Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District

APCD Staff Biographies

About the APCD                                              Staff Phone and email Directory next

Linda Alexander

Linda Alexander is a Senior Accountant in the Fiscal Section. She started at the APCD in May 1990. Linda commutes to work in Goleta on the one of the Clean Air Buses.

Luke Armstrong

After a four-year career in the Banking and Finance industries, Luke joined the APCD in fall, 2002 as an Accounts Technician in the Fiscal Section. Luke holds a degree in Political Science from Sonoma State University.

Rebecca Armstrong

Rebecca Armstrong is an Air Quality Engineer in the Planning and Rules Section of the Technology and Environmental Assessment Division. She has degrees in Biological Sciences and Environmental Studies from UC Santa Barbara, and a Professional Certificate in Air Quality Management from UC Santa Barbara Extension. She started at the APCD as a student intern in early 1987 and was soon hired as a full-time employee. She began working in the planning division, then worked on the Air Toxics "Hot Spots" Program for 13 years. During this time, she supervised several student interns and worked on various permitting projects. Rebecca currently works in the Rulemaking Section. She served on the Air & Waste Management Association Board of Directors from 1991-1993. Her hobbies include spending time with her children, swimming, hiking and camping.

Linda Beard

Linda Beard is the Executive Secretary and Clerk of the APCD Board of Directors and Hearing Board. She has worked at the APCD since October 1997, beginning as the Executive Secretary to the Air Pollution Control Officer. In June 2000 she was assigned the clerking duties for the Board of Directors and the Hearing Board. In addition to those assignments, Linda is also the secretary to the Community Advisory Council and assists the Human Resources Officer at the APCD.

Bobbie Bratz 

Bobbie Bratz

Bobbie Bratz is the Public Information and Community Programs Supervisor in the Technology and Environmental Assessment Division. She has a B.A. from UC Santa Barbara. She started with the APCD in 1984. She is the APCD’s Public Information Officer and supervises the following programs: Public Information and Education, Business Assistance, CEQA, Land Use Development, Transportation, and Air Monitoring.

Mike Broughton

Mike Broughton is the Air Pollution Inspector Supervisor in the Engineering and Compliance Division. He has a B.S. in Meteorology from Penn State. He was hired in 1987 as an inspector. Current projects include supervision of four inspectors and the Air Quality Permit Technicial, and agricultural and prescribed burn coordination. Mike is married with two teenagers, and is currently assisting LA County in their Youth Career Development Program, teaching math to kids coming out of Foster Care. Other hobbies and interests include handball, kayak fishing, and Ultimate Frisbee. Mike was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio.

Mary Byrd

Mary Byrd is an Air Quality Information Specialist in the Community Programs Section of the Technology and Environmental Assessment Division. She has a B.A. from Swarthmore College. She has worked in journalism, and had her own communications consulting business, specializing in environmental technologies, alternative vehicles, and renewable energy research. At APCD, she is the Santa Barbara Car Free Project Manager, writes the APCD On the Air newsletter and other publications and reports, maintains and develops APCD’s websites, and works on a variety of school and community outreach projects. She was 2005 Chair of the Public Outreach Committee of the California Air Pollution Control Officers Association. She enjoys biking to work.

Joel Cordes

Joel Cordes is the Principal Monitoring Specialist in the Community Programs Section of the Technology and Environmental Assessment Division.  He has a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas (Hook-em Horns). Joel has more than 16 years of air monitoring experience (the last 10 of those years at the APCD). He makes sure the air quality monitoring stations are operational and that the data are being transmitted to our central data base. He reviews the collected data to help maintain quality data.

Terry Dressler

Terry Dressler was appointed Air Pollution Control Officer in 2004. He has a B.A. in Political Science from UC Santa Barbara and joined the APCD in 1987. Before coming to Santa Barbara Terry worked at the San Luis Obispo County APCD for 8 years. He started his career in air pollution control at the Ventura County APCD in 1978. Terry has held the positions of inspector, inspector supervisor, and division manager. He has managed the Regulatory Compliance Division and the Technical Services Division; and had been the manager of the Major Source Division until his appointment to Control Officer. Terry graduated from Ventura High School and has lived in the Tri-Counties area since 1970. He is married and has two daughters. He and his family reside in Goleta.

