South Region Leadership Team
West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Kentucky, and Tennessee
-
Collin Brown
District Manager (NC, SC, and GA)
-
Kim Niesel, CMCA
Regional Sales Manager (North Region)
-
James Brown
District Manager, Aquatic Specialist
-
Brandie Cantrell
Operations Manager (Northern VA, MD, Northeastern WV)
-
Jay Griffin
Business Development Consultant & Aquatic Expert (VA)
-
Trent Batson
Operations Manager, Environmental Scientist
-
Eric Brittle
Project Manager
-
Dalton Moore
Business Development Consultant (SC)
-
Grace McCormick
Business Development Consultant (NC)
-
Tyler Meighan
Business Development Consultant (Central & Western VA & WV) & Fisheries Scientist
-
Dylan Kwak
Business Development Consultant & Wildlife and Fisheries Biologist
-
Trey Harris
Business Development Consultant (NOVA)
Collin Brown
District Manager (NC, SC, and GA)
Collin Brown is the District Manager for the southeast region. Collin has been in the lake and pond management industry for several years and enjoys inspecting waterbodies, conducting water quality tests, and managing water quality issues like algal blooms and invasive plant growth. He is passionate about providing our clients with the best lake and pond management solutions including aeration, algae and weed control, erosion repair, and nutrient management to help them reach their goals for their lake or pond.
Kim Niesel, CMCA
Regional Sales Manager (North Region)
Kimberly Niesel the Regional Sales Manager for the northern region with more than a decade of experience in the freshwater management industry. She is responsible for educating communities and stakeholders about environmentally-friendly tools to sustainably manage community lakes and stormwater ponds. Kim maintains several certifications and memberships with organizations across the country, and has a unique expertise in her field; the early part of Kim’s career was spent in property management, working first with a property developer and then transitioning to the management team of a large-scale community. She has worked closely with property managers since 2008.
James Brown
District Manager, Aquatic Specialist
James Brown is an Aquatic Specialist and District Manager serving SOLitude in the eastern region. He helps oversee the maintenance and installation of floating fountains and submersed diffused aeration systems to help improve water quality and circulate client waterbodies.
James earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Public Safety and Emergency Management from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, AZ, in 20213. He has extensive experience leading small and large teams in various operation environments ranging from emergency operations security, logistics, and customer service.
James has been serving in the military for the last 22 years. He started his military career in the Army serving as a reconnaissance specialist. Since 2002 he has been serving with the Arizona National Guard. Most of the time was spent in a military law enforcement capacity, with an emphasis on Force Protection. Most recently he has been serving as an Operations Manager for a Civil Engineer Unit. His job there involved the maintenance, restoration, and sustainment of National Guard Facilities. James has deployed to the middle east four separate times in support of military operations.
Raised in Phoenix, Arizona James spent all his time outdoors playing soccer, baseball, football. He taught martial arts in the Phoenix area for over 15 years. James recently earned his 4th degree black belt in Taekwondo. James and his wife, Lydia are raising their 4 kids, two boys and two girls.
Brandie Cantrell
Operations Manager (Northern VA, MD, Northeastern WV)
Brandie Cantrell is an Aquatic Specialist and an Operations Manager based out of Northern Virginia. Brandie oversees pond and lake management as well as fountain and aerator operations in all of Northern Virginia, the District of Colombia, southern and western Maryland, and northeastern West Virginia. She ensures her clients are taken care of while also providing a healthy ecosystem for all living things to enjoy.
Brandie obtained a bachelor’s Degree in Meteorology from Virginia Tech and another bachelor’s Degree in Marine Science from Coastal Carolina University. She taught high school students in South Carolina the importance of environmental science as well as the physical sciences. Before teaching, Brandie managed security teams traveling internationally for humanitarian and non-profit organizations.
As an admirer of the outdoors, Brandie enjoys fishing, kayaking, hunting, and gardening. Brandie can also be seen enjoying the occasional storm chase when there is a local outbreak.
Jay Griffin
Business Development Consultant & Aquatic Expert (VA)
Jay Griffin is a Business Development Consultant in Southern Virginia. He earned his degree in Fisheries Science from Virginia Tech in 2003 and began his career in the lake and pond management industry immediately after graduation. With more than 20 years of experience, Jay has supported countless lake and pond owners and managers in improving the health, functionality, and appearance of their water bodies.
Throughout his career, Jay has held a variety of roles, including Technician, Operations Manager, and now Consultant, giving him a well-rounded, hands-on perspective that informs his work today. He especially enjoys working with new water bodies and developing long-term management strategies that help clients achieve their goals.
Outside of work, Jay is an avid tournament bass fisherman and competes in events across the state throughout the year. He also enjoys spending time at home with his partner, Katrina, their three boys, and their dog, Brandy, whether that’s working in the yard, tending to the garden, or enjoying time outdoors together.
Trent Batson
Operations Manager, Environmental Scientist
Trent Batson is an Operations Manager and Environmental Scientist in the Hampton Roads area, stretching from Williamsburg, Virginia, to the Outer Banks, North Carolina. He is passionate about helping our clients receive efficient and effective service. Trent has several years of experience helping lake and pond owners and managers reach their goals of beautiful, healthy water.
Trent is originally from Lewes, Delaware, and graduated from Virginia Wesleyan University with a degree in Environmental Science. In his free time, Trent likes to spend time with his family and friends. He also enjoys spending time outside where he likes to hunt, fish, kayak, and hike.
Eric Brittle
Project Manager
Eric Brittle serves as a Project Manager at SOLitude Lake Management. After a 27 year career as a fisheries biologist with VA Department of Wildlife Resources, Eric has become well-acquainted with the diverse aquatic landscapes of the Mid-Atlantic. While he takes pride in assisting clients in achieving their lakes and ponds’ aesthetic and functional goals, Eric’s unwavering commitment extends even further.
