Maggie Bruns, Executive Director
Areas of Focus: Vison, Leadership, Management, Fundraising, and Communications
As Executive Director, Maggie works closely with the PRN board, staff, members, and partners to carry out our mission. She is leading PRN to a bigger, bolder future as we work to protect water, heal the land, and inspire the change that both science and justice require of us in this moment. She believes we must fully implement historic legislation like Illinois’ Climate and Equitable Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act to help make our communities more resilient in the coming years.
Background: Maggie got her start in environmental advocacy at PRN as a student volunteer helping to organize our river clean ups and providing general office support. Almost 20 years later, Maggie now has years of experience working on local, state, and federal environmental campaigns and programs. Maggie’s tenure at the League of Conservation Voters in Washington, DC, included managing the executive office and serving as liaison to the board of directors, directing and mentoring grassroots organizers, leading multi-million dollar fundraising campaigns, and transforming LCV’s communication strategies to authentically engage a wider, more diverse audience through a cultural lens. After 16 years living in DC, she’s excited to bring her focus back home to Illinois.
Education: B.S. in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Contact: 217-344-2371 x 202 or mbruns [at] prairierivers [dot] org
Kim Erndt-Pitcher, Director of Ecological Health
Area of Focus: Biodiversity, Ecosystem Health, Pesticides, Pollinator Habitat Conservation
Kim works with numerous partners around the state and nation to protect biodiversity and natural habitats from the threats such as climate change, pollution, harmful land use practices, and habitat loss. She also leads PRN’s pesticide and pollinator habitat conservation programs.
Background: Kim has worked for Prairie Rivers Network for over 14 years. Before coming to PRN she was a crew member and environmental educator at Living Lands and Waters based in Moline, Illinois, and she also worked as a technician with the USGS in Kansas City, Missouri. She has spent most of her career working to promote and advocate for the protection of biodiversity and the integrity of natural systems.
Education: B.A. Biology, M.S. Biology with a focus on Ecotoxicology from the University of Central Missouri, NSF IGERT Fellow – Watershed Science and Technology, Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Contact: 217-344-2371 x 212 or kerndt-pitcher [at] prairierivers [dot] org
Silas Gilklay, Climate and Water Program Assistant
Areas of Focus: Water and Wetland Protection, Climate Resilience, Education and Outreach, Visual Storytelling
Silas is passionate about the intersection of public health and environmental issues. He is also dedicated to protecting the integrity of our waters and advocates for communities to have access to clean water and wetland protection.
Background: Silas joined PRN in 2024. Before PRN, Silas worked briefly with World Relief – Quad Cities. During his time at Augustana College, he served as a Research Assistant on the Silver Creek Watershed Assessment Project, a Global Ambassador, a Sports Reporter, and the President of the African Students Association. In his free time, Silas enjoys taking pictures, playing soccer, sharing memes, and listening to music.
Education: BA in Environmental Studies and Public Health from Augustana College.
Contact: 217-344-2371 x 217 or sgilklay [at] prairierivers [dot] org
Anthony Henson, Rural Energy Organizer
Areas of Focus: Rural Energy Programs, Community Economic Development, Grant Writing
As the Rural Energy Organizer, Anthony works throughout the various central and southern Illinois electric cooperative footprints. He concentrates on increasing the capacity of rural grassroots groups to organize and support local climate leaders. Anthony also provides technical assistance to rural organizations in meeting their climate and energy-related goals.
Background: Anthony joined PRN in 2023. For over ten years, he worked as a community economic developer in multiple roles to include working for county government, a regional planning commission, and community-based organizations. He is also a veteran of the US Navy.
Education: M.P.A. from Southern Illinois University Carbondale, B.A. in Government Studies from Georgetown University, and a proud graduate of Richland Community College. Anthony is also a Delta Leadership Institute Fellow.
Contact: 217-344-2371 x 206 or ahenson [at] prairierivers [dot] org
Johnathan Hettinger, Communications Director
Areas of Focus: Media Relations, Public Outreach, Digital Strategy
As Communications Director, Johnathan Hettinger helps Prairie Rivers Network get the word out about clean water, climate and energy, habitat and biodiversity, and river health. Johnathan works to transform public perceptions, linking human well-being to nature’s health. Johnathan collaborates with program teams to achieve PRN’s mission to protect water, heal land, and inspire change.
Background: Johnathan joined PRN in 2024, bringing extensive experience in strategic communications and environmental advocacy. Johnathan grew up in Monticello and graduated from the University of Illinois, before working at The News-Gazette and Investigate Midwest. Before joining PRN, Johnathan spent time in Montana, working for the Livingston Enterprise, the Park County Environmental Council and as a freelance journalist.
