Erik Makinson - "Founder/President"

Erik Makinson has built a career on helping organizations realize financial and environmental value through sustainability programs. While working for The Coca-Cola Company, he led the development of the food service industry's first compostable cold cup, helped proliferate recycling cooperatives from Brazil to Mexico and Argentina, and redeployed energy efficient refrigeration from the Beijing Olympics to Walmart stores in China. Subsequently, he spent 6 years building a waste consulting business for Ecova, which today supports over 100 clients representing 60,000 business sites. Erik has spoken at conferences or has written articles for numerous organizations including the National Restaurant Association, US Chamber of Commerce Foundation, GreenBiz, Environmental Leader, and the California Resource Recovery Association. He holds a BA in Business Administration/ Marketing from Seattle University, a Certificate of Sustainable Business from Pinchot University, Resource Recovery Manager Certification from the California Resource Recovery Association and Certified Energy Manager (CEM) designation from the American Association of Energy Engineers.

Jamie Judkins - "Sr. Project Manager"

Jamie brings to Resource Synergy 18 years of experience working within tribal government and tribal-owned businesses. She started her career with the Quinault Beach Resort and Casino and held various positions within their hospitality and catering operations. Jamie then honed her financial acumen serving for 8 years as Treasurer for the Board of Directors of Willapa Bay Enterprises, a tribal-owned section 17 corporation overseeing a diverse portfolio of businesses owned by the Shoalwater Bay Tribe in Western Washington. She also served within the Shoalwater Tribal Government, managing grants and helping create and implement the Tribe’s plans, which included climate resilience planning, economic development planning, emergency management planning, program development, and planning to move the entire tribal community uphill, away from rising sea levels and the tsunami inundation zone. As an enrolled Shoalwater Bay tribal member herself, she brings a deep connection to the environment of the northwest and a dedication to its stewardship. Jamie is a mother to two wonderful daughters and loves to spend her off time exploring in her Jeep.

Kevin Fagan - "Project Lead"

Kevin brings a holistic perspective for the future of sustainability transition into his work at Resource Synergy. Through his research on climate change, specifically the health effects of wildfire smoke, and his work on the City of Spokane’s Sustainable Action Subcommittee, Kevin understands the need and path for a Carbon-free future. His previous work and research have given him a necessary background in many issues facing businesses and municipalities alike. A graduate of Gonzaga University, Kevin majored in Sociology with minors in Sustainable Business and Spanish.

Lauren Guthrie - "Project Lead"

Lauren is passionate about fostering effective collaboration between the public and private sectors to build a sustainable future. Prior to joining ResourceSynergy, Lauren worked for an environmental consulting firm focused on supporting sustainable development programming through federal contracts. She also worked in Latin America forseveral years as a consular officer for the U.S. Department of State. Lauren’s experience working in international diplomacy and project management with federal partners has equippedher with strong skills in communication, collaboration, and problem-solving. Lauren studiedeconomics and Spanish at the University of Washington and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in natural resources and global sustainability through Virginia Tech.

Jake Kuester - "Project Lead"

Jake holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies and a minor in Geography from Western Washington University. Prior to joining our team, Jake worked as a research assistant at Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, studying the effects of rising water temperature on eelgrass, monitoring invasive species, and assisting with conservation and stewardship within the bay and the surrounding ecosystem. During his time at Padilla Bay, Jake gained a newfound appreciation for natural resources such as eelgrass and wetlands that help to sequester carbon. This experience along with a personal love for the outdoors has led Jake to be passionate about resource efficiency, finding new ways to sequester carbon, as well as discovering solutions to make society more sustainable.

Since joining Resource Synergy, Jake has coordinated waste reduction projects, lighting installations, educational programs, and numerous grant applications and proposals. Additionally, Jake received a certification in grant writing from Technical Writer HQ and continues to work to develop his skills and expertise in many subjects. His experience coordinating staff, handling logistics, and preparing reports, coupled with his proficiency in grant and proposal writing, makes him a valuable member of any project team.

Delaney Carr - "Project Coordinator"

Delaney brings to Resource Synergy great experience and a passion for food waste reduction and local food systems. Prior to joining the Resource Synergy team, she served as Student Sustainability Engagement Coordinator at Gonzaga University and worked for the Spokane City Council, helping coordinate the activities of the Spokane Sustainability Action Subcommittee. She also founded the Food Recovery Network chapter in Spokane, volunteered on sustainable farms, and even started her own business selling baked goods. Delaney holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Environmental Studies and a minor in Sustainable Business.

Kelly Hansen - "Project Coordinator"

Kelly’s passion for sustainability and community involvement prompted her to pursue a B.S. in Economics of Sustainability and a Minor in Project Management at Arizona State University. During her studies, she assisted with projects including increasing residential composting in a small Australian town, creating a roadmap for sustainable coffee production in Peru and assessing diversity and inclusion in ASU courses. After graduating from ASU, Kelly worked for Engie Impact, where she analyzed utility bills, identifying and resolving anomalies in energy and water bills. Kelly also volunteered on The City of Spokane Sustainability Action Subcommittee, where she deepened her passion for waste diversion and reduction. As a leader for The Millwood Farmer’s Market and volunteer with The Lands Council, Kelly has seen firsthand the benefits of stakeholder involvement.

Jack Hines - "Office Administrator"

Born and raised in Spokane, Jack has always strived to make a positive impact on his local community. Jack holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in finance and a minor in audio technology in music and society from Western Washington University. The previous five summers he worked as a youth leader at a local YMCA camp where he helped foster education and growth in a wilderness setting. Seeing the powerful impact of the natural world on kids and adults alike invigorated Jack’s drive to preserve our fragile ecosystem. Jack found the sustainability field to be a perfect intersection between his business education and his passion for the conservation of our planet.

Mariné Iriart - "Carbon Accountant"

Mariné brings to Resource Synergy a wealth of knowledge and experience in greenhouse gas accounting and decarbonization strategy design. After starting her career in the oil & gas industry, she pivoted to environmental engineering and climate advocacy. Mariné has dedicated the last 7 years to GHG accounting, designing emissions mitigation plans, and analysis of energy efficiency for organizations worldwide. As a climate solution advisor to the State of Córdoba, Argentina government, she honed her skills for community-level inventories and action plans. Mariné holds a Postgraduate Degree in Environmental Engineering and a Master’s Degree in Energy and Environment from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Germany.