Ben Ellenberger 

Ben Ellenberger

Ben Ellenberger is an Air Quality Engineer in the Engineering and Compliance Division. He has a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from Georgia Tech and began working for the APCD in 2008. Before coming to Santa Barbara he worked as an engineer for the San Joaquin Valley APCD for three years.

Kaitlin Ergun

Kaitin Ergun is an Air Quality Engineer in the Engineering and Compliance Division. She joined APCD in September of 2005, and has a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from UC Santa Barbara (UCSB). She is a member of Engineers without Borders (UCSB chapter), and has traveled to Peru to participate in solar and water projects. Kaitlin enjoys spending time with friends and family, volunteering, and interior decorating.

Juliet Fernandez

Juliet Fernandez is an Accounts Specialist in the Fiscal Section. Juliet has worked for the APCD since 1990. Before APCD, she worked for the Santa Barbara County Auditor Controller office. She is currently in charge of accounts payable, board grants, travel reimbursements and petty cash. In the past, her duties included accounts receivable. Her outside interests include tennis, skiing, photography, and traveling with her family.

Jim Fredrickson

Jim Fredrickson is a Emissions Inventory/Planning Specialist III in the Planning and Rules Section of the Technology and Environmental Assessment Division.  He holds two B.A. degrees from UC Santa Barbara in Geography and Environmental Studies. He started at the APCD in 1990 as a member of the Planning Section. He has been responsible for federal and state plan development; emission inventory database development; and implementation of several emission-based fee programs (AQAP, Annual Emission, and Air Toxics). Jim is a native of Santa Barbara, graduate of Dos Pueblos High School, and currently lives in Oxnard with his wife and six children.

John Garnett

John Garnett is an Inspection Specialist III in the Engineering and Compliance Division. He has a B.A. in Environmental Studies from UC Santa Barbara. He started with the APCD in 1991. John conducts the Mutual Settlement program, and specializes in compliance for auto body shops and dry cleaners.

Glenn Gazdecki

Glenn Gordon Gazdecki is an Inspection Specialist in the Engineering and Compliance Division. He has a B.A. in Economics & Business and Sociology from Westmont College in Santa Barbara and is a Registered Environmental Assessor I and Certified Professional Dry Cleaner from the International Fabricare Institute. He was hired by the APCD in early 1989. Glenn's outside interests include his family, sports, travel, books and movies. His favorite college football team is the University of Michigan Wolverines and his favorite hike is Rattlesnake Canyon.

Michael Goldman

Michael Goldman is the Manager of the Engineering and Compliance Division. He has a B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering from The State University of New York at Buffalo and started working at the APCD in 1987. Prior to his appointment as division manager in 2008, Mike supervised the APCD’s general source permit program. Mike was also responsible for the development and oversight of District’s permit automation and streamlining program, the emission reduction credit program and the permitting of every type of source we regulate, including large oil and gas and energy projects. His hobbies include photography, hiking, sports , reading and movies. Mike was born in Brooklyn and raised in Jersey.

Doug Grapple

Doug Grapple is an Air Quality Engineer III in the Planning and Rules Section of the Technology and Environmental Assessment Division. He has a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering from the University of Minnesota, Institute of Technology. Doug performed equipment permitting tasks for the APCD from 1980 to 1995, and has been involved in rulemaking from 1995 to the present. He is interested in bicycling and innovative bicycle designs.

Janice Graybill

Janice Graybill is the Office Tech Support for the Front Desk, handling  incoming calls and deliveries, and directing visitors. A native of Santa Barbara, Janice is a Dos Pueblos High School and Santa Barbara City College graduate living in Goleta with her husband, five children, four cats, dog, bunny, and beta fish. 

Paula Gregoire-Jones

Paula Gregoire-Jones is a Data Processing Specialist Sr.. Paula started work at the APCD in December, 1998. She graduated from UC Santa Barbara with a B.A. in Organizational Psychology where she discovered her love for the computer field. She has nearly 20 years of experience in computer support and networking. Her primary responsibilities include installing & upgrading PC's and software, and providing computer support for the APCD employees. She also spends a lot of time on security issues and is responsible for maintaining our software licenses, maintenance contracts, and is the primary e-mail administrator. Paula enjoys yoga, pilates, walking, reading, needlework, and spending time with her family and 2 dogs. She is a volunteer for the Santa Barbara Secondary School District Advisory Council (DAC) and the Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) program.

