Our Team

The ILM Environments team comes from a variety of natural resource, consulting and conservation backgrounds. We look for people who have a pure love of the environment and passion to make the world a better place. Is this you? Check out our open positions here! If you see something that interests you, send a PDF resume and cover letter to jobs@ilm2024dev.wpenginepowered.com.
We are happy to have you meet our exceptional team of caring, experienced staff. We promise our customers will enjoy working with them as much as we love working with each other!

Leadership Team

Keith Gray

Title: President

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Gregg Zink

Title: Vice President

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Jackie Weber

Title: Director of HR and Finance

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Debbie Budyak

Title: Director of Client Relations

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Lisa Woolford

Title: Director of Business Development

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Ryan Rickerson

Title: Director of Field Operations

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Client Relations Team

John Paterson

Title: Account Manager

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Alissa Delgado

Title: Account Manager

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Justin Rigler

Title: Account Manager

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Beverly Railey

Title: Account Support

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Victoria Coleman

Title: Administrative Assistant

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Aquatics Team

Chris Ryan

Title: Aquatics Ecologist, Department Manager

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Megan Szamlewski

Title: Senior Aquatics Ecologist

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Vince Tasso

Title: Aquatics Ecologist 2

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Ben Van Acker

Title: Aquatics Ecologist 1

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Emily Zajecka

Title: Aquatics Ecologist 1

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Amy Runkle

Title: Aquatic Ecologist

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Matthew Boerst

Title: Aquatics Ecologist

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Tim Johnson

Title: Aquatics Ecologist 1

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Consulting Team

Sandy Kubillus

Title: Ecological Consultant

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Eric Mollahan

Title: Ecological Consultant, Department Manager

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Natural Areas Team

Geoff Zink

Title: Senior Ecologist

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Monica Komorowski

Title: Natural Areas Ecologist, Department Manager

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100993174 IL_ROC_1ST DAY FOOTBALL PRACTICE

Tim Benjamin

Title: Lead Ecologist

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Mike Hansen

Title: Natural Areas Ecologist 2

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Jason West

Title: Natural Areas Ecologist 1

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Jake Volm

Title: Natural Areas Ecologist 1

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Paige Lundborg

Title: Natural Areas Ecologist

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Katie Rogers

Title: Natural Areas Ecologist

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Rachel Gowett

Title: Natural Areas Ecologist

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Connor Wood

Title: Natural Areas Ecologist 1

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Ecological Construction Team

Jeff Cook

Title: Ecological Construction Lead

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Ignacio Lopez

Title: Ecological Construction, Foreman

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Aaron Gomez

Title: Ecological Construction Specialist

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Seth Peterson

Title: Ecological Construction Specialist

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Shawn Sinn

Title: Ecological Construction Department Manager

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Maintenance Team

Dale Williams

Title: Field Equipment Technician

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Keith Williams

Title: Field Equipment Technician

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David Lizzio

Title: Maintenance Department Manager

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Security

Marcushio

Title: Security

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kgray@ilmenvironments.com

Keith Gray

President

Before acquiring ILM, Keith co-founded an environmental testing service focusing on wastewater and surface water monitoring, treatment, and compliance, developing techniques that were ultimately patented.

At ILM, Keith has broadened the company focus from solely aquatics based management to a more holistic approach to watershed management including addressing erosion, establishment of native species to sequester carbon and nutrients, and establishing biological balance to systems to achieve improved water quality.

