Our Team
Cara Decker
Director of environmental programs
Cara joined Grand Valley Metro Council in 2017, as the Stormwater Program Coordinator and moved into the Director position in 2023. Her work as director focuses on implementing practices to improve and maintain the health of our watersheds, connecting everyone to their local waterways, and convening and developing partnerships to build capacity in addressing environmental issues. She previously worked in private industry, and as a civilian engineer for the US Navy. She is a Michigan native and has a B.S. in environmental engineering from Michigan Technological University.
616-776-7605
Rachell Nagorsen
Stormwater Programs Manager
Rachell joined Grand Valley Metro Council in 2023 as the Stormwater Programs Manager. As the Programs Manager, she collaborates with communities in West Michigan to coordinate their NPDES stormwater programs and works to promote sustainable use of the Grand River. Rachell previously worked as the Engineering Programs Coordinator for the City of Walker, Michigan, managing both the soil erosion and stormwater programs for the City. Rachell graduated from Grand Valley State University and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics with an emphasis on Geology and Philosophy. Rachell has worked in the public sector since 2013 and has a passion for serving her community. She also enjoys camping, kayaking, and spending time along Lake Michigan’s shoreline with her partner Matt and their four dogs.
616-776-7702
Robert Cloy II
Urban Waters Ambassador
Robert joined the Grand Valley Metropolitan Council in Fall of 2022 as the Urban Waters Ambassador for the Urban Waters Federal Partnership. He previously spent time working as a Community Forester for a local nonprofit in Grand Rapids. Robert graduated from Grand Valley State University with a B.S in Natural Resource Management. His work at GVMC consists of reconnecting overburdened urban communities with their waterways, as well as promoting economic, environmental, and social benefits of healthy waterways.
Matt Bain
Aquatic SPECIALIST
Matt Bain joined the Grand Valley Metropolitan Council (GVMC) in the Spring of 2023 as the new Aquatic Specialist. Prior to joining GVMC/LGROW, Matt worked as a lab assistant, field tech, and adjunct at Grand Valley State University (GVSU) while completing his M.S. in Biology with an Aquatic Emphasis. His GVSU studies focused on aquatic macroinvertebrate ecology, taxonomy, and assessment throughout the Lower Grand River watershed, culminating in a pre-restoration assessment of the downtown section of the Grand River. As the Aquatic Specialist, his primary work consists of macroinvertebrate sampling throughout the Lower Grand River watershed. Macroinvertebrate sampling is crucial to monitoring water quality because different groups of macroinvertebrates have different tolerances to pollution. By taking their inventory, we can determine the water quality of the river system.
Anna Kornoelje
Land and Water Projects manager
Anna joined Grand Valley Metro Council in 2023, as the Environmental Programs Land and Water Projects Manager. Her work focuses on implementing projects that support the health of our watersheds, and facilitating connections to our waterways. She has previously worked in ecological restoration, avian and plant research, and outreach and education. She is a Michigan native and has a M.S. in biology from Grand Valley State University.
Ella Carr
Watershed Programs Associate
Ella joined the Grand Valley Metro Council as an intern in the Spring of 2023 and moved into the associate position in 2024. Within her capacity, Ella aids LGROW’s staff, contributing to a diverse array of tasks aimed at enhancing and preserving the vitality of our watersheds, while fostering a stronger connection between the community and their local water resources. Ella is a Michigan native and has a B.S. in Environmental and Sustainability Studies and Geography from Grand Valley State University.
Damaris Potter
Climate action Planner
Damaris Potter is a new addition to GVMC, serving in the position of Climate Action Planner. This position was created through Americorps’ MI Healthy Climate Corps program. Damaris grew up in Ypsilanti, MI, and she is currently pursuing a Bachelor's in Political Science and Environmental Sustainability at Western Michigan University. She is most excited about supporting GVMC’s first Comprehensive Climate Action Plan, which aims to reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions across Kent, Ionia, Montcalm, and Ottawa counties. Damaris brings skills from job experiences in the Michigan Senate, customer service, and in community building. She is passionate about creating spaces where diverse voices are not only heard but actively included in decision-making processes. With a strong commitment to developing meaningful involvement and ensuring fair representation, Damaris believes that empowering individuals from all backgrounds leads to stronger, more resilient communities.