Glenn Griffin

Glenn Griffin is an Inspection Specialist III in the Engineering and Compliance Division. He has a B.A. in Physics (UCSB), an M.S. in Systems Management (Univ. of Denver), and a Certificate in Air Quality Mgt. (UCSB extension). He was hired by the APCD in 1999 and  works primarily on Part 70 Major Source facilities. He was previously employed by the Ventura County APCD and San Joaquin Valley Unified APCD. His compliance responsibilities include onshore and offshore oil and gas sources and Celite Corporation. His hobbies include bonsai and growing orchids.

Howard Hammeren

Howard Hammeren is a Monitoring Specialist III in the Community Programs Section of the Technology and Environmental Assessment Division. He has a B.S. in Environmental Engineering from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Howard joined the APCD in the summer of 2000 with almost 20 years experience in air quality monitoring. He is the primary field technician and site operator for seven monitoring sites maintained and operated by the APCD. He enjoys outdoor activities including biking, camping and ocean kayaking.

David Harris

David Harris is an Air Quality Engineer in the Engineering and Compliance Division. He was born and raised in Santa Barbara, and has a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of California at Santa Barbara. He likes to surf, sail, golf, travel and spend time with family and friends.

Richard Harris

Rich Harris is the Systems & Program Analyst III in the  Data Processing Group. He has a B.A. in Computer Science from UC Berkeley and has been with the APCD since December 1997. His duties include Information Technology upgrades and enhancements including Y2K and internet and web enabling.

Paula Iorio

Paula Iorio is the Air Quality Permit Technician for the Engineering and Compliance Division. She has been with the APCD since 1989 in administrative and specialist positions in the Technical Services Division, Technology and Environmental Assessment Division, General Source Division and at the front desk. Paula's job duties include permitting of Gas Stations, Dry Cleaners and Auto Body Shops; maintaining permit and compliance databases; responding to public information requests; processing transfer of owner/operator, cancellations, and NOV letters; assisting staff; and running data base reports.

Vijaya Jammalamadaka

Vijaya Jammalamadaka has been an Air Quality Specialist in the Community Programs Section of the Technology and Environmental Assessment Division since 1992. She has an M.S. in Environmental Sciences from Indiana University,  and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP). She specializes in ensuring compliance with CEQA and has worked on APCD projects such as, Clean Air Plans, rules/regulations and permits. She is also responsible for analyzing land use development proposals, reviewing environmental documents for air quality impacts and recommending mitigation measures to reduce significant air quality impacts.

Donald Kendig

Donald Kendig is APCD's Business Manager. A Certified Public Accountant since 1999, he was previously a Financial Systems Analyst with the Santa Barbara County Auditor-Controller's Office, and worked for the Santa Barbara County Superior Court and County Administrator's Office. Donald serves as a trustee on the Board of the Santa Barbara County Employees’ Retirement System and is a director for the Santa Barbara County Federal Credit Union. He is a member of the California Society of Certified Public Accountants and Government Finance Officers Association. Donald graduated from Palomar Community College with an AA in Liberal Arts & Sciences and from the University of California, Santa Barbara, with a BA in Business Economics with an Accounting Concentration. Donald spends his free time with his wife and two daughters (one age 5, born in June of 2002, and one a baby born in December of 2006), three cats, and humble garden of roses, fruit trees and other plants. His interests include good governance, environmental sustainability, public political participation, child development, continuous learning, financial planning, multi-cultural enrichment, food, finances, and computers.

Janice Kettler

Janice Kettler is a Monitoring Specialist II in the Community Programs Section of the Technology and Environmental Assessment Division. She received a B.A. in Communications from the University of Wisconsin at Madison. Janice began work for the APCD administrative and fiscal sections in 1989. In 1994 she was promoted to the air quality specialist classification and trained with staff in ambient air monitoring data review, data quality control and quality assurance. In 1998, Ms. Kettler was promoted to ambient air monitoring site operations and data processing for the APCD. Janice thoroughly enjoys living in California and has participated in the Santa Barbara Sister Cities Program activities.

Sharon Krummerich

Sharon Krummerich is an Office Technician for the Engineering and Compliance Division. She started working for the district in April of 2000.

Jim Menno

Jim Menno is an Air Quality Engineer in the Engineering and Compliance Division. He has a degree in Petroleum Engineering. He started at APCD in 1991 as permit and compliance engineer for major oil and gas sources. Jim is currently the project manager for the Nuevo Energy Lompoc Oil and Gas Plant and Platform Irene, Argeullo Inc. Gaviota Oil Heating Facility and Platforms Harvest, Hidalgo, and Hermosa; Gaviota Terminal Co.; and Celite.

