The Basics
How long have you been at City Light? I started in 2008, so 15 years or so.
Division: Environmental Management and Compliance
Tell us about your role. What does your job entail? In a nutshell, my job is focused on preventing pollution. The most challenging and interesting part of my work is related to reviewing materials the utility uses. This ranges from metalworking fluids to electric wire, office products, windows, paint, and flooring materials. Products available for purchase include various chemicals that adversely affect people, wildlife and more. My role is to help the utility avoid potential impacts in the short and long term. Product sustainability is another aspect to consider. Can we avoid products that shed plastics? Can the material truly be recycled or reused? Is it durable? Is the resource in limited supply? I manage half-a-dozen programs, but this role connects me with people and an incredibly varied set of criteria to consider.
Background
Hometown: Rutherford, N.J.
Alma Mater: Rice University
Discipline/Trade of study: Bachelor’s degree in environmental science and engineering/biochemistry
Just for Fun
When you were younger, what was your dream job? In seventh grade, we had to write a report on a job that seemed interesting, and I chose toxicologist. I’m not far off the mark.
What’s one thing that has surprised you about working at City Light? I came from consulting, so when I first took the job, I was concerned that I might be bored working for one organization. But I find the variety of work at City Light fascinating and learn each day. Having such a great group of colleagues I can learn from is helpful.
What would we most likely find you doing on the weekend? Statistically, I would say sleeping (at least I should sleep more than most other activities). On a more interesting note, I enjoy long hikes and love music. Cooking, eating, cross-country skiing, biking, and kayaking would be other likely pursuits.
If you could have one superpower, what would you choose? It would be nice to be able to communicate with animals.
What is your favorite travel memory/experience? I recently took a trip to Colorado and New Mexico with my nephew. I got to introduce him to many new experiences, including a snowshoe hike, backcountry hiking and caving. We managed to spot wild bison, antelope, elk, prairie dogs and even domesticated camels.