South Region Leadership Team
West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Kentucky, and Tennessee
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Hunter Poland
District Manager (VA)
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Matt Kramer
District Manager, Aquatic Biologist (NC, SC, GA)
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Jackson Minnich
Field Operations Manager, Wildlife and Fisheries Biologist
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Trent Batson
Operations Manager, Environmental Scientist
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Tyler Meighan
Fisheries Project Manager, Fisheries Scientist
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Peyton Woods
Fisheries Project Manager, Aquatic Scientist
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Jay Griffin
Operations Manager
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Shannon Junior
Senior Business Development Consultant, Aquatic Ecologist (WV, Central & Western VA)
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Kim Niesel, CMCA
Senior Business Development Consultant (Eastern VA & Eastern NC)
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Trent Nelson
Business Development Consultant (NC)
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Brendon Donnelly
Business Development Consultant (GA, AL, MS, FL Panhandle)
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Kevin McCurley
Business Development Consultant (Northern VA)
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Colton Parker
Business Development Consultant (SC)
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Gabby Uviles
District Support Specialist
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Charisse Irvin
District Support Specialist
Hunter Poland
District Manager (VA)
Hunter Poland is an Environmental Scientist and Operations Manager at SOLitude. In addition to developing effective lake and pond management solutions for clients, Hunter works to incorporate ecological sustainability and natural resource preservation in to each of his projects. Hunter has professionally installed numerous fountains and submersed aeration systems of varying styles and sizes and has successfully treated several undesired aquatic, upland, and invasive plant species.
Hunter earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science from Ferrum College in southwestern Virginia. While at Ferrum, he participated in water quality testing and the Vessel Pump-Out program on Smith Mountain Lake and Save Our Streams monitoring in Franklin County, VA. Hunter also held an officer position in the Ferrum College Agriculture Club.
Before joining SOLitude Lake Management, Hunter worked in a nursery as well as in the construction and excavating fields. He also worked on his family’s farm in Fauquier County, Virginia. These experiences along with his life-long interest in aquatic environments on the Rappahannock River led him to join the SOLitude team.
In his spare time you will likely find Hunter fishing, hunting, boating, hiking, or doing one of many other outdoor activities that he enjoys. His favorite activities include smallmouth bass fishing, waterfowl hunting, and bow hunting whitetails.
Matt Kramer
District Manager, Aquatic Biologist (NC, SC, GA)
Matt Kramer is the District Manager and an Aquatic Biologist for our North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia markets. He is responsible for water and algae sampling, bathymetric mapping, midge fly/mosquito surveys, sport fisheries management, and scientific surveys and reporting. Additionally, Matt helps lead lake restoration projects, aeration installations, wetland mitigation plantings, and lake monitoring programs.
Matt earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Marine Science from the University of Tampa. His goal is to employ the most sustainable, ecological management methods available for achieving his client’s goals.
Jackson Minnich
Field Operations Manager, Wildlife and Fisheries Biologist
Jackson Minnich is a wildlife and fisheries biologist with an extensive background managing aquatic ecosystems for public and private entities. Since 2016, he has worked directly with SOLitude’s clients to help restore ecological balance to their waterbodies and ensure all applicable state, local and federal regulations are met.
Jackson graduated from University of Tennesee with a Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife and Fisheries and a minor in Foresty. Before joining SOLitude, Jackson worked for the Parks and Recreation Department in Knoxville, TN. During this time, he managed city-owned aquatic facilities, worked with youth programs and guided canoe trips on several East Tennessee rivers. Jackson also performed contract work for the Fort Loudoun Lake Association, where he worked to map a 16-mile section of Turkey Creek in Knoxville. His work included mapping the section of the creek, collecting water samples for E. coli testing, collecting Fish Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) samples, and recording the locations of fish barriers and other stream blockages. Jackson’s work with the Fort Loudoun Lake Association gave him first-hand experience in coordinating with private and public entities to help manage aquatic ecosystems. Jackson is also a certified first responder and also holds certifications in Wildland Fire Management.
Jackson was born and raised in Knoxville and spent much of his early life in the Great Smoky Mountains and on the many lakes surrounding Knoxville. This led to a love of nature and a desire to be outside whenever possible. This desire turned into a passion for bass fishing and he eventually joined the University of Tennessee Bass Fishing Team, and was elected president of the team during his senior year. Jackson still loves to bass fish, and is looking forward to expanding his knowledge in the area of saltwater fishing.
When not working, Jackson enjoys fishing, hiking, hunting, watching various sports, and spending time with his loving wife. Jackson actively volunteers with many fishing related events, and enjoys volunteering with organizations such as the Wounded Warrior Project.
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.