Education: B.S. in Journalism from the University of Illinois
Contact: jhettinger@prairierivers.org
Robert Hirschfeld, Director of Water Policy
Areas of Focus: Aquatic Invasive Species, Water Law, Agriculture, Communications and Media Production
Robert leads PRN’s efforts to ensure and protect water quality, water quantity, water access, and water equity for all of Illinois. He advocates and speaks for clean water, river protection, biological integrity, wildlife conservation, and climate mitigation and adaptation. Through collaboration with local, regional, state and national partners, he pursues policies, programs, and strategies that will ensure the long-term health and beauty of Illinois’ communities, rivers, and habitat. He also works on many of PRN’s communications and social media campaigns, and he produces videos and podcasts.
Background: Robert joined PRN in March 2011. Before joining the professional staff, Robert was a legal intern for PRN, working on Clean Water Act compliance and enforcement. Robert sometimes dabbles in music.
Education: B.A. in religion and Asian studies from the University of Puget Sound and a J.D. from the University of Illinois College of Law
Contact: 217-344-2371 x 205 or rhirschfeld [at] prairierivers [dot] org
Vickie Nudelman, Director of Operations & Finance
Areas of Focus: Finances, Administration, and Day-to-Day Operations
Vickie manages all fiscal activity of Prairie Rivers Network and ensures the day-to-day operations run smoothly so our team can focus on achieving their programmatic goals. She ensures PRN’s adherence to good governance practices, provides fiscal transparency to our Board and members, and supports our team through inclusive and equitable personnel policies.
Background: Vickie joined PRN in 2005. She is committed to making Prairie Rivers Network an effective organization and a great place to work. In the summers, Vickie enjoys visiting our national parks with her family.
Education: B.S. in Computer Information Systems and Marketing from Florida Atlantic University
Contact: 217-344-2371 x 200 or vnudelman [at] prairierivers [dot] org
Amanda Pankau, Director of Energy & Community Resiliency
Area of Focus: Coal pollution, renewable energy
Amanda coordinates Prairie Rivers Network’s campaign to work with advocates, leaders, and communities to realize the benefits of clean, renewable energy and address the costs of non-renewable sources, such as coal. She helps develop and implement policies, programs, and initiatives to fight climate change and ensure a just, equitable, and clean transition to renewable energy.
Background: Amanda joined PRN in 2017. Previously she worked as a Research and Teaching Assistant with the Cooperative Wildlife Research Lab at SIUC and as an Environmental Consultant on coal mining issues in southern Illinois. As a long-time Board Member of Food Works, she was also a leader and organizer in the region’s local food system. She currently serves on the Board of the Land Conservation Foundation and manages the Farmers’ Market in Monticello. Amanda enjoys gardening, running, and spending time exploring nature with her husband, Ryan, and two young sons.
Education: B.S. in Ecology, Ethology, and Evolution from the University of Illinois, M.S. in Wildlife Ecology from Southern Illinois University
Contact: 217-344-2371 x 214 or apankau [at] prairierivers [dot] org
Andrew Rehn, Director of Climate Policy
Area of Focus: Coal Ash, Energy Policy
Andrew provides technical and policy expertise in support of Prairie River Network’s energy and coal pollution programs. The challenges facing Illinois watersheds are complex, and finding answers to those problems requires science and engineering experience that Andrew brings to PRN.
Background: Andrew joined PRN in 2015. He is passionate about water resources, energy policy, and coalition building. The Middle Fork is his favorite river to paddle.
Education: B.S. in Civil Engineering. M.S. in Civil Engineering.
Contact: 217-344-2371 x 208 or arehn [at] prairierivers [dot] org
Sarah Scott, Membership Development Associate
Area of Focus: Membership and Fundraising
Sarah assists with our membership development and fundraising, events, and outreach to potential new members and the general public. She also represents PRN on the EarthShare of Illinois board and serves on the planning committee of the Boneyard Creek Community Day, an annual community-wide trash clean-up in Champaign-Urbana.
Background: Sarah joined PRN in 2008. She previously worked as an Adoptions Counselor at the Champaign County Humane Society. She serves on the board of the Companion Animal Resource and Education Center (CARE Center), an East-Central Illinois non-profit that helps keep pets with their families through education and other resources. Sarah is a staff musician at UniPlace Christian Church in Champaign and sings with the Baroque Artists of Champaign-Urbana (BACH). She is a self-proclaimed “cat lady” with four fabulous felines at home.
