Mark Doneux has dedicated his career to protecting Minnesota waters. Mark is an innovator who has, alongside of partners and staff, led cutting edge projects including rainwater harvesting and reuse at CHS and Allianz Fields; shared stormwater systems at Highland Bridge that capture and clean 64 million gallons of runoff annually; rain gardens, stormwater planters, and the country’s longest integrated tree trench system along University Avenue; and CRWD’s LEED Gold building in the Hamline-Midway neighborhood of Saint Paul.
As leader of the most densely populated and diverse watershed district in Minnesota, Mark led CRWD to create its first Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Plan. This work has resulted in significant changes to hiring, contracting, professional development offerings, and community engagement. During Mark’s tenure, CRWD also created a Watershed Artist in Residence Program that has resulted in engaging residents in new and creative ways.
Mark’s involvement as chair of the Water Environment Federation and Central States Water Environment Association Stormwater Committees ensures Minnesota innovations influence practitioners across the country and brings new ideas back to local professionals. Mark also served as co-chair of the Minimal Impact Design Standards (MIDS) committee that brought forth a recommendation for a statewide 1.1-inch volume reduction standard and the MIDS Calculator.
Mark’s greatest legacy will be the impact he’s left on people he’s mentored, ensuring they have the tools necessary to achieve goals, supporting their advancement into leadership roles, and trusting them to do quality work and create lasting relationships.