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Board of Managers News
Posted: 08/05/24
The face of the Lower Minnesota River Watershed District (LMRWD) Board of Managers has changed in 2024 as the watershed district said farewell to Laura Amundson and welcomed two new managers this year. The managing body of the watershed district is onboarding new managers to continue seamless progress on its important work in water and natural resources management.
Manager Laura Amundson ends her service as a Board Manager
The LMRWD thanks Manager Laura Amundson for her service as she ended her term of service in late February 2024. She served on the Board of Managers from August 2021 to February 2024 representing Hennepin County.
With a technical background in engineering, Manager Amundson brought a unique and valuable vantage point to Board of Managers discussions and decision-making. She worked as a consulting engineer throughout a successful career where she was most recently a Vice President at WSP in Minneapolis, MN. Her background allowed her to ask important questions that drove discussions surrounding water and natural resources management from a cost-effective, practical standpoint.
Manager Amundson made many significant contributions to the Board of Managers, including her recent service on the Policy Committee for the neighboring Lower Minnesota River East Comprehensive Watershed Plan (i.e. One Watershed, One Plan) development where she represented the LMRWD. The Policy Committee is responsible for content approval and the plan is nearing completion following the May 30, 2024, public hearing.
Her position was advertised, and a new manager has been selected to represent Hennepin County. The Board of Managers recognized Manager Amundson for her service at the June Board meeting.
Apollo Lammers Appointed to the Board of Managers Representing Scott County
Apollo Lammers was appointed to the Lower Minnesota River Watershed District (LMRWD) Board of Managers by the Scott County Board of Commissioners on February 20, 2024. He was sworn in at the March 2024 Board meeting and has been serving the Board effectively since his appointment.
Manager Lammers has been involved in river conservation and was inspired to serve the LMRWD Board of Managers to have a positive impact on the Minnesota River and its surrounding area. In addition to his new role with the LMRWD, he has been an active participant of the Friends of the Minnesota Valley and the Minnesota Valley Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America for the past eight years. As a river enthusiast, Manager Lammers will work to minimize bluff and bank erosion and flooding within the LMRWD with a strong focus on partnership opportunities. Bringing professional experience focused on operational processes, Manager Lammers brings a detail-oriented eye to his Board service and is looking forward to contributing to ongoing projects and contracts. Welcome and thank you for your service, Manager Lammers!
Vinatha Viswanathan Appointed to the Board of Managers Representing Hennepin County
Vinatha Viswanathan has been appointed to the Board of Managers by the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners. She was sworn into office at the July Board meeting to begin her term of service.
Manager Viswanathan has a master’s degree in environmental engineering and brings more than 20 years of experience in the regulatory and sustainability field as a Senior Global Director for a telecommunications company. Her love for the environment is the reason she pursued her career, and she is joining the LMRWD Board to continue her commitment to sustainability. She will lend her professional skills of program management, budget development, carbon calculations, and sustainability training to contribute to Board decision-making and meeting goals within the Watershed Management Plan. Welcome and thank you for your service, Manager Viswanathan!
About the LMRWD Board of Managers
The LMRWD is governed by a board of five managers appointed by the counties they represent. The managers receive recommendations from staff and advisory committees to make final decisions on the budget, programs, and projects. Each manager serves their community on a volunteer basis and their dedication benefits both the public and water and natural resources within the LMRWD.
Interested in making your own impact within the LMRWD? Monthly Board meetings are open to the public and community members are invited to attend. The Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) is also a great opportunity to volunteer and take an active role in watershed management.
Visit the following links to learn more:
