Over the summer, I celebrated my 40th year as an employee-owner at ESA. Beginning as a junior associate—lo, those many years ago—I’ve been privileged by the professional growth opportunities available at ESA. From adopting new technologies to expanding our service offerings and broadening geographies, such incredible change and evolution have occurred at ESA since I started. Born from doing work that matters, this growth happens in the interest of superior client service, technical excellence, professional growth, and financial success for ESA’s employee-owners.

And yet, so much remains the same—by design: we uphold and nurture our foundational values and build on core strengths. We are still pioneering the use of science-based analyses to inform community planning, natural resource management, resilience adaptation, and decision making, and we have greatly broadened and deepened our areas of technical expertise. We bring value and expertise to navigating the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and Washington’s State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) processes.

We invest in our commitment to our employee-owners’ experience working at ESA and in their professional development, which is why we are so pleased to welcome Ayo Oliver as a Senior Vice President and Senior Human Resources Director. Ayo will help us further develop the strategic people-centered programs that are integral to achieving our business goals and supporting a healthy and forward-looking organization.

This issue of ESA Connects speaks to our ongoing commitment to tracking NEPA updates, special species listings, grant funding for our clients, and scientific monitoring of pivotal habitats and watersheds like the Salton Sea and Florida’s tidal creeks.

Enjoy.

Leslie Moulton-Post
President/CEO

ESA Helps Southern California Agencies Land $500 Million Grant to Decarbonize Goods Movement

The largest grant awarded as part of the EPA's CPRG grant program, INVEST CLEAN is a transformational initiative aimed at overcoming barriers and transitioning the Southern California goods movement corridor to zero-emissions technologies. Learn more »

NEPA MMRP Updates: What Airport Clients Need to Know 

We explore Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Programs (MMRPs) and how airport clients can meet NEPA standards while simplifying their data collection and reporting. Learn more »

Our Projects: Tidal Creeks Water Quality Assessment Framework

Acting as a report card for tidal creek health, this assessment framework is helping to prioritize natural resource management and water quality improvement in over 300 creeks across southwest Florida. Learn more »  

Keeping Up with Protected Species Status Updates

The regulatory landscape for species protection throughout the US is constantly evolving. In order to help clients stay current with the latest regulations, we created the following resource guide. Learn more »

Ayo Oliver Joins as Senior Vice President to Oversee ESA's People and Culture Programs

With her long career in professional services industries, Ayo will help us develop strategic people-centered programs and lead the firm's Human Resources team. Get to know Ayo » 

New Strategic Leadership Promotions in the Southeast

Julie Sullivan, Doug Skurski, and Chris Warn are stepping into key roles to drive our business development and environmental expertise forward. See their new roles » 

ESA Opens New Office in Santa Barbara

We’re expanding our efforts across Central California and are looking forward to connecting with you in our new space in Santa Barbara, California! Take a look » 

Congratulations New Officers!

Please join us in congratulating six outstanding individuals on their new appointments as Vice Presidents and Senior Vice Presidents. Meet Our Newest Officers » 

Jorgen Blomberg Appointed to Lead Environmental Hydrology and Design Group

With his depth of experience and strategic leadership, Jorgen will help drive innovative and sustainable project solutions from coast-to-coast. Learn more about Jorgen » 

Meet the Recipients of our 2024 Scholarship Program

We're proud to partner with Out to Innovate—an organization committed to providing education, advocacy, mentorship, and professional development for LGBTQ+ individuals interested in STEM. Meet the recipients »

Catch Us at These Conferences

APA California Conference, Riverside, CA, September 28 - October 1

Bay-Delta Science Conference, Sacramento, CA, September 30 - October 2

RAE Coastal & Estuarine Summit, Washington DC, October 6 - 10