While at ILM, he helped developed specialized equipment to give low impact access to sensitive areas that also reduce overall project costs. New interests include chemical free aquatic plant control using suction harvesting, scaling biological media to improve water quality on stormwater and irrigation ponds, and repurposing lake and pond sediment to enhance the local ecosystem and reduce dredging costs.

gzink@ilmenvironments.com

Gregg Zink

Vice President

Gregg joined ILM in 1997 after graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater with a Field Ecology major, and a Geography minor. After two years of performing ILM’s wide range of field services Gregg moved to a managerial position. Gregg specializes in the training and management of staff. Certifications include Illinois Department of Agriculture Pesticide Applicator (Aquatic, Right of Way, Turf, Ornamental), Wisconsin Department of Agriculture Pesticide Applicator, S-130 & S-190 Wildland Firefighter Training, OSHA 40 Hour Training, and Trainer for Illinois RiverWatch Program. Professional development includes Nature Conservancy Volunteer Small Mammal Survey Walworth Co. 1997, and Midwest Aquatic Plant Management Society Board of Directors.

jweber@ilmenvironments.com

Jackie Weber

Director of HR and Finance

After graduating from the University of Illinois – Champaign/Urbana with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting Jackie passed the CPA exam, making her a valuable asset to our accounting department. Previously she worked as an auditor manager, but left to raise her three children. In 2006 she reentered the work place, and in the spring of 2009 began working for ILM. She handles ILM’s accounting, HR, and corporate functions.

dbudyak@ilmenvironments.com

Debbie Budyak

Director of Client Relations

Debbie joined the ILM team in the fall of 2016. She has an extensive background in relationship and project management, with a focus on customer service. Debbie has a passion for the environment that started at a young age when she joined a non-profit organization to help protect the Earth’s natural resources. Several years later, she continues to educate and inspire those around her to minimize waste and take action to preserve our natural environment.

lwoolford@ilmenvironments.com

Lisa Woolford

Director of Business Development

Lisa has spent much of her career working in the non-profit sector. Most recently, she worked at the Barrington Area Conservation Trust for eight years, serving as Director of Land Preservation and then Executive Director. Prior to that, she worked for the Shedd Aquarium and Museum of Science and Industry developing environmental education programs and exhibits. Lisa began her career as a wetland scientist in Florida after receiving her B.S. degree in Marine Biology from Florida Institute of Technology. Her experience with non-profits will allow ILM to advance its involvement in conservation initiatives throughout the region. Lisa serves on the Board of Directors of the Lake County Friends of the Forest Preserves and the Illinois Lakes Management Association. Lisa joined the ILM team in January 2019.

rrickerson@ilmenvironments.com

Ryan Rickerson

Director of Field Operations

Ryan joined the ILM team in 2019, bringing extensive experience in the ecological restoration field. Ryan has developed a keen set of skills for running operations, organizing, and leading a team with the end goal of creating a healthier environment while building an exceptional professional team of employees. Outside of work, Ryan has a passion for music and woodworking when he isn’t having fun with his wife and young daughter.

jpaterson@ilmenvironments.com

John Paterson

Account Manager

John joined the ILM team in June of 2019 after serving as the Manager of the Wild Things 2019 Conference. Professionally, he has helped craft stories of nature and culture for museums and other educational organizations including Field Museum and the Garfield Park Conservatory in Chicago. He is the author of a children’s book on the water cycle entitled “I Am the Rain”, Dawn Publications, 2018. In his free time he enjoys making art, writing, paddling and serving as an ecological restoration volunteer.

adelgado@ilmenvironments.com

Alissa Delgado

Account Manager

Alissa joined the ILM team in October of 2018. She graduated from Aurora University with a B.S. in Biology and a minor in Psychology in May of 2018. Prior to joining ILM she spent 6 months restoring and maintaining the natural areas in Chicago with the Student Conservation Association. Before that, her jobs focused on customer service and providing positive experiences for clients. In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, and being outdoors. She has completed the Midwest Ecological Prescription Burn Crew Member Training.

