Our Story
The International Conference on Environmental Data Management (ICEDM) was founded by Dan Higgins in 2010. The conference has evolved into an international grass-roots meet-up where the content is provided by other participants with the idea that we all can learn from each other. Participants are like-minded passionate environmental data management professionals from around the world from locations as far away as Venezuela, Chile and Australia. ICEDM has become an internationally renowned forum to discuss data management issues and innovations.
The 2023 ICEDM conference was co-chaired by Dan Higgins of Dan Higgins Data Designs LLC and Sarah Wright of GZA.
In 2024 the ICEDM Conference has been restructured to include: Sarah Wright (President), Alexa Teipel (Treasurer) and Mary Cottingham (Secretary). They have been working to re-imagine the conference and are excited for the May 2025 conference and look forward to receiving your presentation proposals.
If you have questions, please contact Sarah Wright, Alexa Teipel or Mary Cottingham.
The ICEDM Board
Sarah Wright
ICEDM Board, President
Sarah Wright is a Partner at GZA managing the Data Management, Analytics, and Visualization (DMAV) team. Sarah has over twenty years of experience in environmental management information systems (EMIS) technologies, gained through her work in both public and private sectors. Sarah’s experience includes building technical teams to support data management, needs assessment, design and implementation support for EMIS systems for government, industry, and consulting teams.
Sarah also provides guidance on large scale industrial implementation of EMIS for regulatory reporting, environmental litigation support, data analysis using EMIS technologies for environmental projects, conducting environmental site investigations, and installation and maintenance of continuous groundwater monitoring systems.
Sarah serves on the ICDEM board as president. Sarah has a passion for connecting environmental data managers from around the world. Building this network of global data managers provides a venue to improve data stewardship skills and build knowledge and support within the community.
Sarah leads the industry to support the development of Global Best Management Practices around Environmental Data Management.
Alexa Teipel
ICEDM Board, Treasurer
Alexa Teipel leads the Corporate Data Management team at Terracon. Alexa is a recognized leader in environmental and geotechnical data management with more than 17 years of experience in environmental consulting. Alexa brings deep expertise in data governance, regulatory compliance, and technical innovation to the ICEDM board. Alexa oversees selection, design, implementation, technical support, quality control, and training for environmental and geotechnical data management systems.
Alexa provides guidance on the design and optimization of enterprise-wide data workflows; to standardize reporting and deliver high-quality, defensible data solutions for complex projects. Alexa’s experience includes regulatory compliance support for state and federal agencies, litigation support and conceptual site modeling.
Alexa is a member of the Interstate Technology & Regulatory Council (ITRC) and the American Geophysical Union (AGU) and has contributed to peer-reviewed research in geochemistry.
Alexa is committed to advancing best practices in environmental and geotechnical data management and fostering collaboration across disciplines. Alexa joined the ICEDM board in 2023 and serves as Treasurer.
Mary Cottingham
ICEDM Board, Secretary
Mary Cottingham serves as Data Manager for Innovation and Digital Transformation (IDT) Team in the Environment & Health global business area of Ramboll. Mary has over 30 years of experience in design, implementation, management, and support of database systems.
Mary’s extensive experience includes the implementation of a centralized data repository to support Ramboll’s global offices. Mary provides support for regulatory compliance for projects across the globe to assess environmental risks.
Mary’s commitment to supporting best practices in environmental data management led to her taking on a more formal role at ICEDM. Mary has been involved in the ICEDM community since its inception in 2013. Mary joined the ICEDM board in 2023 and serves as the Secretary.