Tyler Meighan
Fisheries Project Manager, Fisheries Scientist
Peyton Woods
Fisheries Project Manager, Aquatic Scientist
Jay Griffin
Operations Manager
Jay Griffin is an Aquatic Specialist and Operations Manager for the southeast region. After graduating from Virginia Tech with a degree in Fisheries Science in 2003, Jay immediately got into the lake and pond management industry. He now has over 20 years of experience helping lake and pond owners or managers achieve their goals for their waterbody. Jay enjoys working on new bodies of water and improving their health and appearance.
In his free time, Jay is an avid tournament bass fisherman and competes in events across the state throughout the year. Jay also loves just spending time at home with his partner, Katrina, and their three boys. working in the yard, his garden, and playing with their dog, Brandy.
Shannon Junior
Senior Business Development Consultant, Aquatic Ecologist (WV, Central & Western VA)
Shannon Junior is an Aquatic Ecologist and Senior Business Development Consultant who earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and a Master’s of Environmental Science and Public Policy from George Mason University. She has worked in the lake and pond management industry since 2000 and managed projects throughout her career that involve all facets of lake management, including ecological assessment, fisheries enhancement, aeration, aquatic landscaping, stormwater structural inspection/repairs, and dredging. She is a well-respected thought leader in the aquatics industry and enjoys helping pond owners and community associations expand their knowledge of their freshwater ecosystems.
Kim Niesel, CMCA
Senior Business Development Consultant (Eastern VA & Eastern NC)
Kimberly Niesel is an Aquatic Specialist and Senior Business Development Consultant 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.
Trent Nelson
Business Development Consultant (NC)
Trent Nelson is an Aquatic Specialist and Business Development Consultant who helps HOAs, golf courses, and residential communities maintain healthy, balanced aquatic ecosystems. He enjoys educating them on the importance of sustainable freshwater management. Trent has nearly 15 years of hands-on experience and has developed valuable knowledge on the preservation of delicate aquatic ecosystems. Previously, he spent four years as an Assistant Superintendent managing the day-to-day challenges of some of the nation’s top golf courses.
Brendon Donnelly
Business Development Consultant (GA, AL, MS, FL Panhandle)
Brendon Donnelly is an Aquatic Specialist and Business Development Consultant responsible for educating stakeholders and helping the team build relationships with property managers and communities. Brendon earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Kennesaw State University and has more than a decade of experience helping property managers enhance their communities with sustainable lake and pond management strategies. Before joining SOLitude, Brendon worked for a leading lawn management company, where he learned about the connection between landscaping, shoreline management, and aquatic health.
Kevin McCurley
Business Development Consultant (Northern VA)
Kevin McCurley is a Business Development Consultant in northern Virginia. With over 30 years of experience in environmental consulting, Brian has a diverse background in horticulture and lake and pond management. In his early career, he worked in plant propagation, wetland management, and aquatic plant product. For the last decade, Brian has helped communities, local municipalities, businesses, and private landowners effectively manage their lakes and stormwater ponds. He has extensive knowledge of fountains, aeration, buffer management, and mosquito management solutions. Kevin studied Geography and Environmental Planning at Twonson University in Maryland.
Kevin is originally from Maryland, but now resides in northern Virginia with his wife and son. He is an avid genealogist and avocational archaeologist. Brian volunteers his time with several local non-profits as a Certified Archaeological Technician, teacher, and historic site guide. He currently serves as the Vice President of the Archeological Society of Virginia.
Colton Parker
Business Development Consultant (SC)
Colton Parker is an Aquatic Specialists and Business Development Consultant for the South Carolina region. He is responsible for educating stakeholders and building relationships with property managers and communities throughout South Carolina. In addition to providing clientele with lake and pond management solutions, Colton takes pride in truly understanding which solution will be best for the environment.
Colton has been involved in the outdoors for a multitude of years including in the Boy Scouts of America where he ultimately earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He has had a multitude of sales positions spanning from vehicle sales to telecommunication. SOLitude combines both passions, being able to build long-standing relationships and then protecting the environment with the best-known resources SOLitude can provide.
Gabby Uviles
District Support Specialist
Gabby is a District Support Specialist for our clients along the east coast. She has been with SOLitude for several years and enjoys serving our clients with efficient and effective service.
Charisse Irvin
District Support Specialist
Charisse Irvin is the District Support Specialist for SOLitude’s fisheries management line of business. Charisse specializes in streamlining the coordination of fish stocking and electrofishing projects to ensure quick turnaround times and excellent communication. Charisse is a cheerful team member who works hard and enjoys setting up systems to ensure the team’s success.
Charisse is encouraged by her husband and daughter. In her free time, Charisse likes hiking, making earrings, and gardening.
