Employee Spotlight: Four Team Members Earn New Professional Certifications

Today, we’re excited to showcase the achievements of four team members whose recent successes highlight their dedication and excellence in their respective fields, embodying the innovative spirit and expertise of Princeton Hydro.

Erin Bennett became a Notary Public in New Jersey.

As a Notary Public, Erin is now equipped to provide invaluable services, including witnessing signatures, administering oaths, and certifying documents. This new capability enhances her role as Proposal and Marketing Manager at Princeton Hydro, where she regularly manages multiple grant and proposal applications and coordinates the implementation process from project identification through to completion. Erin’s ability to certify documents and ensure their legal authenticity streamlines the proposal process and adds an extra layer of trust and credibility to the projects she oversees. With this achievement, Erin not only showcases her dedication to upholding the highest standards of integrity and professionalism but also enhances her effectiveness in managing the intricate details of project documentation.

Erin has a wealth of experience working in the nonprofit sector, including roles at the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed, Blue Water Baltimore, and Sassafras River Association. Erin received her Bachelor of Science in Natural Resource Management with a minor in Political Science and Resource Economics, and her Master of Arts in Urban Affairs and Public Policy with an Urban and Regional Planning concentration, both from the University of Delaware. Learn more about Erin.

Thomas Hopper achieved a Geographic Information Systems Professional (GISP®) certification.

The GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) is a nonprofit organization that promotes the advancement of proficient GIS professionals through its international GISP® certification program. GISCI fosters rigorous professional and ethical standards, community engagement, and professional mentoring within the GIS industry. To achieved certification, Thomas was required to pass a comprehensive exam, have four years equivalent full-time geospatial experience, and meet the GISCI Portfolio Requirements in education, experience, and contributions. 

In his role as Environmental Scientist and Project Manager of Restoration & Resilience at Princeton Hydro, Thomas specializes in providing comprehensive GIS support and analysis. His expertise encompasses spatial analysis, data management, and the creation of cartographic products. As a GISP®, Thomas demonstrates his commitment to ethical standards and professional excellence, further enhancing his contributions to the GIS field and fostering ongoing professional development. Learn more about Thomas.

Matt Kreines became a licensed FAA-Certified Commercial Drone Pilot.

A commercial drone pilot license, issued by the FAA, grants permission to conduct commercial drone operations in the United States. To become a licensed commercial drone operator, Matt was required to pass the Aeronautical Knowledge Test and apply for and obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate. To maintain his license, Matt must update his drone registration every 36 months as well as retake and pass the Aeronautical Knowledge Test every 24 months.

Drones are a helpful tool for environmental restoration initiatives because they can efficiently monitor project progress by collecting aerial data, including GIS information, that tracks information like vegetation growth, erosion rates, and site topography. Because drones can access remote and challenging terrain with minimal environmental impact they are a valuable tool for planning, managing, monitoring and assessing habitat restoration efforts.

As a Project Manager for the Princeton Hydro Field Services Team, Matt specializes in invasive species management, aeration installation and maintenance, lake and pond management, and operating and servicing Princeton Hydro’s fleet of boats, vehicles, and speciality equipment, including our newest addition: The Marsh Master® 2MX-KC-FH. Learn more about Matt.

Cole Pragides is now a Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM®).

The responsibilities of the nation’s floodplain managers are evolving in response to rising disaster losses, a growing focus on mitigation strategies to break the cycle of damage-rebuild-damage, and a recognized demand for skilled professionals to address these pressing issues. In 1998, the Association of State Floodplain Managers introduced the national CFM® program to establish a standardized assessment of professional competence in floodplain management.

To become a CFM®, Cole was required to pass a rigorous exam that assesses knowledge and competency in various aspects of floodplain management, including floodplain regulations, mapping, flood insurance, flood hazard mitigation, and emergency management. To maintain certification, ASFPN requires CFMs to earn 16 Continuing Education Credits (CECs) during a two-year cycle.

Within his capacity as a Princeton Hydro Staff Engineer, Cole’s attainment of this certification underscores his commitment to fostering synergies between engineering, environmental science, and ecology to promote a more sustainable ecosystem.

Congratulations to Thomas, Cole, Erin and Matt! To learn more about the Princeton Hydro team, click here.

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