Amy Essig joins DOWL as the Pacific Northwest Environmental Business Lead
Amy is not your average hire. Most recently, she was the CEO of a 100+ employee-owned environmental and engineering firm located on the West Coast. Her rise in the firm was fueled by excellent mentors, hard work, and consistent execution—and now, Amy will bring the same strategic vision and leadership expertise to DOWL.
Amy is a meticulous planner. This has allowed her to achieve many life goals that most of us only aspire to. Working on what was, at the time, the highest-profile environmental cleanup project in Washington state? Check! Building a successful career in environmental science, then going back to business school, and ultimately becoming the CEO of a successful firm? Check! Raising two high-achieving daughters and marrying a man who complements her life in every way? Check!
Moving to DOWL to be the Pacific Northwest environmental business lead out of our Bellevue, Washington office might seem unorthodox, but this choice was made in partnership with DOWL leadership to execute on a strategic vision for environmental services at DOWL. Amy’s connection to DOWL stems from a longstanding relationship with former DOWL CEO Stewart Osgood.
“I met Stewart a few years ago at an industry conference, and we maintained contact, meeting for coffee and sharing stories about how we are handling various challenges,” said Amy. “That led to broader introductions at DOWL, and as I have learned more about the company culture and vision, I realized that this is a team I really wanted to join and contribute to.”
Amy hopes to bring her technical credibility and a growth mindset honed through successful acquisitions and proven business strategies. “Amy is exactly the kind of leader and technical expert the firm needs to expand into new types of environmental services and grow our environmental team in the Pacific Northwest,” said DOWL’s Environmental Market Sector Leader Kristen Hansen.
“Amy is an expert in the field and also brings a strong reputation and wealth of business experience that will be invaluable to the firm,” Kristen said.
But don’t let Amy’s hyper-focused work ethic fool you: Her real superpowers are empathy and caring for others, including those earlier in their careers. “Mentorship is one of the most rewarding parts of the job,” said Amy. “I advocate for everyone, but especially love seeing women grow into leadership roles and take the next big step up.”
Themes of goodness, fairness, and underdogs resonate with Amy and her success is a testament to the idea that good guys—and gals—really can finish first.
“Some of my proudest professional moments aren’t about numbers or wins,” she shared. “I feel the best when a team member demonstrates through professional growth and performance that my personal investment in their progress translated to real results. That’s when I know I’m making a real impact.”
This full-circle career of helping others get ahead bodes well for the future of the firm. Welcome to DOWL, Amy!