 

Marc Moritsch

Marc Moritsch is a Monitoring Specialist III in the Community Programs Section of the Technology and Environmental Assessment Division. He has a B.S. in Wildlife Management from Humboldt State University. Marc began working at the APCD in the summer of 2000. His work includes the collection and quality assurance for ambient air quality monitoring data, and the production of the annual air quality report. His outside interests include nature photography, bird watching, and travel.

Jonathan Mundt

Jonathan Mundt is an Inspection Specialist II in the Engineering and Compliance Division. He has been employed by the APCD since June 1990 and works with the Oil and Gas facilities.

Tom Murphy

Tom Murphy is the Manager of the Technology and Environmental Assessment Division He has a BA and an MA, and started with the APCD in 1987. Prior to his appointment as division manager in 2004, Tom was responsible for the development and oversight of Clean Air Plans and also supervised the Innovative Technology Group.

Leticia Ortiz

Leticia Ortiz is an Office Technician for the Engineering and Compliance Division.

Molly Pearson

Molly Pearson is an Air Quality Specialist in the Community Programs Section of the Technology and Environmental Assessment Division. She received a B.A. in Environmental Studies and Geography from the University of California at Santa Barbara in 1990. She has worked in the field of air quality for 11 years, first for a local environmental consulting firm, and then for the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District.

Joe Petrini

Joe Petrini is an Emission Inventory/Planning Specialist III in the Planning and Rules Section of the Technology and Environmental Assessment Division. He has a  B.S. in Meteorology from San Jose State University. Joe started with the APCD in 1991 after four years with an environmental consulting firm. He initially worked in the Air Toxics Section reviewing AB 2588 reports, preparing modeling analyses and health risk assessments, and permitting contaminated soil projects and aircraft painting facilities. Currently Joe works on emission inventories and air quality attainment plans. Some interesting projects he has undertaken include the preparation of an emissions inventory for marine vessels traversing along our coastline and the analysis of the meteorology associated with federal ozone exceedances occurring during the period of 1990 to 1999. Joe was born and raised in Santa Barbara and now lives in the Santa Ynez Valley. In addition to spending time with his wife and three children, Joe enjoys playing golf, woodworking, cooking, and making wine and beer.

Sharyl Preskitt

Sharyl Preskitt is the Human Resources Officer in the Administration Division. She has a B.A. in Psychology from the California State University, Fresno. Sharyl began with the APCD in October 2000 and handles all aspects of Human Resources. She is a huge animal lover! Sharyl's family includes a Dalmatian and a parakeet.

Janice Robinson

Janice Robinson is an Accounts Specialist in the Fiscal Section. She has worked with the APCD since Feb 1991. Janice is responsible for the payroll of all employees and is affectingly known as Timecard Guru. She is an avid commuter, commuting from the city of Lompoc since 1991, doing her part by using the Clean Air Express as her main mode of transportation.

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Al Ronyecz

Al Ronyecz is an Air Quality Engineer in the Technology and Environmental Assessment Division.

Brian Shafritz

Brian Shafritz is the Air Quality Engineer Supervisor in the Engineering and Compliance Division. He has a Master of Atmospheric and Oceanic Science from the  University of Michigan. Brian started with the APCD in 1985, specializing in modeling air quality impacts of oil and gas projects. He developed the scope of work and managed the 1989 Santa Barbara County Particulate Matter Study. His technical specialties include source testing, in-stack monitoring, air quality modeling, and Part 70 permitting. He has been in a supervisor capacity for over 10 years and currently supervise four engineers and oversees daily permitting and compliance functions. Brian enjoys playing tennis, chess, and lazing with his two cats. He has been a member of the Goleta Valley Toastmasters Club for over two years, and participated in several local speaking contests. His attention is shared between his wife and daughter, his cats, and the Lakers.

Phil Sheehan

Phil Sheehan is an Air Quality Engineer who works primarily on oil and gas permits for the Engineering and Compliance Division. He has been with the APCD since 1989 and has degrees in both Petroleum Engineering and Geology.

