Ann Rosecrance
Ann Rosecrance has dedicated more than 45 years to the environmental and scientific fields, building a distinguished career grounded in chemistry, environmental analysis, quality assurance, and laboratory management. After graduating with honors in chemistry from UC San Diego in 1978, she entered the environmental industry at a time when the field was still emerging. Inspired by a high school chemistry teacher who transitioned from industry into education, Ann developed an early passion for science and a desire to make a meaningful difference through environmental work. She began her career operating mass spectrometers in an environmental testing laboratory and quickly demonstrated exceptional leadership abilities, managing a million-dollar EPA contract by the age of 21. At a time when few women held leadership roles in science and management, Ann advanced rapidly through the industry, earning recognition for both her technical expertise and natural management skills. Throughout her career, Ann became widely respected for her work in environmental testing, laboratory quality assurance, and ethics compliance. She served as Corporate Quality Assurance Director overseeing operations for 45 laboratories and later worked as an ethics officer for a company of more than 4,000 employees. Her expertise spans environmental analysis, data validation, QA/QC programs, sustainable remediation practices, greenhouse gas verification, climate change education, water quality, watershed management, and environmental health and safety. A prolific author and speaker, Ann has contributed more than 250 technical publications, conference presentations, and professional papers focused on environmental science, laboratory ethics, analytical methods, and sustainability. She was also among the first professionals in her field to openly address ethics issues within environmental laboratories, advocating for integrity and accountability in scientific testing during a time when unethical practices often went unchallenged. Now retired from full-time industry work, Ann remains deeply active in environmental education, nonprofit leadership, and community outreach in Smithville, Texas. She currently serves as a board member and Development Officer for Keep Smithville Beautiful, where she helps lead sustainability initiatives, environmental education programs, and community engagement efforts. She also volunteers as a science educator with local school programs, encouraging children to explore careers in science and environmental protection. Outside of her professional and volunteer work, Ann loves spending time with her children and grandchildren, walking her dog through nearby state parks, attending community and online fitness classes, and staying active. A former ballet dancer for two decades, she continues to enjoy art, music, theater, and lifelong learning while remaining passionate about inspiring the next generation of scientists and environmental leaders.
• Greenhouse Gas Verification
• ISO 9001 Lead Auditor
• UC San Diego
Bachelors, Chemistry with honors
• California State University, Northridge
Masters in Public Administration program
• Ventura College
GIS Certificate in progress, Geographic Information Systems and Cartography
• California State University Channel Islands
Education
• 2001 Individual Recipient Quality Award for Ethics and Quality Contributions in the Environmental Field from the American Society for Quality
• Environmental Division
• American Society for Quality
• Keep Smithville Beautiful
• Keep Texas Beautiful
• Keep America Beautiful
• American Chemical Society
• Board Member and Development Officer for Keep Smithville Beautiful
• ACE Program (After School Centers on Education) volunteer at local elementary school providing science and environmental education
• American Chemical Society volunteer for STEM presentations to kids
• United Nations volunteer (as teenager)
• Red Cross volunteer (as teenager)
What do you attribute your success to?
I'm passionate about what I do. I don't let others hold me back - I try new things and don't allow stereotypes or traditions to prevent me from doing things that I think are important. I challenged traditional careers and roles for women and didn't let gender affect my performance and success as a scientist and leader. I come from a long line of educators and family members who value lifelong learning and encouraged me to pursue my dreams. They supported my career successes as well as mistakes that I made along the way. They admire what I am now doing in my community to improve environmental education and engagement, protect ecosystems and natural resources, and teach and empower young people to become environmental stewards and our future leaders.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Always check your sources of information and make sure your communication is strong. So many scientists are not taught to communicate, but verbal and written communication is as important as scientific knowledge. Especially as scientists, we need to communicate scientific information to the public, both in words and in speech. Now as a mentor, I encourage young people to practice writing and public speaking so that they can learn how to communicate effectively and hopefully have success in life.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Always prioritize your health and exercise, because you only have one body and one life, and you have to take care of it while also striving for excellence in your career. Make time for exercise, and whenever possible, take a walk outside in nature. Figure out what you're passionate about and research about it, write about it, speak about it, and collaborate with others. You can turn it into a career direction if you focus properly. Learn everything you need to know to be successful in your chosen industry and discipline. Follow and model what others do to be successful. Network and connect with others often and wherever possible - in your personal life, your community, your organization, and on professional social networks like LinkedIn. Enhance your skills and knowledge through online webinars and training courses, and in-person meetings and conferences. Stay curious - curiosity keeps me going because it gives me something more to learn every day.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I believe that AI is the biggest opportunity in all fields right now. I use AI daily for research, brainstorming and creating visual information. It's helpful but you must verify AI content for technical accuracy and proofread for correct grammar. My biggest challenge as a non-profit leader is not having the resources that I had when I worked in the corporate world. I have to do things now that other people used to do for me, so it challenges my skills and gives me the opportunity to learn more and grow.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Kindness and compassion for yourself, others and your family and community are critical. Lead from your heart. Integrity and honesty are important in my work and personal life. Being dependable and following through on commitments is important. Giving recognition to others is easy, doesn't cost anything and it is so valuable to those you recognize.