Northwest Florida Association of Environmental Professionals Officers and Board Members
Michael Cobb, 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.
Emily Harris, Treasurer
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.
Amy Mixon, 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.
Travis Erickson, 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.
Kate Dawson, Board Member
Kate Dawson is a Coastal Engineer with Moffatt & Nichol in Pensacola, FL. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology from the University of West Florida and a Masters in Civil Engineering, with a concentration in coastal engineering, from the University of South Alabama. Kate operates as a scientist, engineer, and/or assistant project manager on environmental restoration projects along the nation’s shorelines. She is experienced in field investigations, data processing and analyses, development and analyses of design alternatives, permitting, management planning, technical writing, development of construction documents, and outreach. With an education in both biology and engineering, Kate is especially passionate about the integration of sustainable environmental and engineering practices to design and implement restoration projects. She spends her free time taking long walks, reading, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.
Dillon Draughn, Board Member
Mr. Draughn is a coastal engineer with a deep-rooted connection to Northwest Florida, where he has lived most of his life. Growing up along the Gulf Coast, he developed a strong appreciation for the local marine environment through boating, fishing, and hands-on experiences with the region's waters. He holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Civil and Coastal Engineering from the University of South Alabama and has since built a notable career in Florida. As a Coastal Engineer with Baskerville-Donovan, Mr. Draughn has collaborated in numerous multi-million-dollar waterfront projects, bringing expertise in coastal hydrodynamic modeling, permitting, nature-based solutions, and the complex dynamics of coastal processes. Known for his proficiency in coastal and marine construction, Mr. Draughn is a respected professional in the field, dedicated to creating sustainable, innovative solutions for coastal development and protection.