jrigler@ilmenvironments.com

Justin Rigler

Account Manager

Justin joined the ILM team in the spring of 2017. He graduated the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2015 with a B.S. in Natural Resources and Environmental Science and a concentration in Resource Conservation and Restoration Ecology. His interest in conservation started when he was very young by camping and doing conservation projects in the Boy Scout program. After obtaining the rank of Eagle, Justin wished to pursue a career in preserving the environment. In addition to 2 years of experience as a restoration technician, Justin has gained valuable experience from all over the world. From banding waterfowl through a program with the Illinois Natural History Survey, to being on a trail crew in Northern New Mexico for a few weeks in 2012, to even studying African Wildlife Management in Tanzania in the summer of 2014. He possesses his Illinois Pesticide Applicator License and the Chicago Wilderness Midwestern Ecological Prescription Burn training. Outside of work, his interests include plant identification, mushroom hunting, music, art, and learning new things whenever possible.

brailey@ilmenvironments.com

Beverly Railey

Account Support

Bev joined ILM in February of 2008. She has been critical in the growth of the company. Her accounting degree from Triton College and her previous employment in the wastewater department of an environmental laboratory provided her with the administrative skills needed to move ILM forward. Currently Bev assists in the management and customer service for ILM’s contracts.

vcoleman@ilmenvironments.com

Victoria Coleman

Administrative Assistant

Victoria’s extensive background in customer service continues to be an asset at ILM. In her role as Administrative Assistant, she serves our new and existing clients by getting them the information needed to make decisions about the care of their natural areas. She also supports ILM’s Account Managers in order to ensure that our clients’ needs are met in a professional and timely manner. In her spare time, she enjoys everything Circus, including spinning in the German wheel and juggling. We predict that one day Victoria will run away and join the Circus!

cryan@ilmenvironments.com

Chris Ryan

Aquatics Ecologist, Department Manager

Mr. Ryan joined ILM in 2000 after graduation from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale with a B.S. in Zoology with an emphasis placed on Aquatic Biology. A major responsibility for Chris is in managing the service of nearly 200 acres of public water for the Chicago Park District; Christopher also serves as ILM’s fountain and aeration specialist, Fisheries Biologist, Licensed Wildlife Control Specialist, and is a member of our lake mapping team.

mszamlewski@ilmenvironmnets.com

Megan Szamlewski

Senior Aquatics Ecologist

Megan began working for ILM in August of 2008. She received her Bachelors in Environmental Analysis and Resource Management with a minor in Environmental Studies at Western Michigan University, making her a vital asset to the aquatics department. Over the years Megan has gained field experience in managing aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems from invasive species, algae control, water quality testing, fountain/aeration installation and removal. After maintaining waterways around Lake County she now has been managing the lagoons and buffer zones of the Chicago Park District for more than ten years. Along with an IL Certified Pesticide Operator license she also holds her S-130/190 Wildland Firefighter Training certification.

VTasso@ilmenvironments.com

Vince Tasso

Aquatics Ecologist 2

bvanacker@ilmenvironments.com

Ben Van Acker

Aquatics Ecologist 1

Ben has always been interested in water sciences – why ponds, lakes, and other water bodies are the way they are. This drew him to work at ILM where he is able to not only understand the science behind water management but also take action to change ecosystems for the better!

ezajecka@ilmenvironments.com

Emily Zajecka

Aquatics Ecologist 1

Emily received her B.S. in Biological Sciences from DePaul University, later returning to complete her M.S. in Environmental Science. During that time, she worked with many species of ambassador animals and public interpretation. In school, she received both NWCG S-130 and S-190 certifications. Shortly after graduating she joined ILM in Feb 2022.

She believes that the physical and mental benefits of nature can be enhanced close to home. This fuels her prospects within the company of improving full habitat to stepping-stones for biodiversity amidst fragmentation, and enhancing the human connection to the ecosystems we’re a part of.

In her free time, Emily enjoys creating music, art, and a loving home for her various pets.

arunkle@ilmenvironments.com

Amy Runkle

Aquatic Ecologist

Amy has always been obsessed with insects, with her favorite being cicadas but also finding aquatic insects to be amazing as well. She has kept honeybees for years, but is more interested native bees and their diversity. She has worked with animals, many different green houses and nurseries, built ponds, and worked for two tree companies. Being outside is her favorite place to be and also volunteer at Volo Bog as a tour guide on the weekends.

