Meet Our Team

Meet the team of project managers, scientists, and specialists who bring their technical expertise and attention to each project.

Robin C. Brandt, Ph.D., PE

Technical Director

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Robin C. Brandt, Ph.D., PE

Technical Director

Robin is a Technical Director of Material Matters. He has over 35 years’ experience in agricultural, municipal, industrial, and food processing residuals assignments. He directs the company’s efforts involving water reclamation and composting facility odor emission studies and biosolids-derived-product odor assessments (current-in-practice and research). Robin contributes to field-trial and plot studies and participates in the conceptualization/ development of emerging beneficial use strategies such as Deep Row Hybrid Poplar biosolids recycling programs (and related research). He serves as technical project manager on selected assignments and functions as liaison for projects involving consultation with the Pennsylvania State University (PSU) and other selected technical service providers. Robin is a full-time faculty member with PSU (17 years), at the University Park, PA main campus, in the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, where he serves as Senior Lecturer and Director of the PSU Odor Assessment Laboratory.

Lisa Challenger

Chief Operating Officer

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Lisa Challenger

Chief Operating Officer

Lisa is the Chief Operating Officer with Material Matters, with more than 12 years of wastewater and leadership experience. Her area of technical expertise focuses on evaluating regulatory and market drivers that influence the management of biosolids and other residuals. Lisa uses her applied experience completing permit applications, engaging with regulators, and completing soils and site evaluations to develop realistic residuals management plans for clients across the country. Lisa graduated from Penn State University’s College of Agriculture with a BS degree in Environmental Resource Management.

Evin Fitzpatrick

Senior Soil Scientist

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Evin Fitzpatrick

Senior Soil Scientist

Evin is the Senior Soil Scientist for Material Matters. He is focused on leading the biosolids application team, acting as Material Matters’ Land Application Program Manager. His key responsibilities include managing biosolids land application projects in Pennsylvania and surrounding states, initiating and developing relationships with clients, farmers, and regulators. Other duties include developing business opportunities both inside and outside the Land Application business line and leading proposal efforts. He is from Mount Gretna, Pennsylvania and spends his free time with his family and out on the water fly fishing. He graduated from Virginia Tech in 2004 with a BS in Environmental Resource Management.

Chad Harrison, PE

President, Chief Executive Officer

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Chad Harrison, PE

President, Chief Executive Officer

Chad Harrison is an accomplished leader and engineer with over 25 years of experience in driving business growth, managing multidisciplinary teams, and delivering innovative solutions. Chad holds a B.S. in Geo-Environmental Engineering from The Pennsylvania State University and is a licensed Professional Engineer in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia. Throughout his career, Chad has held senior leadership positions in the engineering and consulting industry, overseeing large teams, managing complex projects, and implementing strategies that deliver consistent growth and operational efficiency. His expertise spans technical oversight, business development, and organizational management, with a focus on creating value for clients and stakeholders. As President and CEO of Material Matters, Inc., Chad leverages his extensive experience and leadership skills to guide the company into its next phase of growth and innovation while maintaining a strong commitment to advancing the company’s mission and fostering excellence across all operations.

Nickolas Hines

Senior Environmental Scientist

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Nickolas Hines

Senior Environmental Scientist

Nick received his B.S. from Chatham University in 2020 ahead of completing his Master of Natural Resources from Virginia Tech in 2021. Nick serves as an Environmental Scientist and Project Manager for Material Matters with expertise in federal/state regulations, permitting, and market research analysis. Nick is also currently the Co-Chair of WEF’s ABBA Committee and Vice Chair of NEBRA’s Residuals Committee.

Trudy Johnston

Technical Director, Certified Operator

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Trudy Johnston

Technical Director, Certified Operator

Trudy is a Technical Director with Material Matters, and has over 39 years in the municipal and industrial wastewater processing and solids treatment and management field, with 36 years as a consultant. Her primary interests include developing innovative uses and strategies for residuals, optimizing solids processing, conducting solids master studies, assessing compliance with biosolids regulatory standards, data/sample collection and validation, evaluating and resolving odors from residuals, and water quality nutrient trading. She participated in the WERF study with UMASS to assess biosolids stability standards and authored the protocol for the AVSR testing. Trudy has a BS degree in Earth Science from Penn State and is a certified wastewater treatment operator.

Ethan Keitel

Environmental Scientist I

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Ethan Keitel

Environmental Scientist I

Ethan is an Environmental Scientist with Material Matters. In his role, he supports residuals and biosolids land application projects through completing site and soil assessments, developing permit application packages, and engaging with local farmers and regulators. Ethan has a background in environmental compliance and agronomy from previous internship experiences. He has a B.S. degree in Environmental Resource Management, with minors in Soil Science, Watersheds & Water Resources, and Wildlife & Fisheries Science from The Pennsylvania State University.

Casey Leonick

Environmental Scientist II

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Casey Leonick

Environmental Scientist II

Casey is an Environmental Scientist at Material Matters focused on supporting biosolids application projects and market research analysis. She has a background in sustainable manufacturing and environmental management systems. Casey has a BS degree in Biology from Messiah University.

Christine McLain, PMP

Assistant Project Manager

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Christine McLain, PMP

Assistant Project Manager

Christine is a Assistant Project Manager with a wealth of project management experience. With a background in not-for-profit, she has successfully developed and managed programs for a variety of organizations. Christine has a BS in Business Communications and a PMP from Penn State.

Vanessa Spychola

Business Manager

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Vanessa Spychola

Business Manager

Vanessa is the Business Manager of Material Matters. She comes to us with over 20 years of financial, accounting and tax experience. She is essential in our day-to-day accounting and business operations for the firm. Vanessa attended Millersville University.