SWCD STAFF
DISTRICT MANAGER
As District Manager, Mike is responsible for developing and overseeing staff, creating budgets, administer and implement grants, enforcing the MN Wetland Conservation Act, manages all level of partnerships and reports to the SWCD Board of Supervisors.
Mike grew up in Norwood Young America, MN. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences from South Dakota State University. Past work experience includes Technical work for USFWS in MN, NE and SD, a Wildlife Biologist for the Nebraska Game and Parks, Watershed Technician for the Blue Earth SWCD, and a Private Lands Biologist for Pheasants Forever.
Mike started his journey with the Le Sueur SWCD in 2011 as the District Technician and became the SWCD Manger in 2016.
PROGRAM SPECIALIST
The Program Specialist position consists of the SWCD’s financial responsibilities, organizing board meetings and agendas, coordinate the yearly tree program and focusing on the day to day operations of the District.
Sue began her career with the SWCD in 1991. She grew up on a dairy farm in Montgomery and continues to live on the family acreage.
DISTRICT TECHNICIAN
As the District Technician, Joe is involved in many different programs and services such as design and implementation of erosion control structures, cover crops, equipment rental and tree planting design and sales and cost share programs.
He started working in conservation as an intern in Kenmare North Dakota on a US Fish and Wildlife refuge in 2012, graduated college in 2013 and then began working for the West Otter Tail Soil and Water Conservation District in Fergus Falls. Joe has been working as the Le Sueur SWCD District Technician since 2015.
RESOURCE TECHNICIAN
As the Resource Technician, Karl’s primary responsibilities include administering the conservation easements in Le Sueur & Scott County, working within the One Watershed One Plans, administering Conservation Partners Legacy grants, assisting with the local cover crop programs & structural projects.
Karl is originally from Marshfield, WI and grew up in Plymouth, MN. He received a Bachelor’s degree in biology with a minor in environmental sustainability from the University of Minnesota Duluth. Past work, experience includes working for the non-profit organization Friends of the Minnesota River Valley and the Conservation Corps.
Karl started as a Farm bill Technician in 2018 and was promoted to a Resource Technician in the fall of 2020.
OUTREACH SPECIALIST
As the Outreach Specialist, Kourtney promotes the efforts of the Le Sueur County SWCD through a wide variety of media outlets. She develops and prepares materials for social media, websites, field days, booths and workshops. Also, she assists in the soil health program for the District.
Kourtney grew up near the town of Blomkest, MN and now resides just outside of Faribault, MN. She attended college at St. Cloud State University and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies. Prior to working for the Le Sueur County Soil & Water Conservation District, she was a District Technician with the Rice SWCD. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, enjoying the outdoors, and helping with all of the animals on their hobby farm.
NRCS SOIL CONSERVATION TECHNICIAN
As a soil conservation technician, Kim works with producers and landowners to implement conservation practices. This includes completing surveys, designs and construction inspection of erosion control practices. She also provides any technical assistance needed through conservation programs.
Kim is from Henderson, MN. She graduated from Central Lakes College with an Associate's degree in Natural Resources. Kim started as an intern with NRCS in Le Sueur County in May of 2023 before being hired on full time.
NRCS CIVIL ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN
As a civil engineering technician, Colin works with producers and landowners to get structural conservation practices done on their land. He assists with the survey, design and the construction of these practices. Colin has been with the Natural Resources Conservation Service for 33 years.
Colin grew up in the town of Wykoff, MN but currently resides in Prior Lake with his wife. He spends his free time taking care of their horses and going out with their hunting dogs.
