OUR Team

Meet The Resource Synergy Staff

Resource Synergy is a Northwest-based sustainability consultancy that utilizes technology and experience to efficiently manage decarbonization and waste reduction programs. We exist to be a catalyst for positive change that creates a healthier environment, economy, and community.

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, a Resource Recovery Manager Certification from the California Resource Recovery Association and a Certified Energy Manager (CEM) designation from the American Association of Energy Engineers.

Catheresa Stewart

Operations Director

Catheresa brings more than 15 years of experience in data analysis, organizational leadership, and company-wide initiatives to Resource Synergy. She spent much of her career at ENGIE Impact, formerly Ecova, where she worked on the waste team and developed a deeper understanding of how business waste streams impact the environment. That experience also influenced how she thinks about her own environmental footprint and the kind of planet she hopes to leave for her children and grandchildren.

Throughout her career, Catheresa has worked at the intersection of data and people, leading analysis efforts and supporting teams through complex initiatives. She believes effective leadership includes mentoring people so they can work independently, build confidence, and take on larger challenges.

At Resource Synergy, Catheresa brings that focus on people, data, and execution to a company whose mission and values align with her own. She believes good data leads to good decisions and that those decisions can create value for both the company and the community it serves.

Jamie Judkins

Account Executive

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, improving current and developing new a diverse portfolio of businesses owned by the Shoalwater Bay Tribe in SW Washington. She also served within the Shoalwater Tribal Government, in grants management and compliance and helped create and implement her own Tribe’s plans, which included climate resilience, economic development, emergency management, program development, and moving 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. Now, as a Program Manager at Resource Synergy, she is leading the decarbonization and waste reduction strategies for many tribes across the NW. Jamie is a mother to two wonderful daughters and loves to spend her off time exploring in her Jeep.

Erin Hislop

Program Manager

 Erin has worked with school communities on their solid waste management, environmental sustainability, and behavior change practices for over 20 years. She began her career consulting for local government agencies to assist school districts, commercial businesses, and multifamily properties with reducing and diverting waste effectively. She then worked in the public sector directly, for both a large influential City and a County, leading conservation public outreach and solid waste management roles. She managed the King County Green Schools Program for over a decade including helping 17 school districts to assess waste streams and create sustainable ways to implement infrastructure and educational strategies that reduce waste, lower climate impacts, and save money. She also worked closely with the City of Bellevue School District to implement durables in their school cafeterias, significantly reducing single use waste and annual purchasing and disposal costs per school. Most recently Erin worked with regional partners to pass and implement statewide solid waste policy, in addition to ongoing in-community outreach focused on how to reduce waste and recycle/compost right. Erin is passionate that schools are not only naturally some of the largest waste generators in need of strong support, but they also offer a vital opportunity for long term positive culture change. Erin holds a BA in Environmental Planning and Policy from Western Washington University and is a certified Zero Waste TRUE Advisor. Erin also currently holds a seat on the WA State Recycling Association Board of Directors.

Kevin Fagan

Project Manager

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.

 

Jake Kuester

Project Manager

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.

Mariah Rubin

PROJECT MANAGER

Mariah holds a Master of Urban Planning and a Master of Public Health in Environmental Health Sciences from the University of Washington, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Global Disease Biology from the University of California, Davis. Her passion for food systems and waste reduction stems from her time as a Student Farmer at UC Davis, where she led food recovery and donation efforts. Prior to joining our team, Mariah worked on developing the Washington Food Rescue Map for the Washington State Department of Ecology. She built on this project through her graduate thesis evaluating educational outreach strategies for organic waste management policies for food establishments in Snohomish County, Washington. Through this work, Mariah gained a deep appreciation for the role that community partnership plays in organics diversion and building more equitable and resilient systems.

 

Since joining Resource Synergy, Mariah has supported waste reduction projects, educational outreach programs, and community engagement efforts for clients across Washington. In her free time, Mariah loves enjoying all of Washington’s beauty through hiking, backpacking, climbing, cross country skiing, and, hopefully, fly fishing soon!

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

Project Associate

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 

Senior Analyst

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.

Annie Cooper

Project Lead

Annie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies with minors in Sustainable Business, Leadership Studies, and Communications from Gonzaga University. During her time at Gonzaga, she supported various campus sustainability initiatives, including conducting waste audits, implementing composting programs in residence halls, and contributing to the development of the university’s Sustainability and Climate Action Plan.

She brings a strong foundation in sustainability, systems thinking, and strategic communication to her work, with particular interests in waste education and organizational behavior change. Her approach emphasizes practical solutions, stakeholder engagement, and long-term impact. She is passionate about building community with those who share a common vision and are committed to creating positive change in the world.

Alex Angerman

Senior Technical Writer

Alex Angerman holds a Bachelor of Arts in Urban & Regional Planning from Eastern Washington University and a Master of Professional Science in Environmental Studies & Sustainability from Unity University. She has spent her career at the intersection of sustainability and community-driven environmental action, shaping projects that blend Indigenous knowledge with innovative sustainability practices. Drawing from her background in Tribal Government, Alex has written and secured various grants and authored multiple integrated solid waste management plans for various tribes. She has led impactful initiatives such as creating a rain garden to protect salmon streams and improving an aluminum recycling program that supports local scholarships. She has also been a key player in climate adaptation efforts, launching stream temperature monitoring programs in collaboration with the USFS. Alex is committed to respectful, inclusive environmental management, ensuring Indigenous leadership and perspectives are central to her work. In recognition of her leadership, Alex was appointed to the EPA’s historical first National Environmental Youth Advisory Council, where she advised on critical environmental issues and helped shape national policy for future generations. She has extensive experience in both narrative and technical writing and has shared her expertise at environmental forums, highlighting the connections between cultural heritage and sustainable development.