New Jersey may be a state known for big hair, strip clubs, landfills, and fictional anxiety-ridden mobsters, but it is also known for being one of the most progressive states in the country when it comes to environmental policy. People can say what they want about the Garden State, but when it comes to issues of cleanup and sustainability, it remains above the bureaucratic fray, taking a decidedly proactive approach to all challenges brown and green. So it is little wonder that industry veteran Terri Smith chose to build her career with the state’s Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) before moving to the private sector.

“Over the past few years, NJDEP has actively engaged the community and stakeholders in addressing concerns,” says Smith, who is now a redevelopment coordinator with Environmental Liability Management Inc., an environmental engineering and risk management firm. “This is a good sign of their willingness to work through issues and policies.” Acting as part broker, part strategist, Smith relishes her new position as intermediary between stakeholders, municipalities, and federal and state regulators, as it affords her the opportunity to broaden her horizons and work on projects across the country. Nowhere else would she be able to work in different disciplines and successfully see a project through, she says. ...

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