Luca De Stefanis
Denver,CO
Summary
Dynamic senior leadership professional dedicated to driving team success and enhancing operational efficiency through the cultivation of positive relationships and trust. Recognized for exceptional facilitation skills in effective collaboration across departments with co-management and top-level leadership to achieve organizational objectives. Over 20 years of experience in environmental compliance law, policy, and science, specializing in project planning and compliance, complemented by expertise in NEPA, ESA, and CWA. Holds dual Master's degrees in Environmental Policy & Management and Natural Resource Management, bringing extensive knowledge from the private sector and compliance experience across all 50 states, the White House, and the European Union.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Environmental Senior Team Lead
Attain X
2022 - Current
- Developed and implemented comprehensive strategies to ensure environmental compliance and regulatory adherence nationwide.
- Directed environmental analysis processes and decision documentation to uphold quality standards and facilitate timely project execution.
- Conducted systematic assessments of NEPA ESA and NHPA Section 106 frameworks to address priority policy concerns effectively.
- Executed thorough audits and inspections focused on evaluating compliance with environmental standards.
- Provided expert advice on regulatory compliance issues to strengthen organizational understanding and ensure industry standard adherence.
- Conducted analysis of regulatory frameworks to ensure compliance and advised on effective remediation strategies.
- Collaborated with staff and customers as subject matter expert, streamlining communication with external agencies to resolve compliance issues and audit findings.
- Implemented strategic quality initiatives focused on reducing overdue compliance tasks and ensuring adherence to regulations.
- Engaged legal counsel to support proactive identification and resolution of non-compliance issues and potential violations.
- Oversaw the strategic preparation for regulatory examinations, focusing on compliance standards and proactive risk mitigation.
Environmental Regional Lead Coordinator,
United States Forest Service
2020 - 2022
- Led compliance initiatives aimed at enhancing environmental stewardship and fostering sustainable practices throughout regional operations.
- Facilitated adherence to federal environmental compliance law and policy to ensure regulatory alignment.
- Orchestrated cross-functional team efforts to synchronize strategies with regulatory standards, resulting in improved project execution efficiency.
- Analyzed operational practices through thorough audits and inspections to promote environmental standard compliance.
- Analyzed project proposals for compliance vulnerabilities and initiated corrective actions to address and reduce potential non-compliance risks.
- Implemented and improved quality assurance measures that significantly raised benchmarks for environmental analyses and decision-making documents.
- Facilitated mentorship for junior staff in environmental policies, reinforcing organizational capacity to manage intricate regulatory challenges.
- Developed and implemented streamlined reporting processes for compliance activities, improving visibility of overdue items across regions.
- Designed performance measurement systems for regional team, ensuring alignment with targets and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
- Directed contract management operations for a portfolio of 300 contracts nationwide, focusing on adherence to established policies and program administration.
- Provided specialized knowledge to enhance resource management practices in terrestrial ecology and recreational activities.
Environmental Protection Specialist
Bonneville Power Administration
2016 - 2020
- Serve as an expert Environmental Protection Specialist responsible for overseeing project coordination compliance with environmental laws, regulations, and procedures.
- Land Acquisition Coordinator NEPA - Serve as the main point of contact for all components of NEPA process between the team and the proponent to complete the project through timely preparation and ensure quality control through accuracy, and consistency of environmental analyses and related decision documents.
- Evaluated and updated standard operating procedures for environmental data collection and reporting processes.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to facilitate public engagement and address community concerns regarding projects.
- Monitored ongoing projects for adherence to environmental standards, promptly addressing any deviations observed.
- Implemented training sessions on regulatory updates and compliance requirements for internal teams, enhancing awareness.
- Reviewed project documentation for clarity and completeness, ensuring alignment with NEPA guidelines throughout phases.
- Conducted detailed site investigations to identify sources of contamination, ultimately leading to successful clean-up efforts.
- Developed risk assessment models to evaluate potential hazards associated with new projects or activities, mitigating potential negative impacts before implementation.
