Candidate Biography (submitted by candidate):

Michael Entrekin, LEED AP, is the Director of Marketing and Strategic Solutions for Non-Core Business Solutions. He has an advanced degree and background in environmental science (air /water) and public health from the University of South Carolina.

Michael's career includes 10 years providing hands on field work and environmental consulting services to both the public and private sectors. This included providing instrumentation equipment and training to the US Geological Survey and Stormwater Division in Mecklenburg County. He has spent the last 9 years in the HVAC and professional management industries. This combination developed his strong interest in economically and environmentally sustainable communities.

Michael educates the community and marketplace on green buildings, energy savings, measurement and verification of field devices, building automation controls and total facility solutions.

He is an appointed board supervisor to the Mecklenburg County Soil and Water Conservation District, and he currently serves on the USGBC Charlotte Region Chapter Board of Directors.

Michael is originally from Rock Hill, SC. He has resided in Charlotte for the past 13 years with his wife and two daughters.

I have been an appointed supervisor to the Soil & Water board since January 2009. I would like to continue to serve and be apart of rebuilding the waterways flowing through Mecklenburg County one home at a time. The Soil & Water board is able to bridge a needed gap from the Storm water divisions of both the City and County.

The dramatic summer storms and flooding we have experienced recently are a great indicator of the type of need Soil and Water provides. As the rivulets of rain water run through our yards, they carry top soil and sediment to the storm drains. These empty directly into our waterways. Sediment from stormwater and stream bank erosion is the number one polluter of our streams in Mecklenburg County. These issues can be corrected with proper planning, projects and education. My background includes everything from hands on experience standing in a river collecting samples to processing and problem solving initiatives. I feel I have a strong understanding of all the various pieces of this on-going issue and would bring value to the Soil & Water Board.

Through the various programs Soil and Water offers (Urban Cost Share (UCSP), Community Conservation Assistance Program (CCAP), Agriculture Cost Share (ACSP), Rain barrel and tree seedling sales) I hope to continue helping improve Mecklenburg County's streams for us and our children.