Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (NHPA) requires federal agencies to consider the effects on historic properties of projects they carry out, assist, fund, permit, license, or approve in an effort to help preserve our national heritage. Impact7G staff have over a century of combined experience in Section 106 and have either authored or co-authored over 4,000 architectural or archaeological reports. We’re proud to have one of the most diverse and experienced historic preservation teams in the Midwest. Meet our team below!
Dave Benn, PhD, RPA has over 50 years of experience as a professional anthropologist specializing in prehistoric archaeology. Dr. Benn obtained his PhD in anthropology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1976 and was awarded the Distinguished Iowa Scientist award from the Iowa Academy of Science in 1996. Dr. Benn taught in the higher education system from 1974 to 1991 at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Luther College, and Southwest Missouri State University. The Iowa Archaeological Society (IAS) awarded Dr. Benn the Keyes-Orr Award in 2014 in recognition of his outstanding service to the IAS and in the research, reporting, and preservation of Iowa’s prehistoric and historic heritage.
Jaime Destefano, MSHP joined Impact7G in June 2022 through the acquisition of JLD Preservation Consulting. Jaime received a Bachelor of Science in Anthropology with a concentration in historic archaeology and a Master of Science in Historic Preservation in 2008 from Clemson University. Jaime has managed a diverse portfolio of projects related to Section 106 cultural resources reviews, large-scale surveys, and National Register nominations of central business districts, neighborhoods, and individual properties, particularly those with an African American context. She frequently meets with members of the local community, conducting oral interviews and forging grassroots relationships. She is certified by the Secretary of the Interior for architectural history and historic preservation.
Michael Dierks received his bachelor’s degree in Anthropology with an emphasis in archaeology and certificate in geoarchaeology from Minnesota State University in Mankato. Prior to joining Impact7G in May 2021, Michael was a rapid response archaeological technician with Hamline University where he assisted with a burial recovery project, which was cut short when he was deployed to the Horn of Africa. Michael serves as an infantryman in the Minnesota Army National Guard. He also volunteered in the Civil Air Patrol from 2010 to 2021 where he served with the Red Wing, Mankato, and Des Moines Composite Squadrons.
Kirk Freeman, MA, RPA, AIA has over 30 years of experience in 40 states, Puerto Rico, and part of Canada and Mexico. He graduated from Iowa State University in Archaeology and History in 1992 and obtained his Master of Arts in 19th Century American History in 2003 from the University of Houston Clear Lake. Kirk has extensive experience in pedestrian, shovel test, and backhoe surveys and site mitigations. His passion for historical archaeology came full circle while on a survey in Jamestown, Virginia where discovered artefacts were found to have belonged to an ancestor of his who purchased the land around 1619.
Judy Joyce, PWS is a professional geomorphologist and founded EarthView Environmental in 1998. Geomorphology, the study of landforms and landform evolution, is critical to understanding the entire history of a site. Utilizing Impact7G’s Giddings drill rig, Judy has led hundreds of geomorphological investigations in Iowa and the surrounding states for compliance with Section 106. Judy is a Professional Wetland Scientist and Principal at Impact7G.
William Martin, CEP, RPA is an environmental planner with over forty years of experience, specializing in cultural, visual, and natural resources. He has been involved in a wide range of project scopes ranging from environmental reviews for roadways and bridge replacement projects to international pipeline corridors; NEPA reviews of utility-scale solar facilities; wetland, prairie, and savanna restorations; and zoning and planning initiatives. William has completed over 1,500 NEPA, Sections 7 and 10, Section 404, and Section 106 reviews and studies. William holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental anthropology from the University of Georgia, and two master’s degrees in anthropology and landscape architecture from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale and Iowa State University, respectively.
Gina Munson, PhD, RPA, AIA is the newest addition to the Impact7G cultural resources team joining the Coralville office in September 2022. Dr. Munson graduated from the University of California, Davis with a Doctor of Philosophy in Anthropology emphasizing prehistoric archaeology and human behavior. She has over 10 years of experience in Cultural Resources Management with the USDI Bureau of Land Management focused on archaeology, National Historic Preservation Act compliance, and Native American Tribal Relations. Understanding human behavior and how people have and continue to interact with their cultural and natural environment is a driving research focus that stimulates her work.
Casey Radke, MHP is an environmental specialist with Impact7G and has authored over 400 Section 106 Review/Archaeological Assessment compliance documents including all Native American consultations. Casey received a Bachelor of Science in History, Technology, and Society with a certificate in American Architectural History from Georgia Tech and a Master of Heritage Preservation from Georgia State University. She has conducted numerous large-scale historic architectural surveys and National Register evaluations and has participated in numerous historic resources surveys. She is knowledgeable in American architectural history, archival research, field survey, and architectural photographic documentation. She is certified by the Secretary of the Interior for architectural history.
David Stanley founded Bear Creek Archaeology in 1983, originally known as the Highland Cultural Research Center, which specializes in prehistoric and historic archaeological research. Dave is a Principal Investigator with Impact7G. Over the course of his 40-year career, David has authored hundreds of hundreds of Phase IA, Phase I, Phase II, and Phase II reports across Iowa associated with local, state, and federal projects.
Michelle Taylor is a senior project manager and architectural historian at Impact7G. Michelle has over 20 years of experience in cultural resource management with extensive knowledge in archival research, field survey, and architectural photographic documentation. She earned a master’s degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Colorado at Denver in 2003. Michelle brings an interdisciplinary approach to large-scale public works projects, community and stakeholder meetings, and cultural landscape projects. Michelle has directly authored or managed over 1000 Section 106 Review and Archaeological Assessment compliance documents including all Native American consultations. She is certified by the Secretary of the Interior for architectural history.
Rachel Vanderwerff is a senior environmental specialist with Impact7G and specializes in NEPA assessments, GIS applications, and research and report writing. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa in geography with an emphasis in sustainability. Rachel has extensive experience with report writing for environmental reviews, Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans, Phase I Environmental Site Assessments, ecological restoration, permitting, cultural resources, and wetland banking.
Cover Photo: HTK Architects Office Building in Topeka, Kansas. Building added the National and State Registers of Historic Places in 2021, authored by Jaime Destefano of JLD Preservation Consulting.