Education: Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Contact: 217-344-2371 x 211 or sscott [at] prairierivers [dot] org
Nina Struss, River Health and Resiliency Organizer
Area of Focus: River Health, Community Outreach and Education
Nina works to advance nature-based solutions specific to river health in the Quad Cities region. She educates, engages and activates the public and community leaders about the benefits of natural river, wetland, and floodplain functions and their impacts on the Quad Cities.
Background: Nina joined PRN in 2023. Previously she worked as a Registered Dietitian and Intuitive Eating Counselor focusing on improving the overall health and wellness of the Quad Cities community through nutrition education, community presentations, public events, and media relations. She currently serves as a Board Member of NEST Cafe, the first pay-what-you-can restaurant in the Quad Cities. Nina enjoys reading, gardening, traveling, and spending time in nature with her husband and son.
Education: B.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics from Western Illinois University – Macomb
Contact: 217-344-2371 x 215 or nstruss [at] prairierivers [dot] org
Jizelle Torres, Climate & Energy Program Assistant
Area of Focus: Clean Energy, Education and Outreach
Jizelle provides support in the organization’s climate and energy program focusing on advancing clean energy and safeguarding clean water in Illinois. Her dedication extends to broadening outreach to inspire young environmentalists and emphasizing the importance of diversity in the sustainability sector.
Background: Jizelle started her PRN journey interning, joining the team full-time in 2024. During her time at the University of Illinois, she engaged in restoration ecology and diversity, spending her time in Red Bison and serving as diversity chair for her engineering fraternity, Theta Tau. On her time off, Jizelle enjoys being outside, going to concerts, and cuddling with her cats, Seamus and Shnooks.
Education: B.S. in Earth, Society, and Environmental Sustainability; Science of the Earth System Concentration
Contact: 217-344-2371 x 204 or jtorres [at] prairierivers [dot] org
Devin Walker, Development Director
Area of Focus: Fundraising
Devin works alongside our members, leadership, corporate and community partners to secure funding to sustain Prairie Rivers Network’s vital work across the state. Through strategic communications, relationship building, and community events, Devin works to ensure our members are connected to our work being done across our many programs.
Background: Devin joined the Prairie Rivers Network team in October 2023. After growing up in Tolono and graduating from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, he spent time in Austin, Texas and Chicago before turning his sights back home. Prior to joining PRN, Devin’s experiences include fundraising and community building for several direct service organizations focusing on issues like homelessness, health & wellness, and family welfare services. In addition to Devin’s professional background, he brings a passion for the environment and preserving the places he will always call home. When not at work, Devin spends his time with his family: pampering his houseplants, cuddling with his cat, Nigel, or out exploring with his dog, Kygo.
Education: Bachelors in Social Work from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Contact: 217-344-2371 x 203 or dwalker [at] prairierivers [dot] org
Randa Watts, Clean Water Organizer
Area of Focus: Water Quality, Water Infrastructure Funding, Education & Outreach
Randa is dedicated to educating the public on Illinois’ water crisis and assisting communities who need help the most access funding for projects to improve our waterways. Through education and community outreach, she advances PRN’s mission to clean water, heal the land, and inspire change by connecting Illinois’ rural communities with the resources needed to build resilient & sustainable communities.
Background: Randa joined PRN in 2024. She is originally from Nebo, Illinois, and understands the need for community-led projects in disadvantaged areas. She served in the Illinois Air National Guard before graduating from the University of Illinois Springfield in 2021. In her free time, Randa enjoys hiking, camping, and gardening.
Education: B.A. in Environmental Studies from the University of Illinois Springfield
Contact: 217-344-2371 x 216 or rwatts [at] prairierivers [dot] org
Madelyn Witruk, Communications and Engagement Specialist
Area of Focus: Communications
Madelyn is responsible for getting the word out about the hard work that Prairie Rivers Network is doing. Through social media, outreach events, and marketing, she makes sure our members, supporters, and the general public know about PRN’s different initiatives and efforts to protect water, heal land, and inspire change.
Background: Madelyn started her journey with PRN through assisting with graphic design projects on a freelance basis and joined the team officially in 2024. For the past three years she has run a graphic design and water-based screen printing studio. With a passion for creating spaces for artists and designers in the community, she has also volunteered with the Champaign Urbana Design Organization, PechaKucha Night CU and has put on art markets for local makers. In her spare time, Madelyn enjoys cooking, learning new artistic mediums, and spending time outside.
Education: Studied Graphic Design at Parkland College and majored in Illustration and minored in Biology at the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design
Contact: 217-344-2371 or mwitruk [at] prairierivers [dot] org
