Madeline Eversoll

I attribute much of my success to my grandfather, who is a geologist and first sparked my interest in the environmental field. Growing up, he encouraged my curiosity about the natural world and gave me an appreciation for nature that ultimately helped shape the direction of my career.

My late father has also had a profound influence on who I am. He was an orthodontist who built a successful practice, but what stands out to me most wasn't simply what he accomplished—it was how he treated people along the way. He was incredibly down to earth and had this natural sense of mirth and humor that made the people he worked with feel like more than just coworkers. He understood that leadership could be personal, warm, and human. I lost him when I was young, but those qualities have stayed with me and have influenced the kind of person and leader I want to be.

As I've gotten older, I've realized that success means more to me than professional accomplishments. It's about using the time and opportunities I've been given to do something meaningful, treating people well along the way, and hopefully leaving things a little better than I found them. My grandfather helped inspire the career I chose, while my father's life and memory have shaped much of the person I want to be within it.

The best career advice I’ve received is that relationships really matter. You can have the right experience and qualifications, but sometimes it’s the connections you make along the way that help open the next door. I’ve learned that building genuine relationships, staying connected with people, and having a good reputation can go a long way in your career. It really is about who you know sometimes, but also making sure people know the kind of work you’re capable of.

My advice would be to not be afraid to be yourself. I know that’s been said many times before, but stay true to who you are and what matters to you. If something doesn’t feel right in your career, don’t be afraid to question it or make a change.

I also think it’s important to find work that gives you a sense of purpose. Not every day is going to be exciting, but your career should challenge you, help you grow, and make you feel like what you’re doing matters. And if you realize you’re no longer in the right place, have the courage to take a different path. Sometimes changing direction is part of figuring out where you’re meant to be.

One of the biggest challenges in the environmental field is navigating the complex regulatory and organizational frameworks that shape how environmental issues are addressed. Throughout my career, I’ve learned that making meaningful progress often requires balancing scientific evidence, regulatory requirements, stakeholder priorities, and practical implementation. While those complexities can be challenging, they also reinforce the importance of strong communication and collaboration across disciplines. At the same time, I see tremendous opportunity in the growing focus on PFAS. Increased regulatory attention, scientific research, and public awareness have created a significant need for environmental professionals who can help translate complex data into meaningful action. Because PFAS contamination is widespread and will require long-term investigation and response, I believe this will remain an important area of environmental work for many years to come.

Integrity is probably one of the most important values to me, both professionally and personally. I also really value servant leadership. To me, being a leader isn’t about working above your team; it’s about working alongside them toward a common goal. A good leader should still be a team player and be willing to listen, support others, and contribute. I also value passion. I want to care about the work I’m doing and feel connected to its purpose. When you’re genuinely interested in what you do and feel like you’re contributing to something meaningful, I think that comes through in the quality of your work and how you show up for the people around you.