For over 30 years, I have worked for municipal and federal government as a professional environmentalist. My duties have been varied and my experiences broad. I graduated from Grambling State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Biology and began my career with the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service working on conservation planning projects under the Endangered Species Act. My role in the endangered species program was significant and rewarding because I was responsible for ensuring regulatory compliance on local, regional, and national levels.
In 2002, I began working for the City of Carlsbad (City) as a key contributor in the implementation of the Municipal Storm Water Permit (Municipal Permit) requirements for the industrial, commercial, municipal, residential, and outreach components. The first Municipal Permit was issued in 2001, and I have been involved in the development of various City storm water compliance programs since their inception. Initially, my primary duties included conducting industrial, commercial, and municipal inspections to identify potential pollution sources and compliance issues, recommending best management practices, drafting and finalizing reports and correspondences, responding to complaints of illegal discharges, and enforcing storm water regulations. In addition, I coordinated public presentations and workshops, designed fact sheets and brochures, and participated in community outreach efforts. I also received numerous awards, letters of appreciation, and countless accolades from those at the highest levels of public service.
I graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Master’s in Public Administration from San Diego State University in 2007. The primary focus of my graduate work was Public Policy and Environmental Sustainability in Urban Government. While pursuing this degree, I received awards and recognition for my scholastic achievements from the American Public Works Association, Women’s Environmental Council, Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation, John Fowler Public Administration Committee, and the San Diego County Board of Supervisors. In addition, I was named SDSU Graduate Student of the Year for 2007.
Since 2008, I have served as the Senior Construction Inspector and subject matter expert for the City’s Construction Management and Inspection Division, responsible for ensuring compliance with the ever-increasing requirements of the Municipal Storm Water Permit, State Construction General Permit, Carlsbad Municipal Code, and other related environmental regulations. I manage a comprehensive storm water compliance program which consists of administrative, technical, and field related oversight of inspections, post-construction BMP compliance, staff training and certification, public outreach and education, spill response, complaint investigation, supervision of inspection staff, and the preparation of technical reports, escalated enforcement actions, and other related documentation.
I also serve as the City’s primary training program coordinator/developer for storm water compliance. These training programs promote an understanding of water quality issues, BMP strategies, encourage employee awareness, and integrate employee feedback into permit compliance. As the City’s subject matter expert, I provide guidance, conduct presentations, and develop training programs for City staff and consultants responsible for implementing NPDES requirements. Every year I instruct over 200 employees on a variety of NPDES topics.
In 2014, I successfully completed the requirements for the Certified Professional in Storm Water Quality certification, in 2015 I completed the required training and exam for my QSD/QSP designation, in 2019 I was certified as a MS4 Compliance and Code Enforcement Certified Inspector by the NPDES Institute, and also in 2019 I became distinguished among my peers as a Construction General Permit Trainer of Record (CGP ToR) by the California Stormwater Quality Association. Currently, there are only 119 storm water professionals in the State of California that have obtained the highly esteemed CGP ToR certification.
My innovative approach, adaptive response, and knowledge of environmental issues related to public policy, storm water, erosion control, compliance, and outreach and education has helped me deliver quantifiable results. I pride myself in combining proven storm water compliance methods with knowledge-based approaches to consistently deliver reliable pollution prevention strategies. I understand that projects, developers, and regulatory requirements can vary, therefore I tailor my approach to environmental compliance accordingly.