Panel #1 

Deconstruction Masterclass: The Essentials 

Melissa Wenzel

Melissa Wenzel has worked for the MN Pollution Control Agency for nearly 2 decades, and currently works as the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's Built Environment Sustainability Administrator. Her current focus is on creating system-wide change within the building material management system. With key stakeholders across the state, Melissa is working to prevent C&D materials going to landfills by encouraging preservation, reuse, repair, and recycling of building materials. Previously, she was the state's industrial stormwater program coordinator. Over the years, she coordinates project-specific sustainability efforts within the agency and as a volunteer, within her community. She lives by her work motto: "human being first, government employee second." Connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissaawenzel 

Olivia Cashman

Olivia Cashman is an Environmental Protection Specialist with Hennepin County’s Environment and Energy Department where she works to promote reuse and recycling of construction and demolition waste and ensure proper disposal of hazardous building materials. Olivia coordinates the county’s recently developed deconstruction grant and pre-demolition inspection programs. Olivia has a Bachelor of Science in environmental science from the University of Minnesota and has prior work experience in environmental, health, and safety in manufacturing industries. 

Jason Burbul

Jason Burbul has been facilitating deconstruction projects for homeowners, businesses, and government clients since 2016 with hundreds of successful large and small projects. In 2017 he landed and then led Better Futures largest single project - the full deconstruction of 21,000 residential home in Hennepin County. In addition to leading Better Futures Minnesota's deconstruction sales efforts he also consults for and owns several reuse businesses.