2018 CONFERENCE SPEAKERS

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Keynote Speaker:  Tchin

​Tchin is a nationally known artist and educator of Indian arts and culture. Through the art of oral tradition he tells stories portraying the creation of the world and how things came to be.
In his energizing presentations, Tchin addresses important topics including:

• Cultural diversity
• Music appreciation
• Environmental consciousness

These stories have been passed down through generations and illuminate both young and mature minds. Tchin brings the stories to life with his gift of magic. As part of this program, Tchin will perform and explain the seldom seen or heard Native American courting flute.

Keynote Speaker: Tchin

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Patrick McDonnell
Secretary, PA Department of Environmental Protection

With 15 years of experience holding a number of positions at Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Patrick McDonnell brings a broad perspective to the agency’s regulatory and policy development processes.  

Prior to being named Acting Secretary, McDonnell served as DEP’s director of policy. In addition, he ran the State Energy Office, and was charged with coordination of renewable energy and energy efficiency issues. McDonnell also served several years as executive policy manager for former Commissioner Pamela A. Witmer of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, focusing on electric, natural gas and water issues, as well as cybersecurity and the impact of environmental regulation on energy markets. 

Secretary McDonnell began his career at DEP working in the State Energy Office on energy efficiency, renewable energy, and green building projects. Throughout his career, McDonnell has worked to achieve success in the nexus between energy and environmental issues. ​

Patrick McDonnell; Secretary, PA Department of Environmental Protection

A native of Philadelphia, Secretary McDonnell received his Master's degree in Political Science from Lehigh University and his Bachelor's Degree in Politics from DeSales University. He and his wife Colleen have four children, and live in Harrisburg.  

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Cindy Adams Dunn
Secretary, PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

​Cindy Adams Dunn is the sixth secretary of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. She has helped position Pennsylvania as a leader in land conservation, outdoor recreation, green practices and public land management. During her tenure the department created the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps to connect youth and young adults with job opportunities relating to the outdoors and the environment.
 
Under her direction, Pennsylvania continues efforts to address the impacts of climate change, as well as providing leadership on planting forest buffers along streams to improve water quality.
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​Dunn has worked in both the public and private sectors. She served in several leadership posts at leading environmental advocacy groups like Audubon Pennsylvania, the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay and PennFuture.

Cindy Adams Dunn; Secretary, PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

​ She is trained as a biologist, and when not at work championing conservation her hobbies include birding, fishing, canoeing and hiking.