NRLI Alumni Endorsements
NRLI alumni have expressed positive views of the sessions. Below are some of the statements alumni have provided.
I found the NRLI experience an opportunity to expand my professional horizons through networking, challenging me to do something outside of my comfort zone, and learning what else is going on throughout the state. I am amazed at how much of what I learned I apply today. For my practicum I put on a symposium which has helped me professionally by better identifying the environmental issues in my area, the stake holders involved, and how projects I am working can become part of a larger solution as opposed to part of the problem. This year an ecologist that works for me has taken the course. She was very anxious about doing her practicum, which has been coordinating a planting of a filter marsh. A lot more to it that I can do justice in an email, but to see how excited she has been throughout the process, especially after how successful it has been, is a demonstration of how effective NRLI can be in getting you to get involved and be part of something and have a positive impact.
Church Roberts, NRLI Class IV
Johnson Engineering, Inc
(239) 461-2464
I was fortunate enough to participate in NRLI early in my career which gave me valuable skills that will continue with me throughout the rest of my professional life. NRLI gave me the confidence I needed to better utilize my leadership skills gained in past experiences. NRLI also exposed me to historical and current environmental issues that adversely affect the natural resources in Florida. It showed me that resolution is possible if constituents from different sides of the issue work together to solve the complicated issues and make decisions for the betterment of Florida and its citizens as a whole. My participation in NRLI also enabled me to form relationships with other environmental and agricultural professionals. These relationships will last a lifetime and their impression on me and my career is not one I could have gained in my regular day-to-day work. I also have continued to expand my network through my participation as the current Vice President of the NRLI alumni association. It is reassuring to know that there is an expanding group of professionals all working towards conserving Florida’s unique natural resources.
NRLI gave me the confidence I needed to better utilize my leadership skills. The program also exposed me to historical and current environmental issues that adversely affect the natural resources in Florida. NRLI showed me that resolution is possible if constituents from different sides of the issue work together to solve the complicated issues and make decisions for the betterment of Florida and its citizens as a whole.
Deborah Burr, NRLI Class IV
Florida Communities Trust
Florida Department of Community Affairs
NRLI has really provided me with a new perspective on Florida Natural Resource issues and the people and places affected by Them. Actually visiting the areas where environmental disputes are occurring and discussing them with local and regional Stakeholders has been a powerful learning experience for me. Furthermore, I now feel like I am part of a strong network of Florida natural resource professionals - people I can call up at any time.
Jon Dain, NRLI Class IV
Tropical Conservation and Development Program,
University of Florida
The NRLI is an outstanding program. The program team has real world, world class experience and the graduates of the program are truly some of the most exceptional people I have ever met. For me the program was personally and professionally transformative.
Tom Singleton, NRLI Class I
Florida DEP
The Natural Resources Leadership Institute provides essential skills training for environmental professionals and a great forum for working with folks from diverse backgrounds such as water management, forestry, agriculture, wildlife biology, and urban planning.
Fritz Wettstein, NRLI Class III
Florida DEP
FNRLI has been a wonderful experience. I met, and collaborated with, the best and brightest young leaders who will be shaping the future of Florida's natural resource policies. As an attorney with a background in both the private and public sectors, this program gave me an invaluable review of environmental issues and conflicts, and an introduction to new tools and techniques for resolving those disputes.
Wes Wheeler, NRLI Class IV
Attorney, Wheeler and Traviss
The highlight of the NRLI program for me was learning about various natural resource issues around the state. And it is interesting that, while the issue itself may be different than something you work on, the process is often so much the same. I learned applied skills to deal with issues and the networking is phenomenal – folks from around the state in a variety of agencies, organizations and private industries participate.
Dianne Behringer, NRLI Class IV
One of the major reasons I was interested in attending NRLI was to enhance my skills and confidence when in 'leadership' situations. As a Sea Grant Agent, being the catalyst for bringing stakeholders together is a major component of what I do. Most of the time my interaction with stakeholders is non-contentious, although not always. I found the NRLI experience provided me with leadership strategies to address difficult issues/situations, but also much more. For instance, I learned many facilitation skills which I now use routinely in group settings as we work towards common goals or prioritization of issues. I even use these skills with my Sea Grant Advisory committee to prioritize yearly projects. Additionally I learned much about the growth management issues surrounding our state and how communities are addressing growth management through conscientious building. I found it most interesting being a marine scientist that the growth issues experienced in the interior of the state were very applicable to the growth issues on the coast. I think the state of Florida became smaller throughout the year as I realized how interconnected the issues are. Lastly, NRLI provided a networking and friendship building experience that is of great reward and will be maintained through the alumni network.
Betty Staugler, NRLI Class VI
Charlotte County Sea Grant Agent
The NRLI program was an awesome learning experience! I gained a better understanding of natural resource issues in Florida and how decisions concerning them are made. It was also a great opportunity to build my leadership skills in conflict management, facilitation, and communication. The highlight of the program was networking with people and visiting unique places in Florida.
Marella Bradway
Florida Sea Grant Extension Agent
