DEC 'On The Front Lines' Video Features Capital Region Residents Tom Herishko and Katie Fessler

Video Series Features Dedicated DEC Employees Serving New Yorkers

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is proud to present the latest episode of 'On the Front Lines,' a video series profiling staff members and the important work they do to conserve the environment, protect New York's natural resources, and serve the public.

"We are proud of this series, started nearly a year ago, to give the public a behind-the-scenes look at the great work our dedicated employees do every day across the state to preserve and protect the environment for generations to come," DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said. "It's also an opportunity for New Yorkers to get to know our employees and the reasons they chose careers at DEC. A special thanks to Tom Herishko and Katie Fessler for their hard work to ensure critical projects get the resources they need."

The latest episode features Tom Herishko and Katie Fessler with DEC's Division of Management and Budget.

Tom is an Associate Budgeting Analyst who secures funds for the cleanup of natural disasters such as Hurricanes Sandy and Irene and the massive snowstorm that buried Buffalo a few years ago. Tom manages a small farm with his family and is also a volunteer with his local fire department.

Katie, an Associate Administrative Budget Analyst, primarily handles the budget for many of DEC's recreational projects, such as improvements to hiking trails, fishing access sites, and the new Five Rivers Education Center unveiled earlier this year. Katie and her husband also have an affinity for one of the area's most popular college sports programs and enjoy traveling, most recently to France and Peru.

'On the Front Lines' is presented monthly on DEC's YouTube channel and Facebook and Twitter pages. Watch the latest episode and past staff profiles on DEC's YouTube channel.