behind Eco News Network
Jennifer Forbes, Co-Founder
Embracing her environmental roots, Jennifer founded Eco News Network in 2009. An environmental advocate and outdoor enthusiast who loves biking, kayaking, walking along the Esplanade in Boston, and just about any outdoor activity, Jennifer is also an animal lover and regularly has her two cats, Flash and Magic, and her amazing Corgi, Ben, by her side while she works. Jennifer loves living and working in Boston after spending time in Connecticut, Atlanta, and Cleveland during her career. Finding adventure and hidden treasure in every day and each place she goes is a special mission she loves to share with friends and clients. A frequent traveler and cultural explorer, Jennifer spends as much time as resources allow exploring the world and absorbing the individuality of each place she visits. Jennifer is a mom to a college age son who is also a student of world culture.
Jennifer earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Boston University. She is a proud member of the Charles River Watershed Association, the Beacon Hill Civic Association, and Beacon Hill Seminars. Jennifer is also a sponsoring member of Women for Women International.
Contact Jennifer at jforbes@econewsnetwork.org.
Megan Webb, Co-Founder
Alongside Jennifer, Megan is the co-founder and an eco blogger for Eco News Network. Having recently relocated to Boston after spending time living and working in Rochester, Atlanta and Buffalo, Megan enjoys exploring the culture and history of Boston. She has a passion for the outdoors, sports, running, reading the latest best sellers, and traveling to new and exciting places. Megan earned her bachelor’s degree in Communications/Journalism and English from St. John Fisher College in Rochester, N.Y.
Contact Megan at mwebb@econewsnetwork.org.
Allyson Koerner, Intern
Allyson Koerner is a contributing writer for Eco News Network. A graduate student at Emerson College majoring in print and multimedia journalism, Koerner received her bachelor’s degree in English and writing from Westminster College. Koerner previously wrote for JSONS (Emerson College’s Online News Service) about issues in the Beacon Hill neighborhood.
Contact Allyson at news@econewsnetwork.org.
Kami Gray, Contributing Writer
Kami Gray is a personal style consultant, TV wardrobe stylist, author of the bestselling book The Denim Diet: Sixteen Simple Habits To Get You Into Your Dream Pair of Jeans and founding blogger of The Denim Diaries who says a dream pair of jeans can be a great motivator for losing weight and keeping it off. She doesn’t trust the bathroom scale but says a pair of jeans will never lie. Kami has worked with Hollywood stars Hugh Laurie, Kristen Bell, John Corbett, Gordon Ramsey and Jenny McCarthy on TV shows including House, Veronica Mars and Hell’s Kitchen. Her work has also appeared on national commercials for Toyota, Nike, Discover Card and other major companies.
Alexander Forbes, Contributing Writer
Though when asked his profession he may have once told the NY Times—dilettante, Alexander Forbes now splits his time between New York City and Berlin, writing for various publications about contemporary culture. Aside from the written word, Alexander has a passion for photography, with cameras littering the shelves of his East Village apartment. His work spans from top-models to his dog, Benjamin.
With an equally voracious appetite for the Zeitgeist and travel, Alexander searches out the here and now of everywhere he goes. He has spent time on every continent other than Antarctica and continues his quest for the ultimate destination.
Alexander currently studies at New York University’s Gallatin school. Previous to his current professional life, he has worked in Branding for some of the leading restaurants and nightlife destinations in the city.
Monica Breeden, Contributing Writer
A graduate of Georgia State University, Monica has extensive knowledge in the marketing and communications industry. With several years of experience she has worked on public relations campaigns for past clients in the home and building industry such as: Cifial USA, Diva de Provence, and Construction Solutions. She also has worked on building the internal brand of a well-known Atlanta based marketing and communications agency by leading online strategies and new business campaigns. Breeden is also an accomplished writer with several published by-lined articles in regional consumer publications.
Anna Musselman, Contributing Writer
Anna Musselman is a freelance writer and folk singer/songwriter in Cambridge, Mass. While acquiring a writing degree from Minnesota State University of Moorhead, Anna spent her summers in the Bighorn National Forest of Wyoming where preservation and earth-friendly practices became a passion and began to infuse her work. Her creative non-fiction and poetry have been published in Red Weather literary magazine and her EP album When In Wyoming, was produced in 2008. When not writing, Anna can be found playing guitar and singing in the Boston subway system.