She enjoys music, art, camping, fishing and tree climbing, but mostly hanging out with her senior dog Buddy.

mboerst@ilmenvironments.com

Matthew Boerst

Aquatics Ecologist

tjohnson@ilmenvironments.com

Tim Johnson

Aquatics Ecologist 1

skubillus@ilmenvironments.com

Sandy Kubillus

Ecological Consultant

Sandy is a licensed professional Geologist with the State of Illinois. Since starting at ILM in December 1994, Ms. Kubillus has conducted numerous lake studies involving water quality, dredging feasibility, bathymetric surveys, and water budgets. She is a Certified Wetland Specialist and a Wetland Professional (IT) with the Society of Wetland Scientists, a Certified Lake Manager as well as a Certified Professional in Erosion, Storm Water Quality (CPSWQ), and Sediment Control (CPESC). In Illinois Sandy is also a Designated Erosion Control Inspector (DECI). Ms Kubillus performs wetland delineations, erosion control design, water quality testing, permitting and related projects.

emollahan@ilmenvironments.com

Eric Mollahan

Ecological Consultant, Department Manager

Eric joined the ILM team in 2017. He received his B.S. from The University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana, where he majored in Natural Resources Environmental Science, with a concentration in Human Dimensions. He worked with the Urbana Park District and Illinois Natural History Survey during school, and as an environmental scientist in northern Illinois following the completion of his degree. Eric has extensive experience managing natural areas and has performed wetland delineations, erosion control inspections, and monitoring reports, among other environmental consulting services. He is CWD, CWS and DECI certified.

grzink@ilmenvironments.com

Geoff Zink

Senior Ecologist

Geoff joined ILM in 2007 in an effort to support ILMs’ growing emphasis of restoring and recreating indigenous terrestrial/aquatic plant communities. With nearly 10 years of experience in prairie restoration with Ray Schulenberg and Russel Kirt and improving the woodlands and wetlands at The Morton Arboretum, Geoff has a solid background on the plants and habitats found in the Chicago region. Geoff holds licenses as an IL Certified Pesticide Applicator, S130, S190 Firefighter’s certifications, and has significant MIPN identification background. He has 10+ years of prescribed burn experience

mkomorowski@ilmenvironments.com

Monica Komorowski

Natural Areas Ecologist, Department Manager

Monica joined the ILM team in February 2017. She graduated from the Ohio State University in May 2016 with a B.S. in Environment and Natural Resources. She has worked at a variety of environmental restoration companies which allowed her to gain experience with forest, wetland, and prairie ecosystems. Monica is a licensed pesticide applicator and burn boss. In her free time she enjoys hiking and taking pictures of the cool things she sees.

tbenjamin@ilmenvironments.com

Tim Benjamin

Lead Ecologist

Tim joined the ILM team in the summer of 2018. He graduated from Benedictine University in May 2018 with a B.S. in Environmental Science. During his undergrad, he performed field research with Blanding’s turtles in northeastern IL and published his corresponding manuscript in the Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. He holds an Illinois Pesticide Applicator license and has completed the Chicago Wilderness Midwestern Ecological Prescription Burn training. In his free time, he enjoys keeping and breeding various freshwater tropical fish, as well as collecting various mineral and fossil specimens.

mhansen@ilmenvironments.com

Mike Hansen

Natural Areas Ecologist 2

jwest@ilmenvironments.com

Jason West

Natural Areas Ecologist 1

Jason joined the ILM team in 2021 after graduating from Arizona State University with a B.S. in Conservation Biology. He enjoys hiking, backpacking, camping, and being outdoors.

jvolm@ilmenvironments.com

Jake Volm

Natural Areas Ecologist 1

Jake is a graduate from the University of Wisconsin Whitewater, with a B.A. in Environmental science with an emphasis in Ecology. He grew up in both Wisconsin and Illinois making him passionate about conservation and working to maintain our natural areas. Jake comes from a background in Agriculture and hopes to grow and spread his knowledge on more sustainable practices. He enjoys being outside mountain biking, bird watching, and hiking. Jake joined ILM in the spring of 2022.

