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We're excited to announce key leadership changes that will expand our Geographic Information Systems (GIS) capabilities and enhance the role of data-driven solutions across Stone’s environmental work. With the return of a much-respected senior leader and a new, firmwide role for a senior scientist, we’re strengthening our ability to deliver even more impactful, efficient, and innovative data solutions to our clients.

KATIE BUDRESKI REJOINS TEAM

Katie returned to Stone February 17, 2025, as Geospatial & Data Solutions (GDS) Team Leader.

She arrived at Stone in 2007 and served in various roles over a 12-year period, including head of our GIS development specialists from 2015 to 2019. She has nearly two decades of experience in spatial analysis, application development, and data resources management. At Stone she was responsible for data development and acquisition, database management, spatial analysis, mobile data collection, and tool development tasks. Katie oversaw projects related to watershed planning, broadband development, endangered species assessments, and clean energy planning.

“We are very excited about Katie’s return to Stone and her taking on leadership of our Geospatial & Data Solutions group,” said Stone Vice President Michael Winchell. “Her wealth of experience in developing top-quality spatial data solutions and attention to meeting the unique needs of every client will ensure that Stone remains a highly trusted and respected leader in this area of our business.”

Katie progressed working on projects still active today, including creation of the award-winning New York Geographic Information Gateway, and early efforts to support high-speed internet service access for Vermont, leading up to our current work with the Vermont Community Broadband Board.

From 2019 to 2025, Katie worked for the USDA Forest Service, leading enterprise data management, geospatial analysis, and mapping and data visualization efforts at the regional/multi-forest level.

In her new role, she will focus on advancing the team’s skills in data-driven solutions and user-centered application development to project work across Stone’s service areas, to existing clients, and to new markets.

“I think our offerings are the same but elevated with these new capabilities and people that bring their expertise to the work,” said Katie. “I’ve always respected the people here and felt we have some of the very best in the industry.”

NICK FLOERSCH TO STRENGTHEN FIRMWIDE DATA SERVICES

Senior GIS Developer Nick Floersch will transition from the team leadership position into a broader role as Technology Solutions Strategist, working to provide all of Stone’s teams with the knowledge, capabilities, and infrastructure to leverage custom software solutions and commercial software products in their client-facing work products and services. This will provide our customers with new options for interaction with Stone’s work products while maximizing customer value.

Nick will continue to support Geospatial & Data Solutions team projects and clients, and said he’s excited to have Katie back on board, calling her skilled, organized, and gregarious.

“She’s a really good fit for what the group leader needs to be,” said Nick.

Nick brings more than 25 years of experience in all aspects of application development and server integration. He’s been responsible for database design, GIS data analysis and visualization, software development and deployment, and management of software development projects.

“Allowing Nick the opportunity to focus his talents and energy on the highly technical aspects of Stone’s work and leveraging technology in solutions to all our clients will be both a win for Stone and a win for our clients,” said Michael. “Katie and Nick, together with Senior Database Developer Barb Patterson, combine for an incredibly talented senior leadership team for our Geospatial & Data Solutions group, providing the foundation for further growth and enhancement of Stone’s products and services.”