PFAS Resource and Education Panel: Our Water, Our Health, Our Community

Wednesday, September 23, 2026
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Traverse City Regional Center
Alumni, Community, Faculty, Staff, Students

Three individuals stand at the edge of a calm lake under a bright blue sky, surrounded by lush green trees and vegetation.

Join us for an evening of education and conversation about PFAS and its impact on our water, health, and communities.

The evening will begin with “PFAS 101,” led by Dr. Rick Rediske, providing an accessible overview of PFAS, what we know about these “forever chemicals,” and why they continue to be an important issue for communities across Michigan.

Following the presentation, a panel of experts and community stakeholders will explore PFAS from a variety of perspectives, including environmental science, water quality, emerging technologies, business, and community advocacy. Together, they’ll discuss what we are learning, how communities are responding, and the role individuals and local partners can play in protecting our water and supporting informed community action.

Attendees will also have an opportunity to ask questions, hear directly from panelists, and learn about resources available to help them better understand PFAS.

PANELISTS:

Sam Flamont - Founder & CEO, The Mitten Group
Abigail Hendershott – MPART Executive Director, State of Michigan
Dr. Vernon LaLone - Founder & CEO, Wave Lumina
Dr. Rick Rediske – Emeritus Professor & Environmental Chemist, Grand Valley State University
Russel Springsteen - Founder & Owner, Right Brain Brewery
Paul Szafranski - General Manager, McCardel Culligan
Michael Troyanowski - Regional Sales Manager, Culligan International

MODERATOR: Matt Hirsch, Great Lakes Water Studies Institute Coordinator at Northwestern Michigan College

KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Dr. Richard Rediske is a retired Professor Emeritus of Water Resources at Grand Valley State University’s Annis Water Resources Institute. An environmental chemist and toxicologist with over 40 years of experience, he specializes in PFAS community support and water quality advocacy.

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