Eric’s commitment to maintaining the delicate balance of our ecosystems, supporting sport fish populations, and fostering wildlife habitats is his passion. He takes pleasure in educating stakeholders on the best management practices, ensuring the long-term well-being of these invaluable natural resources.
With a bachelor’s degree in Fisheries Science from Virginia Tech and a Master’s Degree in Biology from Tennessee Technological University, Eric possesses a unique skill set that bridges the gap between understanding of aquatic systems, commitment to environmental sustainability, and capable project management. His understanding of environmental and business realms enables him to provide comprehensive solutions that benefit not only the environment but also the clients’ objectives. As Project Manager, Eric seamlessly blends his technical knowledge with his dedication to exceptional customer service.
Growing up on a farm in southeastern Virginia, Eric’s childhood was enriched by experiences in nature. Today, he continues to nurture his deep connection to the outdoors during his free time through fishing on his boat in the Florida Keys and chasing big game across the country. Whether he’s embarking on invigorating hikes, immersing himself in camping adventures, or cherishing quality moments with his family, Eric finds solace and inspiration in the outdoors.
Dalton Moore
Business Development Consultant (SC)
Dalton is a Business Development Consultant in South Carolina. He graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Science, driven by a passion for aquatic environments and ecosystem management. In April 2023, he began his career as an Aquatic Technician with SOLitude Lake Management, where he gained hands-on experience in maintaining and restoring aquatic systems.
Now, as a Business Development Consultant, Dalton combines his technical background with a strategic mindset to help clients find effective, sustainable water management solutions.
Outside of work, Dalton enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, hitting the trails for a good hike, and relaxing on the golf course.
Grace McCormick
Business Development Consultant (NC)
Grace is an Aquatic Specialist and Business Development Consultant for the North Carolina region. She graduated from Auburn University with a major in Marketing and Sales and has spent the last four years working in recruiting and business development. Prior to attending Auburn, she lived in Nashville, TN, and now resides in Charlotte, NC.
Grace has a passion for the outdoors, especially being on the water, as well as for sales. She enjoys working with clients to help them build a sustainable management plan to help them achieve their goals for their waterbody.
In her free time, Grace enjoys running, playing tennis, walking her dog, and gardening.
Tyler Meighan
Business Development Consultant (Central & Western VA & WV) & Fisheries Scientist
Tyler Meighan is a Fisheries Biologist and Business Development Consultant based in Roanoke, Virginia, with more than a decade of experience in pond and lake management. A 2015 graduate of Virginia Tech, Tyler has dedicated his career to improving aquatic ecosystems, fostering sustainable fisheries, and helping clients develop long-term management strategies that balance environmental health with recreational and economic goals.
Over the past 10 years, Tyler has partnered with private landowners, municipalities, and organizations to enhance water quality, increase fisheries productivity, and diversify aquatic habitats. His combination of scientific expertise and real-world experience allows him to bridge the gap between biology and strategy—delivering practical, results-driven solutions tailored to each client’s unique goals.
Outside of work, Tyler is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys fishing, hunting, hiking, and kayaking. He finds his greatest fulfillment exploring the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge region with his wife, young son, and two dogs.
Dylan Kwak
Business Development Consultant & Wildlife and Fisheries Biologist
Dylan Kwak is a Wildlife and Fisheries Biologist based out of Solitude Lake Management’s Bryan, Texas office. Dylan regularly works with clients across the state to control aquatic vegetation, maintain healthy fisheries populations, and conduct water and soil sampling.
Dylan earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology from Colorado State University in Fort Collins, CO, in 2015. During his undergraduate studies, Dylan worked as a summer technician at the Colorado State University Fisheries CO-OP Unit. His job there involved researching the effects of excessive woody debris on high-elevation streams and rivers in the Rocky Mountains. Dylan also worked for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, where he performed data entry using TRACS (Tracking and Reporting Actions for the Conservation of Species). Before joining SOLitude, he worked as an Aquatic Database Technician for Colorado Parks and Wildlife, where he performed data entry and collaborated on native fish conservation efforts in Colorado.
Growing up in Colorado, Dylan was always outside and enjoying the mountains and remarkable views. In his free time, Dylan enjoys hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, fishing, and racing motocross.
Trey Harris
Business Development Consultant (NOVA)
Trey Harris serves as Northern Virginia’s Business Development Consultant at SOLitude Lake Management. Since joining the team in 2024 as an Aquatic Specialist, Trey has become well-acquainted with the diverse aquatic landscapes of Virginia. While he takes pride in assisting clients in achieving their lakes and ponds’ aesthetic and functional goals, Trey’s unwavering commitment extends even further.
Trey is committed to maintaining the delicate balance of our ecosystems, supporting native plants, and fostering wildlife habitats. He takes pleasure in educating stakeholders on the best management practices, ensuring the long-term well-being of these invaluable natural resources.
With a bachelor’s degree in Biology with a concentration in Wildlife Conservation from Radford University, Trey possesses a unique skill set that bridges the gap between understanding of ecological systems, commitment to environmental sustainability, and capable client management. His understanding of environmental and business realms enables him to provide comprehensive solutions that benefit not only the environment but also the clients’ objectives. As a Business Development Consultant, Trey seamlessly blends his technical knowledge with his dedication to exceptional customer service.
Originally from southwestern Virginia, Trey’s childhood was enriched by experiences growing up in the Appalachian Mountains. Today, he continues to nurture his deep connection to the outdoors during his free time. Whether he’s embarking on fishing adventures or immersing himself by exploring the world around him. Trey also cherishes quality moments with his Fiancee, dog, and two cats.
We Work Together To Offer Exceptional Service
