Born and raised near Melvern Lake in east central Kansas, John Harsch has always had a passion for the environment and all things green. He knew from an early age that he wanted to pursue a career in the environmental sector. In pursuit of his passion, he attended Emporia State University in Emporia, Kansas, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in parks and recreation. After college, John started his career by working in the water quality and waste management sectors, solidifying his knowledge of regulatory compliance, stormwater best management practices, and carbon footprint reduction. He has an extensive background working in environmental compliance management and with local, state and federal environmental regulations.

As President of Sustainable Environmental Consultants (SEC), John brings to the business more than 20 years of experience in environmental practices, natural resources and conservation. He leads SEC's strategic planning, operations and business development to position the company as a frontrunner in the environmental arena. Serving several entities in both the agricultural and erosion control arenas, John is especially passionate about SEC's mission to reduce the environmental impact organizations have by recycling locally generated wood chips for use in sediment and erosion control filter socks. SEC manufactures socks in Iowa, Kansas, Kansas and Texas.

As a member of IECA, John has served on the board since 2015. He is also a member of the US Composting Council and sits on the board of directors for SEC. When John gets time away from work, he enjoys spending time on the farm he and his wife built near Melvern Lake and attending his children's sporting events.