Terry Snyder

Terry Snyder is a Principal Inspection Specialist with the Engineering and Compliance Division. He came to work for the APCD in 1988. He has over 24 years of combined experience, training and education in onshore and offshore oil and gas exploration, production and processing. During this period he has worked on every major energy project within the APCD. His current assignments include ExxonMobil, Venoco, Greka and Hallador projects where he works with these companies to ensure the operate their facilities in compliance with all applicable federal, state and APCD air pollution laws and regulations. Terry also serves as the APCD's representative on the county System Safety and Reliability Review Committee and is the APCD's Safety Coordinator. Terry spends his free time with his wife and two daughters. His interests include photography, surfing and golf.

Craig Strommen

Craig Strommen is an Air Quality Engineer Supervisor in the Engineering and Compliance Division. He has a B.S. in Natural Resources Management and a Master of Engineering from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Craig started work at the APCD in 1982. He has worked on a variety of permitting and compliance projects throughout the years. He currently oversees compliance and is the staff lead for the North County office. He also has extensive experience in variance and abatement matters heard before the APCD Hearing Board. His outside interests include wood working, California history, house remodeling/design, pinochle, and sports.

Jim Swihart

Jim Swihart is a Department Data Processing Specialist, Sr. in the Administrative Division, Data Processing Group. He holds an A.S. degree in Computer Science and started with the APCD in 1990. He has 5 children (2 still at home) 3 dogs, 1 horse and assorted kid’s pets (mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, bugs). His outside activities include church activity, family history, hiking, camping and backpacking.

Ron Tan

Ron Tan is the Planning and Technology Supervisor in the Technology and Environmental Assessment Division. He holds a BS in Mathematics from Stanford, MS in Engineering from UC Berkeley and a doctorate in Environmental Science and Engineering from UCLA. He has been with the APCD since 1988 and prior to his appointment as Planning and Technology Supervisor in 2004 Ron worked on a wide variety of projects including the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), permitting of major oil and gas facilities, Vandenberg Air Force Base and transportation and air quality issues. Ron's non-work related interests include bicycling, gardening, and cats.

Robert Thornburg

Robert Thornburg is an Inspection Specialist III in the Engineering and Compliance Division. He has a B.S. in Biology from San Diego State University, and has completed the California Air Resources Board Uniform Air Quality Training Program. His projects include North and South County general sources, onshore and offshore oil and gas facilities, and Vandenberg AFB. He is a private pilot, and NAUI Scuba Diver.

Bob Van Beveren

Bob Van Beveren is a Data Process Supervisor. He has been working in IT since 1985 and previously served as the Network Operations Director of large corporation. He started with the APCD in 1993. His first project was to make the Data Acquisition System function in production mode. Under his supervision, all employees received desktop computers, the APCD network was upgraded to modern standards and made reliable, Internet services were implemented, and numerous line-of-business database applications were created. Bob and his staff orchestrated a smooth technological move from our former offices in Goleta to our new offices in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria.

Fred White

Fred White is an Inspection Specialist III in the Engineering and Compliance Division. He has a B.S., a Masters in Management Information Systems, and is a Registered Environmental Assessor. He has been with the APCD since January 1992. His specialty areas include gas station inspection and testing, auto body shops, asbestos, and Vandenberg Air Force Base. He enjoys camping and boating, water skiing and wakeboarding, gardening, traveling, and providing a comfortable home for two cats.

Mike Willis

Mike Willis is the Programmer Analyst II in the Data Processing Group. He is a Microsoft Certified System Engineer, Microsoft Certified System Administrator. He earned an A.S. degree in Network Engineering and a CISCO Networking Associate Certificate of Completion from Santa Barbara City College.  Mike has almost 30 years experience in the computer industry including military, public and private sectors, and more than 15 years programming experience.

Liz Zavala

Liz Zavala is an Office Technician in the Technology and Environmental Assessment Division. She has been working with the APCD since 2001 and assists a staff of 15. Her hobbies include baking, cooking, spending time with her grandchildren, and shopping.

Michael Zois

Michael Zois

Michael Zois is an Inspection Specialist III in the Engineering and Compliance Division. He is a Registered Environmental Assessor and California Licensed Investigator. He has been with the APCD since 1989. He currently is the lead compliance Inspector for gasoline vapor recovery systems, and the Asbestos Coordinator for the southern portion of the District. Originally from Los Angeles and South Coast Air Quality Management District, Michael is married with three daughters, three Dachshunds, a Labrador, and cats.


About the APCD                                              Staff Phone and email Directory