I am the director of quality management at CTEH, LLC. CTEH is an environmental consulting firm with an industry-recognized team of experts who help companies, governments and communities prepare for, respond to and recover from man-made and natural disasters including floods, hurricanes, train derailments, oil spills and plant explosions. We apply state-of-the-art science and technology to resolve complex health, safety, environmental, toxicological and management challenges. Quality management works hand-in-hand with every department to ensure quality practices and processes are executed.
PRESSING QUESTIONS
How I knew this was my passion:
Observing firsthand the level of comfort we provide to affected communities after a disaster. It's a privilege to work alongside people on their worst days. To help them get back to some normalcy makes me proud of what we do.
Best career moment so far:
There have been many, but getting the opportunity to be a part of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill response team was the best. I led air monitoring and sampling operations teams during one of the biggest emergency responses in history.
What makes Little Rock feel like home:
I get to travel all over, but cannot wait to see all the beautiful trees, rolling hills, Razorback license plates (Go Hogs!) and friendly smiles. I love coming home to my little Aussie, Raleigh, greeting me.
Advice for my 18-year-old self:
Stop waiting for permission to take action. I was afraid to make the "right" decision and was a people-pleaser. It takes a lifetime to figure it out. Trust yourself, the Spirit, your intellect. Go, take action, fail, learn and repeat.
The one thing I wish people knew about my field:
When people think “quality,” they think "good". Quality management is the focus on integral business processes to provide consistent, accurate and efficient products or services that exceed client expectations. Quality is a perspective and approach to doing the right thing.
Biggest challenges in my career:
Commuting between Little Rock and Nashville for graduate school and working full-time while traveling was definitely a challenge.
If I could lunch with any woman, it would be:
My Nana, Grandma and Mimi. My Nana passed when I was 10, but I still get to enjoy Grandma's and Mimi's company. They are the most kind, dedicated, servant-hearted, intelligent and beautiful women. They have raised amazing children and I'm thankful for their love.
A nonprofit I wish more people knew about:
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. CF is a genetic disorder that affects the lungs and other organs. The CFF provides holistic support to patients and families and conducts research. Newly approved drugs provide a “daily cure” for many. Get involved or donate at CFF.org/Arkansas.