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Conference Presentations
2026 FLERA Annual Conference Program
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
AI and the Environment: The Need for a Pragmatic Approach
Joshua C. Gellers, Ph.D., LEED Green Associate, Dean of Professional & Lifelong Learning and Inaugural Faculty Fellow for AI
University of North Florida
Transforming Environmental and Resilience Projects with AI and Geospatial Technologies
Brendan V. Brown, PWS, Sr. Environmental Scientist
CDM Smith
All Things PFAS: From Compliance to Cleanup (Session)
Navigating PFAS Compliance: Evan Ged, Operations Manager, Advanced Environmental Laboratories
PFAS Legal Issues - From Regulation to Litigation: Michael Goldstein, Goldstein Enviromental Law Firm
Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Miami-Dade County DERM Perspective: Wilbur Mayorga, DERM, Miami-Dade
Thursday, September 17, 2026
Managing & Resolving Conflict Effectively
Dr. Matthew Sowcik, Associate Professional, Leadership Program
University of Florida/IFAS
2026 Legislative Briefing & Look Ahead at 2027
Diana Ferguson, FLERA Executive Director
Peter Abello, Florida Association of Counties
Community Air Monitoring (Session)
Jacksonville’s Mobile Air Monitoring Project: Mike Williams, Air Quality Branch Manager, City of Jacksonville
Community Air Monitoring Project: Jason Waters and Christian Rodriguez, EPC Hillsborough County
The Future of Sustainable Development (Session)
The Path to Wellness Way: Brooke Moffis, UF/IFAS Extension Agent, Lake County
Alachua County’s Florida Friendly Landscaping Ordinance: Eliana Bardi, Alachua County
Live Local Project: Helena Parola, Planning Department Director, City of Jacksonville
Emerging Trends in Water Quality (Session)
Microplastics in Tampa Bay: Lyndsey (Zee) Grossman, USG College of Marine Sciences
JEA Buckman Ozone Wetland Pilot Study: Michael Dvoroznak, JEA and Shayne Wood, CDM Smith
Wastewater and Stormwater Impacts in Florida’s Estuaries: Sherryl Gilbert and AJ Gross, USF College of Marine Sciences
