John McMaine, PhD, EIT is an Associate Professor and Extension Specialist in Biosystems and Agriculture Engineering at University of Kentucky. Dr. McMaine's primary role is to research, provide guidance for stakeholders, and teach in topics related to conservation, stream restoration, stormwater, environmental monitoring, low-cost sensors, and ecological engineering. He has over ten years of experience in university settings for research, Extension, teaching, and administration. Dr. McMaine was drawn to support Vital as a board member due to the mission alignment related to long-term sustainability and success of ecological restoration projects. Relevant experience includes overseeing execution of over $10 million in federal, state, and local grants as PI as well as a chair position with an endowment. Responsibilities within this included regular reporting, financial accounting, maintaining records, tracking spending and ensuring spending was appropriate within grant restrictions. Dr. McMaine also served as Director of the South Dakota Water Resources Institute and South Dakota Mesonet.