Citizens' Environmental Commission Members

William A. Oleckno (Chair), H.S.D. (Indiana University-Bloomington). Dr. Oleckno is currently Distinguished Teaching Professor Emeritus in the Public Health Program, School of Nursing and Health Studies, at Northern Illinois University.  He serves as Chair of the Commission.  William has expertise in several areas of environmental health and epidemiology and has worked as an educator, researcher, environmental consultant, and public health practitioner.  He is the recipient of numerous local and national awards, including awards for teaching, research, and public service excellence.  In 2012, her received the Willard W. Patty Distinguished Alumni Award from the Indiana University School of Public Health.  He has published numerous scientific articles in journals such as the Journal of Environmental Health, the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, and Public Health.  He is also the author of several books in environmental health and epidemiology, including two highly regarded textbooks, one of which has been translated into Japanese.  He has presented his research nationally and internationally and has been frequently recognized for the quality of his work.  His environmental interests include water, quality, radiation protection, and other areas.  William has been a member of the Citizen Environmental Commission since 2009.  

Amy K. Doll, M.S. (University of Illinois-Urbana/Champaign).  Amy is currently the Executive Director of the DeKalb Park District.  In her role as executive director, she is responsible for promoting conservation and environmental protection in the management of the City's parks.  Amy is an ex-officio member of the Citizen Environmental Commission and has held this position since 2016.

Michelle N. Gibson, B.S. (Illinois State University-Normal). Michelle is currently Solid Waste Specialist for the DeKalb County Health Department. She has expertise and interests in solid wastes management and recycling and has also received training on mosquito larvacides from the Illinois Department of Agriculture as well as FEMA training. Michelle is an ex-officio member of the Citizen Environmental Commission and has held this position since 2015.  

Mark W. Hein, B.S.Ed. (Northern Illinois University-DeKalb). Mark is currently Vice President of DIMCO, DeKalb Iron & Metal Company, and Vice Chair of the Citizen Environmental Commission. He has expertise and interests in recycling, environmental sustainability, and solid waste management. Mark has been a member of the Citizen Environmental Commission since 1994.

Dan L. Kenney, B.S.Ed. (Northern Illinois University-DeKalb). Dan is currently the Executive Director of DeKalb County Community Gardens. He is a retired school teacher and a highly regarded community advocate for environmental and other social issues. He has a wide range of environmental interests, including special expertise in local food security systems. Dan's achievements have been recognized in numerous ways. He received a Grosklags Award in 2012 from the Citizen Environmental Commission and was recognized as the Conservation Teacher of the Year by the DeKalb County Soil and Water Conservation District in 2010. He also received a certificate of Recognition from the DeKalb School District in 2012 for leadership in the energy conservation program. Most recently (2015), Dan received a Governor's State Volunteer Award for his leadership and passion in addressing hunger issues in DeKalb County. He also completed training as a Master Naturalist from the University of Illinois Extension Service. Dan has been a member of the Citizen Environmental Commission since 2007.                           

Kenneth A. Koch, B.S.C.E. (Bradley University-Peoria). Ken is currently the Energy Management Coordinator at Baxter & Woodman Consulting Engineers in DeKalb. He is a registered Professional Engineer (P.E.) in State of Illinois and has specialized expertise in civil/environmental engineering with a focus in water and wastewater management. His environmental interests areas include energy efficiency and transportation issues. Ken has been a member of the Citizen Environmental Commission since 2011. 

Clare D. Kron, M.S. (Northern Illinois University-DeKalb). Clare is currently an Adjunct Instructor at Kishwaukee College. She is also a Ph.D. candidate in biology at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb where in addition she serves as a teaching assistant. Her environmental interest is in waste management. Clare has been a member of the Citizen Environmental Commission since 2015.

Ann M. Shult, M.S.Ed., M.A.T. (Northern Illinois University and Miami University of Ohio, respectively).  Ann is currently a biology teacher at the DeKalb High School.  She has done graduate research identifying invasive species, exploring the impact of disposed pharmaceuticals on animals, and conducted other projects related to water quality, including mapping the historical flow of the Kishwaukee River.  Ann has also participated in conservation work in Costa Rica.  On a personal level, she seeks to promote and live a sustainable lifestyle.  She has been a member of the Citizen Environmental Commission since 2016.

Sharon Y. Skala, M.A., M.S. (Northern Illinois University-DeKalb). Sharon is the former Undergraduate Advisor and Internship Coordinator for the Public Health Program, School of Nursing and Health Studies, at Northern Illinois University. She has expertise and interests in cultural ecology, native gardens, iatrogenic diseases, and culture and subsistence. She was elected into Sigma Xi in 1974. Sharon has been a member of the Citizen Environmental Commission since 1999.