Women on the Move

Deb Peters has been working with brownfields before they were called brownfields. The 22-year veteran and President of Indianapolis-based Quality Environmental Professionals, Inc. (QEPI) is one of the most respected women in Indiana’s environmental industry. But it didn’t come easily, says Peters, a certified geologist in three states. “The first few years it was hard to get accepted by my peers. The last half of my career has been a little easier, but there are still some individuals who believe it’s a man’s job. Thankfully the new generation doesn’t have that same stigma.” Part of that new generation includes her two daughters, who recently joined the QEPI staff. “I’m so proud of them,” says Peters. “The field is so much different from when I started. Now there are opportunities for women [in the brownfield arena] everywhere.” Deb’s passion for brownfields parallels her passion for working with people to make things happen.

When former journalist Laura Coyne invited her mayor to a Goshen, Indiana neighborhood meeting, she didn’t expect to get a new career out of the deal. But after grilling then-Mayor Mike Puro on various issues, he appointed her to the planning commission. After a stint on the Board of Zoning Appeals, Coyne was then appointed to a seat on the city’s redevelopment commission, where she still serves. And when a community relations spot in Elkhart County’s planning relations department opened up, naturally she jumped at the chance to take it. As Community Development Program Manager, she’s in charge of staffing the county’s redevelopment, along with community forums. “[The brownfield industry] is a caldron of chemistry, marketing, economics, architecture, history, and community development, says the University of Notre Dame alum. “The most successful [in the industry] have nerves of steel and respect for all the stakeholders.”

As Cleveland, Ohio’s, first female Director of Economic Development, Tracey Nichols works diligently to bring growth and opportunity to her adopted hometown. After spending nearly 20 years as Assistant Director of Cuyahoga County’s economic development program, Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson handpicked Nichols based on her innovative track record. While working for the county she helped develop a low-interest loan fund for entrepreneurs and assisted in the launch of the county’s Hispanic Business Outreach Team. Nichols is excited about the growing number of women joining the ranks. “Back when I started there weren’t a lot of women around, but now women are becoming more present,” says Nichols. “It’s natural. Women love change and giving back to the community…so I’m very proud of being the first woman in this position, and I appreciate the vote of confidence.”

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