On May 9, DEQ Director Leah Feldon, celebrated Public Service Recognition Week nominees during the Oregon Environmental Quality Commission meeting in Bend, Oregon. This year, DEQ selected three Public Service Ambassadors: Amanda Ingmire, Kara Master and Erica Timm out of a total of eight nominees.
DEQ is proud to honor the nominees and ambassadors listed below.
Martina Frey
Martina Frey is a Senior Water Quality Compliance Analyst and lead worker for DEQ’s Water Quality Compliance and Data Management team. She leads a team of four individuals. They execute water permit electronic reporting objectives. They also support water quality program managers across the state.
Martina was nominated by Water Quality Permit Data Management, Reporting, and Special Programs Manager, Wyatt Stinnett. Wyatt shared that he nominated Martina because of her leadership and expertise within the water quality division. Her commitment to public service is also notable. She demonstrates innovation through multi-faceted efforts that positively impact water quality across the State of Oregon.
MITCH FRISTER
In his role as the Your DEQ Online operations lead, Mitch Frister supports DEQ staff. He also supports external parties that use YDO. He assists by troubleshooting. He provides technical subject matter expertise. He also supports the YDO operations team members, including two Help Desk specialists and three YDO Administrators.
Lindsay nominated Mitch for his top tier support of DEQ staff and external parties using YourDEQOnline. Lindsay explained that Mitch is always seeking opportunities for system and process improvements and provides mentorship and support to the entire YDO operations team.
AMANDA INGMIRE: 2025 Ambassador of Public Service
Amanda Ingmire co-leads built environment work for DEQ’s Materials Management Program. The program focuses on eliminating harmful impacts across the built environment. It also supports the well-being of the people and places in which we live, work and recreate.
Amanda was nominated by Life Cycle Programs Manager, Sanne Stienstra. Sanne shared that she nominated Amanda because, through an inclusive and values-driven approach, Amanda creates promising new solutions. She builds meaningful partnerships. Amanda also supports important environmental and social goals like creating affordable, safe housing with reduced climate and health impacts.
Amanda is one of the three DEQ nominees selected as a 2025 State of Oregon Ambassador of Public Service.
JESSICA JOYE
Jessica Joye is the lead onsite specialist and variance officer for DEQ’s Northwest Region and Marion County. She provides technical assistance for county onsite agents and conducts all onsite wastewater related work in the region.
Jessica was nominated by Onsite Wastewater Program Manager, Sean Rochette. Sean shared that he nominated her because of her exemplary dedication. Her work with Your DEQ Online is crucial for the program. Additionally, her efforts benefit water quality permitting as a whole.
ANIA LOYD
Ania Loyd serves as DEQ’s Eastern Region Air Quality Manager and has been in her role just over four months.
Ania was nominated by Eastern Region Administrator, Laura Fredrickson. Laura shared that she nominated Ania because she plays a pivotal role in assisting the Air Quality Program. She helped it go live with air quality permits on the Your DEQ Online platform. Ania’s persistent willingness to take on special assignments is commendable. She develops specific training modules to help staff transition to YDO. Her dedication is nothing short of exemplary.
Kara Master: 2025 Ambassador of Public Service
Kara Master provides technical assistance to the public and local and state agencies. She helps determine eligibility for use of State Response Grant funding. She also identifies alternative funding options for site assessment and cleanup efforts.
Kara was nominated by Natural Resource Protection and Sustainability Manager, Amanda Wozab. Amanda shared that she nominated Kara because Kara is a great advocate for the Brownfields Program. Her focus on relationships enables cleanup. This approach leads to meaningful economic redevelopment for communities that would otherwise have limited funding options.
Kara is one of the three DEQ nominees selected as a 2025 State of Oregon Ambassador of Public Service.
SARAH ROCKWELL
Sarah Rockwell works in DEQ’s Laboratory and Environmental Assessment Division (aka LEAD or “the Lab”). As the division’s Information Management System Administrator, she oversees and coordinates the Lab’s data activities. She brings in data from partner agencies and facilities and manages the upload of data to external entities. She also serves as the statewide coordinator for Ambient Water Quality Monitoring System.
Sarah was nominated by Lab Operations Manager, Shane Sevey. Shane shared that he nominated Sarah because she works tirelessly to ensure the lab functions at the highest level. Her vast knowledge and comprehensive approach provides an incredible resource for LEAD and DEQ’s external partners.
ERICA TIMM: 2025 Ambassador of Public Service
Erica Timm is the program manager for the Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program. This program focuses on making electric vehicles more accessible and affordable for Oregon residents. It aims to benefit especially low- and moderate-income households.
Erica was nominated by Transportation Strategies Section Manager, Rachel Sakata. Rachel shared that she nominated Erica because she takes a proactive leadership role. She adopts an innovative approach in implementing the rebate program. Erica looks beyond obstacles to find opportunities that advance the program’s mission. For example, she is dedicated to eliminating barriers for low- and moderate-income households to access the rebate.
Erica is one of the three DEQ nominees selected as a 2025 State of Oregon Ambassador of Public Service.
Join us in congratulating these Public Service Recognition nominees and ambassadors!