Alicia Diaz-Verson, Contributing Writer
Alicia is a marketing and PR professional with a multi-faceted background that encompasses various industries including residential and commercial building products, sports, lifestyle, hospitality and non-profit services. She has provided PR and marketing services for brands such as Hilton Hotels, Fresh Market, Natural Body Spa, Mr. Steam, Cucine LUBE, and more. Currently, Alicia works as independent contractor, providing customized PR and marketing services. An Alabama native, Alicia obtained her bachelor’s in communication from the University of South Alabama. She is an active member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and American Marketing Association (AMA).
Beth Doane, Contributing Writer
Beth Doane grew up surrounded by nature and wildlife on a small farm in rural Ohio and created Andira in 2005 as a fashion import and distribution company. Through launching international fashion brands, Beth experienced the growing need and potential for environmentally conscious design and apparel production and was inspired to create her own line: The Andira Rain Tee Collection. Beth sees each piece she creates as a tool for spreading knowledge and Rain Tees is a reflection of her values and love for our delicate ecosystems.
Always passionate about education being the greatest tool for change, Beth uses her extensive environmental research and experiences in Central and South America to inspire consumers on issues that require global awareness. Beth additionally works as a consultant to corporations and designers interested in the marketing, production, and design of eco-conscious products. She is currently working on a children’s book about the value of our tropical ecosystems and believes that every one of us can take small steps to create global change.
Dennis F. Hallahan, PE, Contributing Writer
Dennis F. Hallahan, PE has more than 20 years of experience with onsite wastewater treatment systems design and construction. He has authored several articles for on-site industry magazines and has given numerous presentations nationally on the science and fundamentals of onsite wastewater treatment systems. Dennis is currently Technical Director at Infiltrator Systems where is responsible for government relations and technology transfer between Infiltrator Systems and the regulatory and design communities. Dennis also oversees a staff that is responsible for product research and testing for both universities and private consultants.
He received his master’s in civil engineering from the University of Connecticut and his bachelor’s in civil engineering from the University of Vermont. Dennis is a registered professional engineer in Colorado and Connecticut. Dennis also holds patents for onsite wastewater products.
John W. Szerdi, M. Arch, AIA, NCARB, LEED, AP, Contributing Writer
John has a bachelor’s and master’s degree in architecture from the University of Florida and is a licensed architect in Florida and New Mexico, and a licensed General Contractor in Florida. He is President of LDG Florida Architects, Inc., aka Living Designs Group in Lake Worth, Fla., with offices in Taos, N.M.John has taught Architecture at Broward Community College, Florida Atlantic University, and as a GTA at the University of Florida.
He has been a featured speaker at numerous Green Building Conferences and has written papers and presented at the National Convention for the USGBC and is presently Chairman for the Treasure Coast/Palm Beach Branch of the USGBC South Florida Chapter. He presented the Eco-Centre Living Office in Lake Worth at the American Institute of Architects’ 2008 State convention and at the 2009 Florida Engineering Society Convention in Palm Beach, Fla. John has extensive experience integrating Living Machine™ technology and other natural energy and water systems in diverse environmental project applications for distinctive image and branding benefits including the El Monte Sagrado Resort (Taos, N.M.), AngelFire Resort (Angelfire, N.M.), SundyHouse Resort (Delray Beach, Fla.), EcoPlex Office Building (West Palm Beach, Fla.), Yaxche School (Taos N.M.), Turtle River Montessori School (Jupiter, Fla.), EcoCentre, The Living Building (Lake Worth, Fla.), and Destiny, Florida’s first Eco-sustainable City.
Scott Wallace, Contributing Writer
Scott Wallace is a principal with Stantec NAWE and a leading expert on constructed wetlands. He was also the Principal Investigator on behalf of the Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF) for Small-Scale Constructed Wetland Treatment Systems. Scott is the co-author of Treatment Wetlands, Second Edition, which is considered to be the definitive textbook on wetland design. He consults on a wide variety of projects across North America, Europe and Asia.
Courtney Kistler, Contributing Writer
Courtney is a marketing and public relations freelancer who has worked for numerous media enterprises includingForbes Media LLC, Holtzbrinck Publishers, Conde Nast, and KPI Television. She earned her bachelor’s degree in international relations from Brown University. A native of Toledo, Ohio, Courtney now lives in Manhattan with two spoiled cats.
