Deb Friedel

Debbie Friedel is the Director of Sustainability for Delaware North and is responsible for implementing and managing the company’s sustainability program. She has been with the company for a total of 16 years and prior to this role, she was the Director of Sustainability for Delaware North Parks and Resorts. Debbie is responsible for ensuring that each of Delaware North properties are implementing and managing environmental, interpretive, facilities stewardship and sustainability programs. She is engaged and works closely with others through community outreach and education to achieve balance for the health of our planet and ourselves.

Her career started with the company in 2003 as the Environmental and Interpretive Manager for the General Stores concessions contract in Yellowstone National Park.

Prior to her work with Delaware North (1999 to 2003), Debbie worked as a Research Analyst and Project Coordinator for the Water Resources Center at Minnesota State University, Mankato in which she coordinated watershed projects, communicated environmental data, and organized local groups to seek grant funding to implement project to prevent non-point source pollution. She also developed and coordinated curriculum for local and regional natural resource professionals.

From 1998 to 2003, Debbie served as Adjunct Faculty at Minnesota State University, Mankato teaching General Biology to non-majors. She also held an Adjunct Faculty position from 2001 to 2003 at Rasmussen Business College teaching Environmental Science to business majors.

Debbie received her Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire in 1993 and a Master of Science in Biology with an emphasis in Ecology and Environmental Science from Minnesota State University, Mankato in 1998.

She is a proud member of the National Association for Interpretation and is a Certified Interpretive Guide, is a LEED Green Associate, LEED TRUE Advisor and completed ISO 14001: 2004 Lead Auditor Training.

Debbie has a passion for the environment and sustainability, which were cultivated at a young age while growing up in Wisconsin, a special place influenced by the ethics and writings of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold.