Jacob “Jake” Harter is the Senior Biologist, Principal, and co-founder of Cottonwood Consulting. Mr. Harter oversees all biological surveys, stormwater management, and other field operations for Cottonwood. Mr. Harter is also the Health and Safety Manager for the Cottonwood field team.

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Mr. Harter graduated from Fort Lewis College in 2006 with a degree in Environmental Biology. He began his professional career as a technician in the Colorado State Forest Service. Mr. Harter continued his professional growth working for a mining firm where he obtained a significant skill set regarding construction management and operations. Mr. Harter then worked as a biologist for an environmental consulting firm serving the oil and gas industry in the Northern San Juan Basin. While at the firm, he drafted and implemented Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans and was in charge of conducting Biological Assessments/T&E Surveys as well as preparing the associated reports. 

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Most recently, Mr. Harter worked for an oil and gas production company as an in-house Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) specialist. While at the company, Mr. Harter oversaw environmental compliance for hundreds of wells and construction projects across the U.S. The skills and knowledge gained during Mr. Harter's diverse career enable him to make sound decisions for Cottonwood today.

Kyle Siesser is a Professional Geoscientist in the state of Louisiana and the Senior Geologist, Principal, and co-founder of Cottonwood Consulting. Mr. Siesser oversees all geologic investigations, sampling programs, soil gas surveys, and NEPA compliance for Cottonwood.

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Mr. Siesser graduated from Appalachian State University in 2002 with a degree in Geology with an Environmental concentration. He began his professional career working as a geologist for an international mining firm in North Carolina. Mr. Siesser then worked as a geologist for an environmental consulting firm in Denver, Colorado implementing projects across the U.S. While at the firm, Mr. Siesser managed and participated in a variety of projects including Phase I/II ESAs, stormwater management programs, soil gas surveys, SPCC programs, and managed Fruitland Outcrop Monitoring programs in La Plata and Archuleta Counties. Mr. Siesser opened a satellite office for the company in 2007 and became the manager for the company's Four Corners office.

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Most recently, Mr. Siesser worked as the Exploration & Production Manager for an energy resource Tribe in Colorado. At this position, Mr. Siesser was responsible for providing technical, regulatory, and environmental oversight of all oil and gas operations associated with the 3,000 plus wells located on the Reservation. Mr. Siesser was also responsible for NEPA compliance and the management of the Tribe’s methane seep monitoring along the Fruitland Outcrop. The leadership skills gained during this position enable Mr. Siesser to implement projects in an objective and effective manner for Cottonwood today.

Emma Millar is a Staff Biologist and GIS analyst for Cottonwood Consulting. Ms. Millar conducts biological and vegetative surveys, stormwater management inspections, SPCC inspections, produces maps, and performs water well sampling for Cottonwood’s groundwater monitoring program.

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Ms. Millar graduated from Fort Lewis College in 2011 with a degree in Environmental Biology. Ms. Millar began her career as a trail builder with the U.S. Forest Service while attending college. After graduation, Millar moved to Vermont and worked for the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps. She also became a partner in a private trail design and construction company, Timber & Stone, LLC.

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Most recently, Ms. Millar moved back to the Durango area and worked as the Trail Crew Lead for Trails 2000. Her experience in the outdoors has inspired Millar to continue devoting her time to the environment and work as an environmental consultant for Cottonwood.

Gliceria Canessa is an Air Quality Specialist and Engineer for Cottonwood Consulting.

 

Ms. Canessa has a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Colorado State University and twelve years of experience in environmental consulting with a primary focus in air quality permitting, surface water and air compliance.  Gliceria has supported clients in areas of the oil and gas sector including upstream and midstream with assets in the states of Colorado, Wyoming, and tribal lands in Utah and North Dakota.

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Ms. Canessa has experience serving clients in the areas of assets database management; minor source and major source air permitting including New Source Review and Title V; Federal and State Leak Detection and Repair programs; combustion sources stack testing; Spill Prevention Countermeasures and Control Plans and inspections; stormwater inspections; and Greenhouse Gas mandatory reporting.