- Conducted routine inspections of facilities and operations to identify areas for improvement in environmental performance, leading to targeted action plans designed to reduce negative impacts on ecosystems and communities.
- Streamlined permit application processes for clients by providing expert advice on necessary documentation and requirements, accelerating project timelines.
- Facilitated cross-functional collaboration between departments to address environmental concerns, fostering a culture of shared responsibility for protection efforts.
- Managed environmental projects from inception to completion, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to budget constraints.
Environmental Planner & Policy Specialist
Institute for Natural Resources
2013 - 2016
- Analyzed and reviewed environmental factors impacting natural resource issues in Oregon, ensuring adherence to NEPA ESA and state legislative requirements.
- Ensured timely preparation of NEPA milestones and the adequacy, accuracy, and consistency of environmental analyses and related decision documents.
- Developed environmental management plans tailored to specific project needs, ensuring compliance with local and federal regulations.
- Reviewed and analyzed environmental data for accuracy, contributing insights to improve project outcomes.
- Collaborated with regulatory agencies to streamline permitting processes, enhancing project efficiency and compliance timelines.
- Conducted stakeholder engagement sessions to gather input on key environmental planning initiatives.
- Facilitated stakeholder meetings for open communication regarding environmental concerns and project goals, fostering collaborative decision-making processes.
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining strict deadlines and quality control standards for deliverables.
Environmental Policy & Climate Advisor
The White House - Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ)
2013 - 2014
- Directed comprehensive climate adaptation and energy initiatives, implementing updated NEPA standards to address challenges and fulfill project objectives.
- Authored two strategic executive presidential orders aimed at improving alignment of agencies and projects in response to climate adaptation challenges.
- Analyzed and synthesized intricate data to produce two presidential executive orders and thorough environmental policy briefs for stakeholder engagement.
- Coordinated interagency discussions to enhance the integration of environmental initiatives within federal compliance frameworks.
- Developed comprehensive training documentation on NEPA and ESA regulations to ensure staff compliance with industry standards.
- Evaluated legislative shifts in environmental regulations, facilitating prompt communication to internal teams for enhanced compliance readiness.
- Analyzed and improved document accuracy and completeness, resulting in enhanced overall clarity.
Climate Policy & Planning Advisor
European Union
2012 - 2013
- Directed efforts to distill complex scientific research into streamlined policy documents, fostering broader audience engagement.
- Led formulation of sustainability strategies and programs in accordance with EU climate change directives.
- Performed comprehensive research and analysis to provide actionable insights on public policy matters to influential stakeholders.
- Orchestrated strategic policy initiatives to enhance climate adaptation and promote sustainability efforts.
- Cultivated relationships with government entities to enhance communication and collaboration strategies.
- Researched and interpreted detailed data to create actionable climate adaptation planning guidance for diverse regions across Italy.
- Facilitated cross-group collaboration through a comprehensive communications campaign, leading to the formulation of a strategic 10-year plan.
Environmental Conservation Planner
Natural Resource Conservation Service
2009 - 2012
- Directed cross-jurisdictional efforts in administering Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) and Conservation Reserve Riparian Program, maintaining strict compliance with conservation regulations.
- Analyzed project drafts to ensure alignment with regulatory requirements for land use and environmental protection across federal, state, and city initiatives.
- Conducted environmental impact assessments to ensure project compliance with federal and state regulations.
- Analyzed land use proposals for potential environmental effects, guaranteeing alignment with NRCS regulations and policies.
- Forged alliances with local organizations to enhance community involvement in conservation initiatives.
- Developed detailed reports outlining project compliance status to identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
- Coordinated efforts with cross-functional teams to ensure goal alignment and enhance project outcomes.
- Streamlined day-to-day project workflows, leveraging available resources to boost overall productivity.
Education
Master of Science - Environmental Policy & Management
Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR2015
Master of Science, MS - Natural Resource Management & Business
Oregon State University
Corvallis, