University at Buffalo School of Management

8 Buffalo Business Autumn 2017 As executive director of Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper, Jill Jedlicka, MBA '00, tackles some of the region's biggest fresh water challenges, such as cleaning up toxic sediment, eliminating sewage overflows, restoring critical habitat and advocating for the long-term health of the Great Lakes. Her position is the latest in a career of environmental stewardship. Aer earning a bachelor's in environmen- tal studies from UB in 1996, she served as an environmen- tal education specialist for the Erie County Department of Environment and Planning. While working there full time, she attended the School of Management part time to earn her MBA. She says the UB MBA experience helped her to adapt and translate her communication style and perspectives to be a productive team member. "I was one of only a handful of non-business ma- jors coming in to the MBA program," says Jedlicka. "Transitioning from a science and policy background, it helped my professional growth by working closely with teams of students in a multidisciplinary environment." From there, she took up her first role at Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper, serving as the organization's di- rector of ecological programs for nearly a decade. She was named to her current post in 2012. "The most valuable aspect of the MBA pro- gram for me was the emphasis on team co- ordination, consensus building and creative problem solving. These life lessons and experiences have helped shape who I am as an executive and team leader," says Jedlicka. "It is not about the letters after your name or the degree on a piece of paper. It is how you apply the skill sets and experiences gained from working with your professors and peer group that I reflect on the most over the past 17 years." Jedlicka says being able to have a visible and positive impact on the community is the most motivating part of her job. "I am excited to get up and go to work in the morning, and come home enjoyably exhausted at the end of the day knowing that my life's work has meaning and impact." When she's not caring for the environment on the job, she has fun spending time in the outdoors — hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, traveling and exploring with her family whenever she can. "Also, my job is fun," says Jedlicka. "Life is too short to not pursue a career you love. The School of Management provides a strong foun- dation and springboard, but it is up to you to de- fine your passion and legacy." x — Kevin Manne Alumni close-up: Jill Jedlicka Jedlicka in the Niagara River. Photo: KC Kratt Keeping the rivers

• Cover