Brian Neilson
Year Graduated: 
1985

Senior Vice President, Sustainability

Keramida, Inc.

Job Description

Develop , promote, and implement commercial, industrial and public sector sustainable water, wastewater, storm water and production based processes. Provide direct technical assistance for green infrastructure, Low Impact Development, and brownfield re-development.
– Design of various urban, suburban, and rural conventional and alternative storm water, water resource, and wastewater management facilities. Alternative green infrastructure includes constructed wetlands, infiltration galleries, rain gardens, bioswales, bioretention, and buffer strips.
– Provide technical based public speaking presentations for targeted local, regional, national and international audiences.
– Promote social responsibility through volunteer opportunities with the community:
• Chair of Marion County Soil and Water Conservation District (only Indiana all urban District)
• President Upper White River Watershed Alliance
• Committee Chair Water For People, Indiana Water Environment Association
• Technical Advisory Member for Manuals of Practice, Water Environment Federation
– Provide Project Management and supervisory oversight for technical teams
– Write various reports, design summaries, technical manuals, client correspondence, and internal communiqué's

What would you say to prospective students who are thinking about applying to this program?

Find your passion, when you find it stay with it, be flexible in your pursuit, continue to learn as you go, stay in touch with your friends, volunteer. Don’t settle for anything less than what you want in your career, ever. You will find that no matter what arena you work in there will be both good and bad. The key is understanding that although it may be present in different forms for each arena, it is still there to deal with in a positive manner. Learn the politics of your situation, play them to the point of your personal tolerance. Never lie, no matter how ugly you think it may be (don’t keep the pictures!) the truth will in fact be your professional savior. “If you mess up, fess up.” Integrity - You can get another job, you can not get another reputation. Remember, every person you will meet in this industry may be your next boss, don’t burn any bridges, no matter how right you think you are or how stupid you think they may be. Think before you speak! As you climb the ladder into leadership, keep notes on the good and bad attributes of all your bosses & teachers. When you lead, remember their actions and the feelings you had from them. Don’t promulgate bad leadership!