Coastal Resilience Solutions

Dr. Mark Laska is a nationally recognized ecologist, entrepreneur, and environmental industry leader with more than 30 years of experience advancing ecological consulting and nature-based solutions. As the founder and President of Great Ecology, established in 2001, he pioneered the integration of ecological principles into landscape design and has grown the firm into an internationally recognized practice serving clients across the United States and abroad. Dr. Laska has led and contributed to more than 400 habitat restoration projects and has worked on over 500,000 acres of wetland restoration assessments, designs, and evaluations. His expertise spans restoration ecology, ecosystem services, environmental planning, and expert witness support for complex environmental litigation. Following Great Ecology’s acquisition by True Environmental in 2024, Dr. Laska continues to serve as President of Great Ecology while leading business development initiatives across the True Environmental platform. In recognition of his contributions to wetland restoration and conservation, he received the 2022 National Wetland Award in Business from the Environmental Law Institute. Dr. Laska holds a Ph.D. in Ecology from Rutgers University, an M.S. from Fordham University, and a B.A. from the University of Colorado.

Steve Famularo, P.E. is a seasoned professional engineer with extensive expertise in the design, inspection, rehabilitation, and maintenance of marine and waterfront infrastructure. Throughout his 28+ year career, he has led projects involving underwater inspections, structural investigations, rehabilitation design, and construction support for timber, steel, and concrete marine facilities. Steve is recognized for his innovative approach to asset management, having developed and implemented computer-based systems for site inspections, maintenance management, and waterfront mapping using advanced database and GIS technologies. His technical expertise spans marine structure design, strategies for extending service life in harsh marine environments, and engineer-diver training. Steve combines deep engineering knowledge with practical field experience to deliver resilient, long-term solutions for complex waterfront and coastal infrastructure challenges.

Rob Fiorile is an accomplished environmental scientist and regulatory specialist with more than 30 years of experience in environmental planning, ecological assessment, and permitting. As Vice President of Environmental Planning and Ecological Services, he leads complex environmental review and compliance efforts, including NEPA, CEQR, SEQR, and Executive Order 215 analyses, as well as state and federal permitting for a wide range of development and infrastructure projects. Rob’s expertise encompasses terrestrial and aquatic ecological studies, including wetland delineations, seagrass and shellfish surveys, dredge material evaluations, and habitat mitigation and restoration. He is particularly recognized for navigating complex regulatory processes and securing environmental approvals under wetland protection, flood hazard, coastal zone management, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Section 10 and 404 programs. Combining technical ecological expertise with a deep understanding of environmental regulations, Rob helps clients successfully advance projects while protecting and enhancing natural resources.

Mike Soltys, P.E. is an accomplished engineering leader with extensive experience delivering complex civil, structural, geotechnical, marine, and flood resilience projects across the United States. As a leader in our Engineering Services group, he oversees a multidisciplinary team of more than 70 engineers, surveyors, and landscape architects, providing integrated solutions for both public and private sector clients. Licensed in 15 states, Mike has led projects at some of the nation’s most recognized destinations and transportation hubs, including New York Penn Station, Grand Central Terminal, major airports, theme parks, waterfront facilities, and critical infrastructure assets. His expertise spans a wide range of project types, including buildings, bridges, marine structures, renewable energy facilities, parks, streetscapes, treatment plants, and flood protection systems. Known for his collaborative leadership style and commitment to delivering high-quality, cost-effective solutions, Mike helps clients successfully navigate complex engineering challenges while achieving their project goals.

Stu Stein, P.E. is a respected water resources engineer and industry leader with more than 35 years of experience in hydrology, hydraulics, stormwater management, resilience planning, and water quality. As President of GKY & Associates, he leads multidisciplinary teams delivering innovative solutions for federal, state, and local clients across a wide range of water resource challenges. Stu’s expertise includes stormwater program development and implementation, watershed and river basin analysis, regional water supply planning, and advanced water quality modeling. An accomplished computer modeler, analyst, and trainer, he is recognized for his ability to develop data-driven strategies that help clients manage complex environmental and infrastructure needs. Stu has also demonstrated longstanding leadership within the engineering profession, serving as Chair of the American Society of Civil Engineers’ Urban Water Infrastructure Committee and as President of the Virginia Lakes and Watersheds Association. His combination of technical excellence, strategic vision, and commitment to advancing the industry has made him a trusted advisor on water resources and resilience projects nationwide.