J Allen Heise, M.S.
Sustainability Associate
As a Sustainability Associate for Michigan Sustainable Business Forum J supports businesses, institutions and other stakeholders across the state through educational programs, technical support and project facilitation. His résumé is varied in different sectors, but the common thread between all of the roles is a passion for sustainability, the environment, and social justice.
In a previous role at the Ionia Conservation District, J worked closely with farmers and other food businesses early in the value stream to provide support, funding, and technical assistance wherever possible. He also contributed to the beginning of Ionia County’s Material Management Planning process, secured grant funding for rural recycling drop-off centers, and strived to ensure that the agricultural community was well represented in the future of sustainable material management in Michigan. Before his role in Ionia, he had worked as an indoor air quality and building damage assessment consultant, a quality control technician at Founders Brewing Company, and continues to expand a long history in hospitality.
J earned an Bachelor’s of Science degree in his home state of Illinois at Northern Illinois University (NIU) where he conducted research on ecological restoration in prairies. He also holds a Master’s of Science at Grand Valley State University (GVSU) with a thesis on carbon sequestration and land management practices in oak savannas. These experiences laid the groundwork for a diverse work history that provides a multi-faceted lens and considers the needs of multiple sectors.
Current MiSBF Projects
- Pollution Prevention (P2) in Food Processing Facilities
- Seeding the Biomaterials Industry in Grand Rapids and Michigan through Organic Waste Solutions
- MiSBF - Climate Action Campaign/Solutions for Pollution
- Safe and Sustainable Foodware
- Michigan Sustainable Materials Management Coalition
Boards and Committees
- G.A.A.Y. Sports, Grand Rapids - Operational Manager, Regional Board Representative
Selected Publications and Presentations
- Multiple dimensions of plant diversity predict microbial community composition in grassland soils (In review)
- Assessing changes to ecosystem structure and function following invasion by Spartina alterniflora and Phragmites australis: a meta-analysis (2021)
- Carbon sequestration in a restored West Michigan oak savanna: Implications on management practices (2020)