Perry Horner

President

phorner@hornerenvironmental.com

Perry Horner is the President of Horner Environmental Professionals (HEP), bringing more than 38 years of experience in the environmental field. A native of Sanford, North Carolina, Perry earned his B.S. in Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences from North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC. For seven years he was affiliated with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, where he worked in both Wilmington, NC and Jacksonville, FL districts.

At HEP, Perry leads client relations and project management, drawing on his expertise in environmental permitting, mitigation banking, listed species permitting and relocation, and land assessments. He is an Authorized Gopher Tortoise Agent and has extensive experience in wetland delineation and mapping, listed species surveys, and guiding projects through complex regulatory processes. Perry values creating solutions that balance land development and management goals with environmental responsibility.

Beyond his professional work, Perry enjoys spending time with his family, boating, fishing, and exploring the Suwannee River. He and his wife have three children and two dogs, and he appreciates the opportunity to combine his professional work with his passion for the outdoors.. 

Jeff Batten

Senior Ecologist

jbatten@hornerenvironmental.com

Jeffrey S. Batten is a Senior Ecologist with 24 years of experience in the environmental and agricultural science fields, including 18 years with HEP. Originally from Tarpon Springs, Florida, Jeffrey holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Florida’s College of Agriculture and a Master’s Degree from the University of South Florida’s College of Public Health.

Jeffrey’s 24 years of experience includes six years in government service with the Southwest Florida Water Management District and the Hillsborough County Environmental Protection Commission. Over the course of his career, he has contributed to a wide range of wetland restoration projects, applying his expertise to understand and support the unique ecological needs of each site. He finds restoration work particularly rewarding, appreciating how every project presents its own challenges and how the land ultimately guides the restoration process.

Outside of work, Jeffrey is passionate about mentoring youth and engaging in community outreach. A devoted college football fan, he enjoys coaching the next generation — including his own young adult sons — and values sharing life lessons from his own experiences to help others grow and learn.

Tito Marquetti

Project & Office Manager

tmarquetti@hornerenvironmental.com

With over a decade of experience in the environmental field, Tito Marquetti brings a unique blend of technical expertise and organizational leadership to his role as Office/Project Manager. A Tampa native and graduate of the University of South Florida with a degree in Business, Tito has developed a strong foundation in both fieldwork and operational management.

His areas of expertise include environmental permitting, and Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESA). In the field, he has hands-on experience with listed species surveying, and wetland delineations—skills that help bridge the gap between environmental compliance and practical project execution.

When he’s not managing projects or ensuring operations run smoothly, Tito enjoys woodworking and spending time with his wife and two children. His commitment to both his work and his family is reflected in his detail-oriented approach and steady leadership.

Kyle Horner

Project manager, Arborist

khorner@hornerenvironmental.com

Kyle Horner is a Project Manager from Tampa, Florida with over a decade of experience in the environmental field, specializing in mitigation banking and land management. He holds certifications as an ISA Certified Arborist and an Authorized Gopher Tortoise Agent, with extensive experience in listed species surveys, tree care, drone and equipment operation.

Kyle has contributed to the planning, construction, and ongoing management of multiple mitigation banks, including the NeoVerde Mitigation Bank and the Mary A Mitigation Bank. His work often involves equipment operation and integrating technology into land management practices, such as drone mapping and data processing for site assessments, habitat restoration, planning and monitoring.

He values time spent outdoors and is committed to expanding his understanding of Florida’s ecosystems and the role they play in supporting biodiversity. Outside of work, Kyle enjoys playing golf and spending time on the Suwannee River.

Bryce perry

Mitigation Manager

bperry@hornerenvironmental.com

Bryce Perry is a Mitigation Manager with seven years of habitat management experience, including the past three with HEP. Originally from Dade City, Florida, Bryce holds both an FAA Part 107 license and an FDACS applicator license.

At HEP, he specializes in vegetation control, with expertise in both traditional spraying methods and advanced drone applications. His work focuses on supporting mitigation projects while ensuring effective, efficient, and environmentally responsible treatments.

Bryce is passionate about preserving Florida’s ecological value and takes pride in applying his skills to help maintain healthy and balanced landscapes.

Emma Overmiller

Ecologist

eovermiller@hornerenvironmental.com 

Emma Overmiller is a Staff Ecologist with Horner Environmental Professionals, bringing three years of experience in the environmental field, including two with HEP. Born in Alaska and raised in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from Oklahoma State University.

