With over 44 years of professional experience, J. Joseph (Joe) Otte is a seasoned environmental consultant and business leader specializing in environmental due diligence, sustainability, compliance, and leadership development. Throughout his career, he has helped organizations navigate complex environmental regulations, mitigate risks, and implement sustainable business practices, particularly in the engineering, manufacturing, food, and environmental industries. His expertise in water and air quality, hazardous waste management, site assessments, and remediation has made him a trusted advisor for businesses and government agencies alike.

Currently serving as an environmental consultant at Landmark Environmental, LLC, Joe provides environmental consulting and due diligence services, ensuring organizations maintain compliance with federal and state regulations while integrating sustainable and responsible environmental practices. Before this role, he held key leadership positions at Stantec and Wenck Associates, Inc., where he was instrumental in leading real estate environmental assessments, sustainability initiatives, and regulatory compliance strategies. As principal at Wenck Associates and chief manager at Wenck Real Estate, Joe spent over 22 years developing and executing environmental and sustainability solutions that enabled businesses to thrive while minimizing environmental impact. His work directly supported large-scale redevelopment projects, incorporating environmental stewardship into business growth.

Joe’s public sector experience includes his tenure as a supervisor at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, where he played a key role in the voluntary investigation and cleanup program for over eight years. His ability to bridge the gap between regulatory agencies and private sector businesses has been a cornerstone of his career. His regulatory background allows him to provide expert guidance on navigating complex environmental laws, ensuring compliance, and implementing proactive risk management strategies.

Beyond his professional career, Joe has demonstrated strong leadership and governance experience through his service on multiple nonprofit boards. He was the board secretary of the Washington County Historical Society for 12 years, where he played a significant role in the organization’s strategic planning, governance, and preservation initiatives. He also served as a board member for the St. Paul Neighborhood Energy Consortium, where he led efforts to promote sustainable energy practices and environmental conservation at the community level.

A trusted expert witness, Joe has provided critical insights in legal proceedings related to environmental compliance, hazardous materials, and remediation. His ability to analyze complex environmental issues and communicate findings effectively has made him a valuable resource in regulatory disputes, litigation, and corporate risk management.

Joe holds a bachelor of arts in geology and a master’s in business communication (M.B.C.) from the University of St. Thomas. His combined expertise in both technical environmental sciences and strategic business communication allows him to effectively convey complex environmental data to executives, stakeholders, and policymakers, ensuring informed decision-making at every level.

Joe’s passion for mentoring and leadership development extends beyond the workplace. As he looks ahead to the next chapter of his career, he is actively seeking board roles where he can leverage his extensive expertise to support leadership teams, drive sustainability initiatives, and help organizations navigate environmental challenges. He is particularly interested in opportunities within mid-sized companies (under $40 million in revenue) where his strategic oversight, environmental expertise, and leadership coaching can create the greatest impact.

Outside of work, Joe enjoys cooking and crafting beer, reflecting his appreciation for both creativity and precision—qualities that also define his approach to environmental consulting and leadership.

With a career built on integrity, expertise, and mentorship, Joe Otte is committed to helping businesses and leaders evolve, ensuring they remain environmentally responsible while achieving sustainable growth.

• Character: Joe Otte is a dedicated leader with a strong commitment to integrity, mentorship, and environmental responsibility.

• Knowledge: With over 44 years of experience, he is an expert in environmental due diligence, sustainability, compliance, and risk management.

• Strategic: He excels in bridging regulatory requirements with business goals, guiding organizations toward sustainable growth and environmental stewardship.

• Communication: His ability to simplify complex environmental data enables executives, stakeholders, and policymakers to make informed decisions effectively.