Melissa Cary
Anaheim Hills
Summary
Dynamic Senior Project Manager and Strategic Technical leader with over 24 years of comprehensive leadership experience. Expertise includes a deep understanding of Environmental Compliance and Sustainability practices, developed through extensive collaboration with the Department of Defense (DoD) and private sector clients. Successfully managed technical delivery across a diverse portfolio of projects totaling nearly $125 million, demonstrating strong leadership in consulting and strategy development. Recognized for fostering team collaboration and achieving impactful results while navigating evolving challenges through effective project management, stakeholder engagement, and process optimization.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Sustainability and Compliance Practice Lead
Jacobs Engineering
01.2021 - Current
- Oversaw large multi-million dollar programs, ensuring compliance through strategic collaboration with cross-functional teams.
- Formulated comprehensive environmental compliance strategy for multiple DoD facilities, ensuring readiness for integrated compliance initiatives.
- Delivered expert technical support for project delivery, equipping technical staff with essential skills and certifications to enhance client project execution and foster technical advancement.
- Collaborated with talent leadership to establish a more effective organizational framework, facilitating improved career growth opportunities for senior professionals.
- Partnered with talent leadership to optimize team organization, fostering improved career growth and work opportunity alignment.
- Analyzed technical practice gaps and initiated requisition processes to ensure timely fulfillment.
- Facilitated talent selection through extensive interviewing to address technical gaps and support ongoing practice development.
- Contributed to comprehensive proposal efforts aimed at securing contracts with Army, Air Force, Navy, and private sector clients.
- Evaluated win themes and provided targeted feedback to strengthen IDIQ proposal strategies and recompete submissions.
- Spearheaded identification and funding of growth and technical initiatives to enhance compliance service delivery.
- Spearheaded funding initiatives to enhance collateral development for streamlined proposal preparation.
- Facilitated collaboration among diverse teams to drive project outcomes and support organizational goals.
- Developed and implemented process improvements to enhance operational efficiency across multiple projects and teams.
- Mentored junior staff, fostering professional development and promoting best practices within the team.
- Collaborated with new and existing stakeholders to define project scopes, timelines, and deliverables for optimal outcomes.
- Streamlined communication channels between various bushiness units, enhancing collaboration on project opportunities.
- Facilitated knowledge sharing within the team by organizing regular training sessions, creating internal resources, and promoting a collaborative learning environment.
- Reduced staff turnover rates by creating a positive work environment that encouraged professional growth and open communication.
- Mentored team members, providing guidance on best practices, industry trends, and career development opportunities.
- Developed strong relationships with clients by providing personalized attention, understanding their needs, and offering tailored solutions.
- Successfully negotiated client contract renewals to create increased revenue.
- Led cross-functional teams to implement innovative project management strategies.
- Developed and executed operational frameworks for enhanced efficiency across multiple projects.
- Guided junior staff in implementing best practices for client engagement and relationship management.
- Streamlined workflows, resulting in improved project delivery timelines and quality outcomes.
- Contributed to the development of industry best practices by actively participating in professional organizations, attending conferences, and keeping abreast of new research findings.
Program Manager
Jacobs/CH2M
01.2004 - Current
- Assisted in managing the overall compliance program for an Air Force Depot (located in Utah) with on time deliverables and within budget while following all applicable laws and guidelines. Supported initiatives in environmental air quality compliance, hazardous waste management, hazardous materials oversight, and water quality operations including stormwater and industrial wastewater management.
- Assisted in implementing Utah Division of Air Quality air emissions inventory database and State and Local Emission Inventory System. Supported reduction of volatile organic compounds emissions through application of waste factors to annual air emissions inventory. Provided guidance for compliance with revised EPA ozone-depleting substances regulations effective January 1, 2019. Aided in influencing UDAQ state implementation plan rules to adjust policies that protected Hill AFB's mission and growth potential. Contributed to enhancing data integrity by aligning storage tank accounting and reporting processes.
- Oversaw operations of two RCRA Part B permitted treatment, storage, and disposal facilities at Hill AFB and UTTR, maintaining full compliance with environmental regulations and mitigating potential violations. Led strategic development and implementation of a waste consolidation strategy for absorbent materials, generating substantial annual cost savings. Managed successful completion of human health and ecological risk assessments in 2018 and 2022, enabling continued permitted activities at TTU Part B Subpart X..
- Achieved successful completion of environmental assessments for F-35 maintenance campus, delivering projects on time and within budget despite numerous proposed action changes.
- Recognized for assembling a proficient team that excelled in air quality and EPCRA programs, significantly advancing project goals and enhancing stakeholder satisfaction.
- Directed cross-functional teams to execute complex defense programs on time and within budget constraints.
- Formulated and executed strategic plans to optimize program efficiency and effectiveness through out DoD compliance programs.
- Mentored junior team members, promoting professional development and knowledge sharing within the team.
- Managed program risks, proactively addressing potential issues to mitigate impact on program delivery.
- Formulated best practices for program management aimed at enhancing efficiency in operational processes.
- Supervised administrative tasks and program operations, maintaining adherence to established policies and regulations.
- Developed strategic plans, setting clear objectives and achievable milestones for the team.
- Coached team members on professional development opportunities, contributing to improved overall performance.
Education
BS - Environmental Health Science
California State University
San Bernardino, CA01.1999
Skills
- Integrity – Absolute honesty in communication with clients, stakeholders, and colleagues I strive to make the best decisions possible on a daily basis and critically review those decisions to make sure they are ethical and appropriate
- Excellent Communicator – I attempt to be concise, engaging and approachable I work to be truly present and listen to colleagues and client concerns in order develop and communicate the best viable solutions
- Courage – In our profession, courage is a hard skill to master It is daunting to have difficult conversations with colleagues and clients I have had to learn this skill in my various roles From laying off or firing staff to having difficult conversations with clients – courage is one of hardest skills I have had to learn
- Respect – I pride myself with not only showing staff and clients respect in all aspects of my daily work attributes, but I also feel I have earned the respect of my clients and colleagues through my hard work, technical depth and problem solving skills
Affiliations
- Society of Military Engineers
- Air Waste and Management Association
Certification
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- #1964314
Timeline
Sustainability and Compliance Practice Lead
Jacobs Engineering
01.2021 - Current
Program Manager
Jacobs/CH2M
01.2004 - Current
BS - Environmental Health Science
California State University
RELEVANT TECHNICAL EXPERIENCE EXAMPLES
My technical experience includes managing and providing technical direction for the full range of environmental compliance activities, including air quality services – stationary Air Emission Inventories (AEIs), Air Program Information Management System (APIMS) implementation and data management, risk management plan evaluations, greenhouse gas (GHG) emission inventories, CAA regulatory compliance, and permitting. I also manage EPCRA compliance and reporting, hazardous materials support, hazardous waste compliance (RCRA permitting) and support, water quality compliance, NEPA, and EMS services. I have an in-depth knowledge of Department of Defense (DoD) compliance programs and currently supports active installations for the Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps. In addition to my Program and Project Management roles, I serve the Practice Lead for Environmental Compliance and Sustainability. In this role, I am responsible to providing technical guidance on practice related project delivery needs, proposals, ensuring technical staff have the appropriate skillsets, trainings and certifications needed to deliver existing client work and enhance growth and sales.
OTHER
- 27 years industry experience.
- Current National Agency Check Clearance