Why did you join NAEM?

Dick Pastor, former NAEM Board Member and first Board President, had joined CB&I (formerly Shaw Environmental) and introduced me to NAEM.  He told me the annual Forum was always a great event with good content and programming.  The first event I attended was the Forum in Albuquerque. 

What do you like about your job?

I like that every day is different in my job.  One day, I may be working with a client to evaluate an environmental compliance opportunity they might have, while another I'll be working on internal staff training or a proposal or conducting a site visit. 

Has your environmental program received any awards or recognition? If so, what?

Our CB&I's Austin, TX is one of the Platinum and Founding members of Austin Green Business Leaders.  Austin is where this year's Forum is going to be, so I know we look forward to everyone visiting!

What is your biggest challenge in your current role?

My biggest challenge in my current role is managing time.  There are not enough hours in the day to do all that needs to get done.  I try to delegate what I can and make sure I am communicating deadlines and expectations. 

What career accomplishment are you most proud of?

The career accomplishment that I am most proud of is getting my Professional Engineer's License after being out of school for more than 20 years. 

What advice would you have for someone entering the field today?

The advice that I would give someone entering the field today is to learn as much as you can.  Take the initiative to learn and research on your own.  Volunteer to get experience on whatever you can, field work, sampling, regulatory review, whatever.  Don't turn any opportunity down.

What are the three words your spouse/colleagues/best friends would use to describe you?

Perfectionist, organizer, foodie. 

What aspect to the natural world/environment impresses you the most? Why?

I'm not a Geologist, but when I lived in Arizona and we would drive from Phoenix to Flagstaff to beat the heat, and seeing the dramatic change in the scenery from the desert to the pine trees is breathtaking.