At HEP, Emma conducts Phase I Environmental Site Assessments, listed species surveys, and gopher tortoise permitting, along with preparing permitting and compliance documentation. She is skilled in field data collection, species identification, and environmental reporting, ensuring projects meet both regulatory standards and conservation objectives.

Passionate about environmental stewardship, Emma values the opportunity to protect and restore Florida's unique landscapes and wildlife by balancing the needs of development with the creation and preservation of irreplaceable habitats. Outside of work, she loves fitness, kayaking, beach trips, exploring new restaurants, and cooking Cajun-inspired dishes with her husband.

CHRis Ford

GIS Technician

cford@hornerenvironmental.com

Chris Ford is a GIS Technician with eight years of experience in spatial data analysis. A Florida native from Rockledge, he earned his Associate of Computer Science degree from ITT Tech in 2014 and now applies his expertise in GIS mapping to support environmental projects and decision-making at HEP.

His work in environmental consulting has deepened his knowledge of Florida’s landscapes, from plant communities to the way basins function and connect. Chris enjoys blending technical tools with real-world environmental insight to deliver practical, data-driven solutions.

Outside of work, he is passionate about natural bodybuilding, 3D modeling, character design, and animation in Blender. He also enjoys cooking, hiking, and growing his own food. His curiosity extends to history, ancient and sustainable architecture, and he values practices like grounding, earthing, and meditation to maintain balance and well-being.

Kyle Foster

Ecologist

kfoster@hornerenvironmental.com

Kyle Foster is a Staff Ecologist with Horner Environmental Professionals, specializing in listed species surveys and Phase I site assessments. Originally from Melbourne Village, Florida, Kyle brings two years of experience in the environmental field, backed by a B.S. in Environmental Science and Policy from Florida State University.

Before joining HEP, Kyle worked as an Environmental Coordinator and Laboratory Technician, building a strong foundation in environmental research and field operations. He holds 40-hour HAZWOPER and FDEP SOP groundwater sampling certifications and is a licensed forklift operator. His expertise includes listed species surveys, groundwater and soil sampling, and wetland delineations, with field skills ranging from gopher tortoise monitoring and relocations to contamination remediation and Phase I assessments.

Passionate about protecting Florida’s native ecosystems, Kyle values the opportunity to turn his lifelong love for studying and observing nature into a career. Outside of work, he enjoys hunting, fishing, and just about anything outdoors. Around the office, he’s known for his ever-changing nicknames, a detail that keeps his coworkers on their toes.

Luke Horner

Aquatic Technician

lhorner@hornerenvironmental.com

Lucas Horner is a Spray Technician with four years of experience at Horner Environmental Professionals. A Tampa native, he holds an associate degree in environmental training and brings a well-rounded background before starting his career in the environmental field.

At HEP, Lucas works on spraying nuisance and exotic vegetation, treating ponds, and assisting with gopher tortoise removals, relocations, and trapping. His experience also includes surveying, mitigation planting, and tree removals. He especially enjoys projects where he can watch water systems become healthier through his planting and treatment efforts.

Lucas is passionate about the outdoors and appreciates working in Florida’s diverse landscapes, where he can observe plants and wildlife up close. Outside of work, he enjoys music, swimming at the beach, springs, or pool, and exploring new places to eat. His camera roll is filled with snapshots of bugs, animals, flowers, sunsets, water, and natural scenery, reflecting his love for unique environments.

Jason James

Aquatic Technician

jjames@hornerenvironmental.com

Jason James is an Aquatic Spray Technician with Horner Environmental Professionals, where he helps protect native habitats and maintain healthy ecosystems by treating waterways for nuisance, exotic, and algae growth. Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, Jason brings aquatic and environmental field experience, backed by more than fifteen years in residential and commercial pest control, five years in commodity and logistics fumigation, and eight years in construction and roofing.

Licensed and certified as a pest control operator in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina, Jason specializes in aquatic herbicide application, invasive vegetation control, and shoreline and waterway vegetation management. His skills in plant identification and targeted treatment allow him to keep waterways healthy, safe, and functional for both people and wildlife.

Jason enjoys working outdoors and takes pride in seeing the visible difference his work makes in the environment. Outside of work, he spends time with his wife and three sons camping, hiking, and enjoying the outdoors. Having worked in four states and across multiple industries, Jason has maintained his commitment to protecting people, property, and the environment.