Joel Brammeier is president and CEO of the Alliance for the Great Lakes. He oversees a staff of 20 professionals and more than 11,000 volunteers dedicated to protecting and restoring clean water, educating citizens and youth and building a sustainable future for the Great Lakes. Joel has developed laws and regulations to prevent invasive species in several Great Lakes states and published a first-of-its-kind report describing options for permanent separation of the Great Lakes from the Mississippi River. He also advises the state governors and provincial premiers on regional implementation of the Great Lakes Water Resources Compact. Prior to his work at the Alliance, Joel worked for the American Medical Association. He received his master’s degree from the University of Michigan’s School of Natural Resources & Environment and his bachelor’s degree from Valparaiso University.