Northwest Florida Association of Environmental Professionals Officers and Board Members

Michael Cobb, President

President Michael (Mike) Cobb is the Assistant Director of Environmental Health and Safety for the University of West Florida (UWF).  Mike earned a B.S. in Environmental Science with a Specialization in Environmental Policy from UWF and has over 11 years experience as an environmental scientist and industrial hygienist having previously worked for Terracon and also Wood (formerly known as AMEC).  Mike's specialization is in indoor air quality, sampling /removal of hazardous materials, and during his consultant roles was actively  involved with petroleum restoration programs for Alabama, Florida, and Mississippi.  During his free time Mike enjoys fishing, gardening, and kayaking.

Travis Erickson, Board Member

Board Member Travis is an environmentally conscious geospatial and engineering professional with an expansive educational background extended into environmental science, geographic information science, information technology, digital media, and advertising. Travis is the GIS Lab Manager in the Earth and Environmental Sciences department with the University of West Florida. Travis has spent the last few years working for Emerald Coast Utilities Authority in Engineering as GIS Analyst and in Water Reclamation as a Laboratory Analyst. Travis loves working with data and seeing what kind of analyses and useful results he can pull from it. During his free time Travis enjoys checking out the nature trails, going to art galleries, and spending time with his cats.

Emily Harris, Board Member

Board Member Emily Harris is an Instructor with the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of West Florida (UWF). Emily received a bachelor's and master’s of sciences in Environmental Sciences focusing on Environmental Management from UWF.  In addition to teaching, Emily is also the Programs Specialist with UWF’s Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR). She coordinates various research programs with faculty and students to facilitate and support undergraduate student engagement in research and scholarly activities. Outside of serving the UWF community, Emily enjoys spending time with her husband and dogs traveling and being outdoors.

Ashley Jansen, Board Member

Board Member Ashley Jansen is a Senior Environmental Engineer at Gulf Power and has worked as an environmental engineer for over 12 years.  Ashley earned a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering degree from Auburn University with an environmental specialization and is a registered Professional Engineer in the states of Alabama and Florida.  Ashley’s primary responsibilities include coordinating permitting activities for Gulf Power’s future generation, substation, and transmission projects, and co-managing Gulf’s stormwater, storage tank, and chemical spill response programs. In addition, Ashley serves as Gulf Power’s representative on the Florida Electric Coordinating Group solid waste subcommittee.  During her time away from work Ashley enjoys spending time outdoors camping and fishing.

Matthew Kelly, Vice President

Vice President Matthew Kelly is an Environmental Analyst with Escambia County’s Water Quality and Land Management Division in the Department of Natural Resources. His primary role with the county is in the Water Quality Laboratory, where he performs metals and nutrient analyses. Matt also conducts environmental sampling and serves as scientific support for a variety of projects. He has worked in various environmental roles for the county roles since graduating from the University of Notre Dame with a B.S. in Environmental Science. Matt has served on the board as Secretary, Vice President and President. Matt enjoys spending time outdoors with friends, family, and his German Shepherd.

Amy Mixon, Secretary

Secretary

Ms. Amy Mixon, Senior Project Engineer at AECOM, is a registered Professional Engineer in Florida and Alabama with over 21 years of experience specializing in management and performance of investigations and remedial programs for hazardous material/waste and petroleum sites and compliance projects for private, public, and Department of Defense clients.  As Senior Project Engineer/Manager of large contamination investigations, she has secured permits (including permits for discharge of treatment effluent via UIC and NPDES), and coordinated project activities including work planning, fieldwork, report preparation, and monitoring of subcontractor operations.  Ms. Mixon recently received her Project Management certification from AECOM.  Ms. Mixon received her degree in Chemical Engineering from Auburn University and worked in industry for several years before joining Ecology and Environment, Inc.’s (E & E’s) Pensacola office in 1996 as an environmental consultant.  She worked 17 years with E & E before joining AECOM in 2014.  In addition to FAEP, Ms. Mixon is active in the local chapter of Air and Waste Management Association where she also serves on the board.

Kristal Walsh, Board Member

Board Member Kristal Walsh is a Biological Scientist with Florida Fish and Wildlife in the Office of Conservation Planning Services. Kristal has 20 years’ experience in the environmental field and holds a M.S. in Environmental Science from the University of West Florida (UWF). Her expertise includes natural resources’ management with an extensive background in wildlife conservation and GIS mapping and analysis.  In her current role, she provides technical assistance to government agencies and stakeholders involved in the regulatory process and to private landowners with land management goals of reducing adverse effects to sensitive species and habitats.  Kristal is co-chair for the Six Rivers Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area team and also an adjunct instructor at UWF.  Kristal is a Pensacola native and grandmother to six!