Her Story
About Megan
Megan Ray is an accomplished environmental consulting executive with more than two decades of experience serving the oil and gas industry. As Associate Vice President of West Remediation at AECOM, she leads business development and client management initiatives while overseeing a team of "seller-doers" who combine technical project execution with strategic relationship building. Her expertise spans environmental remediation, program and project management, business transformation, sustainability, and technology implementation, enabling organizations to address complex environmental challenges through practical, innovative solutions. A dedicated industry advocate, she also serves as a board member of the Houston GPA Midstream (HGPA), where she actively supports professional development and scholarship initiatives.
Ray's career began in 2005 and reflects a philosophy of embracing opportunities beyond a traditional career ladder. She has held progressively senior leadership positions across leading environmental consulting firms, including GHD, Altamira, Ninyo & Moore, and now AECOM. Throughout her career, she has managed multimillion-dollar environmental programs, led large client portfolios across the United States and Canada, and partnered with organizations to develop remediation strategies, regulatory compliance programs, and sustainable business solutions. Her ability to combine technical expertise with strategic business growth has earned her a reputation for strengthening client partnerships, expanding service offerings, and delivering measurable results in highly regulated industries.
Committed to continuous learning, Ray earned a degree in education before returning to school to complete a Bachelor of Applied Science in Environmental Science while working full time. She credits much of her professional growth to leaders who invested in her potential and to building authentic relationships rooted in integrity, service, and shared values. Beyond her technical accomplishments, she is a passionate advocate for mentorship, leadership development, and work-life integration, frequently encouraging professionals to pursue growth opportunities, cultivate meaningful connections, and lead with authenticity. Her people-first approach continues to shape both her leadership style and her lasting impact on the environmental consulting industry.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Megan
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the strong leaders and mentors who believed in my potential, encouraged my growth, and gave me opportunities to take on new challenges. They saw my assertiveness as a strength and trusted me with greater responsibility, which helped me build confidence and experience. Just as importantly, I have learned to surround myself with people who share my values and goals, focusing on character and integrity rather than titles, because those relationships have had the greatest impact on my personal and professional growth.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received is to stay open to opportunities I may not have initially considered. Some of the most rewarding experiences come from stepping outside of my comfort zone and challenging traditional career expectations. That mindset has taught me to embrace unexpected possibilities, continue learning, and recognize that growth often happens when I'm willing to explore new paths.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to work hard, stay persistent, and never let rejection determine your direction. No one else gets to decide whether you deserve a seat at the table—you do. Keep showing up, continue learning, and don't be afraid to pursue opportunities that others may not expect you to achieve. Confidence, resilience, and a willingness to grow will open doors throughout your career.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest opportunities in my field is helping organizations and individuals navigate rapid change and continuous innovation with confidence. As industries evolve, success depends on adaptability, a willingness to embrace new ideas, and a commitment to continuous learning. I believe every challenge presents an opportunity for growth, and those who remain open, resilient, and forward-thinking will be best positioned to thrive.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that matter most to me in both my work and personal life are integrity, authenticity, curiosity, and service. I believe trust is the foundation of every meaningful relationship, and while technical expertise is important, it is honesty, consistency, and genuine character that create lasting partnerships. I strive to approach every opportunity with a mindset of continuous learning, a commitment to serving others, and the authenticity to build relationships that stand the test of time.
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