Environmental Compliance: Going The Extra Mile

Welcome to Encamp’s “Day in the Life ” blog series, where we interview one of our Happy Encampers and give you a sneak peek into their life, career, and passion for environmental compliance. 

This week, we’re introducing you to Megan Walters, CHMM, our VP of Compliance and Customer Success. Megan’s 10 years of experience in Environmental Science and her dedication for customer success is the epitome of our core value of being customer-obsessed.

Hi, Megan! What does a typical day look like for you?

At Encamp, no day is ever the same, which is one of the things I love about it. It’s a variety of things depending on the time of year (aka reporting season vs. non-reporting season). I could be assisting sales in quoting professional services, reviewing product design updates or questions, providing regulatory expertise to a customer or an Encamper, or assisting with a customer project or call. I may also be interviewing for roles on my team or others. And in between meetings and interviews, I’ll work on long-term, strategic planning with the Encamp leadership team. 

In a few sentences, can you tell us a little about yourself and your experience as an Environmental Scientist prior to Encamp?

I graduated from Purdue with a degree in Natural Resources & Environmental Science. I specialized in Historic Preservation and thought I would go into helping communities reuse old buildings but keep their historic charm and footprint. Realizing I needed a higher degree to move into historic preservation, I decided to go into the workforce and see what I could do with my current degree. Out of school, my first job was with Heritage Environmental as a customer service representative who helped customers dispose of their hazardous waste. From there, I went to their sister company, Micronutrients, as an Environmental Manager. I learned a lot from that position and company, and I can absolutely empathize with our customer base because of it. From there, I went into consulting where I led a team of five people who supported a major Class I railroad with their waste program. 

What’s your favorite personal customer-obsessed story?

There are so many to choose from, but I assisted one of our smaller customers last year with regulator correspondence regarding Tier II reporting. He was newer in his position and wasn’t sure how to complete the questionnaire from the state. I walked him through it, provided the data, and explained why they requested it.

“It brings me a lot of joy to help customers understand some of these really complex regulations and ensure they know how to keep their facility or company in compliance with those regulations and Tier II reporting.”

What do you enjoy most about working at Encamp?

The people, for sure. We have so much talent at Encamp. Working with bright, energetic people is so refreshing and it really pushes me to bring my best self to work each day. 

What’s the most innovative thing you’re seeing in how EHS managers are using technology today?

Other than Encamp? 😉 I think the new wave of smart wearables is really interesting. I’ve worked in dangerous environments where a leak of sulfur dioxide or anhydrous ammonia could lead to very serious problems. When facility personnel wear these new devices, they can be alerted to dangerous situations sooner so they can evacuate or mitigate the situation without people getting hurt. 

What excites you the most about the future of Environmental Compliance software?

I think I’m most excited about the opportunities that environmental compliance software can bring to this space when I think about the future of environmental compliance. Streamlined processes, digitization, and real-time, validated data means safer workplaces, less pollution, and improved sustainability practices. 

If you could give one piece of advice for women and men who are currently considering entering the field of Environmental Science, what would it be? 

Dive in, whether you’re someone who is analytical and wants to spend their time in the lab, or if you’d rather get your hands dirty and go into the field, there’s a place for you in the environmental science space. Explore the different areas to find what you’re passionate about, because there are endless possibilities when it comes to this space. And because it’s “newer,” there are so many opportunities to carve your own way. I never would have thought I would be leading a team at a company that marries environmental compliance and technology! 

We’re all about the journey, as well as the destination

The Encamp solution was created by environmental professionals for environmental professionals — those who have walked in your shoes and understand the complexities you encounter in environmental compliance. What makes Megan and the whole Compliance and Customer Success team so effective and successful in their roles are not just their rich background in environmental science, but more importantly, their empathy to put themselves in the customer’s shoes and provide support and solutions to help them reach their goals.  

Transforming the way enterprises stay in compliance 

Encamp is on a mission to create a world where good for business can equal good for the environment. We help enterprises transform compliance programs and human processes into a technology-driven system that lays the foundation for accurate and ongoing environmental compliance through a blended method of intelligent high-tech solutions and high-touch expert support.