Speakers

Ryan Ihrke joined WLSSD in 2022, with responsibilities including outreach and education in the areas of Household Hazardous Waste, Pollution Prevention, Wastewater, Biosolids and WLSSD’s educational tours program. Daily responsibilities also include program development, advertising, marketing, and publication development. Ryan is a member of the Central States Water Environment Association.

 

Ihrke has a B.A. degree in Fine Arts from Luther College, Decorah, Iowa and a M.S. degree in Experiential Education from Minnesota State University, Mankato.  Prior to WLSSD, Ihrke worked at the College of St. Scholastica as a Sustainability Facilitator and Instructor of Sustainability.

 

Topic:

There is no such thing as away- everything we call ‘waste’ has to go somewhere! Western Lake Superior Sanitary District is responsible for managing all solid and water waste in southern St. Louis and northern Carlton counties, but we can do it alone. Learn how we can all work together to manage waste to protect public health and the environment.

Jerry grew up in Superior in the Billings Park neighborhood. He graduated from Maranatha Baptist University with a degree in pastoral studies. After college, he served in church ministry as an associate pastor in Martinsville, Indiana, for over 13 years.

Returning to the Twin Ports in 1996, he worked in the advertising department at the Duluth News Tribune until January 2012. He then freelanced as a social media marketer, helping many businesses with their Facebook pages.

In 2013, he was recruited to help launch the Destination Duluth Facebook page and promoted to Managing Director in the fall of 2019.

“It has been a remarkable honor working on Destination Duluth to uplift the city and to educate people about the beauty and quality of life here and why they would want to #befromDuluth

Jerry and his wife Sandi enjoy living in Duluth’s growing Lincoln Park neighborhood. They have four grown children and eight grandchildren.

The couple loves getting out and enjoying what life in Duluth has to offer on both the North and South shores of the Lake. Their favorite spots are the Rose Garden, Brighton Beach, Park Point, Gooseberry Falls, Split Rock Lighthouse, and Bayfield.

Regarding the new board members, Jerry stated, “I am so excited about the fresh leadership and the gifts and talents they bring that will expand our ability to influence positive growth for Duluth and surrounding areas.”

He added, “We deeply appreciate both our photographers and writers for helping us tell the story of Duluth.”

Phil LaFlamme

218-393-0285

 

Key Dates:

RJF Signing Day: May 23

AFC: July 8-12

Tackle Football Starts: August 5

NYFC Jamboree: August 17

Flag Football Starts: Sept 3 

Sophie Hillmeyer - COMMUNITY IMPACT DIRECTOR

Sophie earned her Bachelor of Arts in English Writing from Northern Michigan University. Throughout her education, she developed her passion for writing and community building. Sophie has more than 8 years’ experience working in writing and communications. Prior to college, she completed a service term with AmeriCorps National Community and Civilian Corps.

Amber Sadowski - OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

Amber has a B.A. in English Writing and Environmental Studies from Concordia College and a B.A. in Education from the University of Minnesota. She also earned a Human Resource Management certificate from UWS.  A majority of her career has been spent working with children and youth in various capacities, including direct service and administrative support. Altogether, Amber has over nineteen years of experience working with young people, eight of which have been spent in the nonprofit sector. Professionally, Amber enjoys supporting programs and colleagues and working hard to help operations run smoothly. Outside of work, Amber is very involved in her community, including serving on various committees and boards. In her spare time, she loves spending time with her family, gardening and hiking.