Plundborg@ilmenvironments.com

Paige Lundborg

Natural Areas Ecologist

Paige recently graduated from Augustana College in May of 2023 with a B.A in Biology, Environmental Studies, and Sociology/Anthropology. During her undergrad, she completed ecological and GIS research for the city of Davenport as well as partnered with the USFWS to complete natural resource tasks and search for the endangered Rusty Patched Bumble Bee. In her free time she enjoys exploring nature, playing percussion, and hanging out with her cat.

krogers@ilmenvironments.com

Katie Rogers

Natural Areas Ecologist

Katie graduated from University of Wisconsin- Platteville in 2016 with a biology degree with an emphasis in zoology. She has worked with animals since then before deciding to pivot a little and take on a new challenge at ILM! In her free free time, Katie loves working with her rescue dog and doing anything outside.

rgowett@ilmenvironments.com

Rachel Gowett

Natural Areas Ecologist

Rachel graduated in 2020 with a B.S. in Environmental Science from Olivet Nazarene University. Previously she worked and interned with a variety of conservation groups around the country before joining ILM in 2023. Rachel is an IL Certified Pesticide Operator. In her free time she enjoys reading, hiking, and playing collaborative strategy games with friends.

cwood@ilmenvironments.com

Connor Wood

Natural Areas Ecologist 1

jcook@ilmenvironments.com

Jeff Cook

Ecological Construction Lead

ilopez@ilmenvironments.com

Ignacio Lopez

Ecological Construction, Foreman

agomez@ilmenvironments.com

Aaron Gomez

Ecological Construction Specialist

SPeterson@ilmenvironments.com

Seth Peterson

Ecological Construction Specialist

ssinn@ilmenvironments.com

Shawn Sinn

Ecological Construction Department Manager

Shawn’s interest in ecological restoration began as a landscape architecture student at the University of Illinois at Urbana – Champaign. Since 2002, he has served many roles within the ecological restoration discipline including field supervisor, project manager and sustainable landscape designer. Prior to joining ILM in 2022, he directed the ecological restoration division of a local landscape contractor. Outside of work, Shawn enjoys reading, music, woodworking, gardening, and exploring new places.

dwilliams@ilmenvironments.com

Dale Williams

Field Equipment Technician

Dale joined the ILM team in January 2017. He has extensive experience in the repair industry, spanning more than 25 years. Dale is the “behind the scenes” guy who keeps ILM’s equipment properly maintained, from trucks, to hand equipment, to the larger amphibious vehicles.

kwilliams@ilmenvironments.com

Keith Williams

Field Equipment Technician

Keith is a huge asset to ILM, having joined the team back in 2019. As an ASE certified master automotive technician, one of his many responsibilities is to keep our fleet of vehicles and equipment in good running order. Keith also has a Class A driver’s license, which allows him to transport our large equipment, like Scoopy the amphibious excavator, from site to site. To top it off, he has certifications in both pesticide application and prescribed burns. Keith wears many hats at ILM and we are so happy to have him!

David Lizzio

Maintenance Department Manager

Dave joined the ILM team in late 2022 to assist in the development, efficiency, and expansion of our maintenance department. He brings many years of technical and managerial experience to the table, as well as ASE Master-level certifications and a number of other industry certifications as well. This all combines to help ensure that our equipment stays clean, functional, and safe! When he is not our shop or the field, Dave finds himself writing and producing music, learning other technologies, playing chess, and spending time on rollercoasters with his wife and children.

Marcushio

Security

Marcushio – Office Dog