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Heather Page
Northwest Regional Lead at Anchor QEA
Professional Background
Heather Page is recognized as a prominent leader in the field of environmental planning, particularly as it pertains to compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and State-level environmental policies in the United States. With a career anchored at Anchor QEA, Heather has built a robust practice that encompasses a variety of infrastructure projects ranging from minor undertakings to major developments. Her extensive experience includes not only navigating the complexity of environmental permitting but also leading multi-disciplinary teams to foster effective flood management strategies that integrate community needs with ecological restoration.
In her current role, Heather manages the technical studies and environmental review documentation for the Chehalis Basin Strategy. This significant undertaking aims to develop and implement strategies for flood damage reduction and aquatic habitat restoration across three counties in a 2,400-square-mile area. By prioritizing early engagement with communities, tribal authorities, and key stakeholders, Heather ensures that the projects align with the local values and objectives, which is fundamental to the long-term success of environmental initiatives.
Education and Achievements
Heather’s educational background is as impressive as her professional journey. She holds a Professional Certificate in Environmental Law and Regulation from the prestigious University of Washington, highlighting her commitment to understanding the legal frameworks that govern environmental policy. Additionally, Heather pursued further professional development through the Women on Boards Executive Education program at Smith College, enhancing her leadership capabilities and expertise in governance.
Graduating Magna Cum Laude, she earned her Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature with a concentration in Creative Writing from the University of Washington. This rigorous liberal arts education has equipped her with exceptional communication skills, which she applies in her environmental planning work, ensuring that technical documents are both accessible and impactful.
Notable Contributions and Leadership Roles
Throughout her career, Heather has occupied several key leadership roles at Anchor QEA. As a Principal Environmental Planner and Shareholder, she leads initiatives that significantly influence Washington State’s environmental landscape. Her past positions reflect a legacy of mentorship and knowledge sharing, as seen in her role as an Advisory Board Member for the University of Washington’s Center for Urban Waters, where she contributed her expertise to support urban water resource strategies.
Heather's leadership extended beyond her primary employment as she was actively involved as a Faculty Member at Law Seminars International, where she taught both SEPA (State Environmental Policy Act) and NEPA principles. These roles underscore her dedication to educating the next generation of environmental planners and legal professionals about the intricacies of regulatory frameworks.
Heather also took on the role of Water Resources Program Lead, where she spearheaded multi-faceted programs aimed at improving water resource management across various sectors. With her commitment to excellence in project management and team leadership, she has ensured that her projects remain both environmentally and socially responsible.
Her early career as an Environmental Planner and Technical Editor at Anchor QEA paved the way for her to hone her analytical and writing skills, ensuring that she can produce high-quality environmental review documents that can withstand regulatory scrutiny while serving the communities involved.
Passion for Community Engagement
Heather Page’s work is deeply rooted in community engagement. Recognizing that successful environmental planning is not just a technical exercise, she prioritizes early stakeholder involvement as a critical component of her project approach. By fostering dialogue among community members, tribal representatives, and various stakeholders, Heather ensures that project goals reflect the interests and values of those most impacted. This participatory approach not only enhances project outcomes but also builds trust and transparency, which are vital in the field of environmental planning.
Conclusion
In summary, Heather Page stands out as a dedicated and influential environmental planner whose work has significantly advanced the field of environmental compliance and community-integrated flood management strategies. With a proven track record at Anchor QEA and a rich background in both education and community engagement, she is well-prepared to continue making impactful contributions to environmental policies and practices. Her commitment to aligning project goals with community values will undoubtedly lead to sustainable and resilient infrastructure solutions in Washington State and beyond.