Who we are
Kootenai Environmental Alliance is a member based organization spearheaded by an all volunteer board.
We are long time and new members of the community who are committed to action that conserves, protects and restores our region for the benefit of all.
Cynthia Rozyla
Board President
A native of Michigan, Cynthia completed a BA of Fine Arts in Broadcast and Cinematic Arts, and a minor in Photography from Central Michigan University. During her pursuit toward a Master’s Degree in Public Administration with an Environmental emphasis, she worked for government, in the for-profit sector and raised her family. Her heart was in the nonprofit world, working for a mission and a cause. In 1990, Cynthia’s gypsy spirit finally landed her in beautiful North Idaho. Owner of a small family business and founding member of a local non-profit, Cynthia’s passion for the environment led to her inclusion at KEA.
Dave Muise
Vice President
Born and raised in Massachusetts, Dave lived in both Texas and California before moving to Coeur d’Alene in 2018. Educated as a Mechanical Engineer with a MS in Engineering Management, Dave’s career started as an engineer overhauling submarines for the US Navy and he is currently helping to build high-speed internet equipment as a Product Manager for Nokia.
He started volunteering for KEA and other environmental causes after seeing firsthand the devastation caused by wildfire in California and then smelling wildfire smoke when first arriving here in Coeur d’Alene. Married and a father of two adult daughters, Dave looks forward to enjoying the natural beauty of our hometown for years to come.
Janet Torline
Board Director
Janet and her husband Greg moved to Coeur d’Alene in 1973 from Gunnison, Colorado where they met while attending Western State University. Although they had loved their time in the Rocky Mountains it did not provide the climate they were looking for to build a sustainable homestead. Their search for that spot led to Idaho and by 1975 they had purchased land on the east side of Lake Coeur d’Alene, pitched a tent, and started building their lives’ dream. Now retired, they fully enjoy the fruits of their labor.
Janet joined the KEA board in 2006 working with KEA’s first Executive Director, Barry Rosenberg. It was an exciting time of taking the organization from an all-volunteer, grassroots, organization to a diversified structure of programs dedicated to advocating for key environmental issues in the region. Janet left the board in 2020.
Janet has returned to the interim Board of Directors to help carry KEA’s legacy forward so future generations will continue to promote the conservation, preservation and restoration of this beautiful area we call home.
James Kimball
Board Director
Jim arrived in Coeur d'Alene in 1947 and graduated from Coeur d'Alene High School in 1963. He went on to earn both a Bachelor's and a Master's Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Idaho in 1973.
Jim's career began as a Sanitary Engineer before he was promoted to Regional Environmental Supervisor for the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, where he managed domestic water supplies, wastewater, and air pollution across Northern Idaho's ten counties. During this time, he worked closely with the Kootenai Environmental Alliance (KEA) and Panhandle Health District (PHD) on the Rathdrum Prairie Sole Source Aquifer project through 1978.
After leaving IDEQ, Jim joined a private consulting firm, designing sewer systems for subdivisions and conducting engineering studies for wastewater systems in the Post Falls and Hayden areas. In 1984, he founded Kimball Engineering, which had offices in Lewiston, Hayden, and Spokane. The firm specialized in designing wastewater systems throughout the Pacific Northwest, with one of its most notable projects being the Class A Reuse System for Walla Walla, which provided irrigation for onions and grapes.
Jim sold Kimball Engineering to J-U-B Engineers and continued working on wastewater projects until his retirement in 2017. After a year, he incorporated Sustainable Engineering to continue his passion for environmental management.
Growing up near Sanders Beach and Tubbs Hill, Jim developed a deep appreciation for natural resources. He is dedicated to managing these resources so future generations can enjoy them as he has. In his leisure time, Jim enjoys horseback riding on public lands, motorcycle riding on his Honda 110, boating and fishing on local lakes, and elk hunting.
Jim is deeply concerned about the potential environmental calamities resulting from climate change due to excess greenhouse gas emissions. He believes these challenges can be addressed by an educated, conscientious, and respectful society.
Steve Harris
Board Director
Steve Harris is retired from over 30 years in High Tech. Eighteen of the first years were with IBM as a large advisory Systems Engineer, and then 10 years managing teams and finally providing leadership in a worldwide Learning Services role: providing training programs and online content for software development sales/technical staff, customers and developers. The last 11 years he was in a management position with the American Cancer Society providing nationwide learning management for staff and volunteers. Steve retired in 2018. He is highly skilled in complex project management, creative solution implementation and has strong communication skills.
Steve has been living in Coeur d’Alene since fall of 2007, and has been visiting the area for over 30 years to be with family. He has three daughters, two which live in the area. “I had the opportunity to live anywhere I wanted in 2007, and Coeur d’Alene spoke deeply to me.”
Steve is a performing singer/songwriter, a photographer, a fine art pen & ink artist and enjoys camping and hiking with his German Shepherd.
Brandi Mayes
Board Director
Brandi's passion for the environment began in childhood with long wanderings on the Yellowstone River near her home in Billings, Montana. Her adventurous spirit and love of nature have guided her life and brought her incredible opportunities. She landed in Northern Idaho in 2008 with her husband and their new baby.
Brandi enjoys hiking, trail running, mountain biking, skiing, and gardening. She believes that a relationship with and connection to nature is foundational to activism. She loves to encourage curiosity, discovery, and delight through time outdoors.
Brandi brings her experience in sustainable business and marketing to the KEA board. She is excited to infuse inspiration and insight into the communications of KEA.
Opportunities to Get Involved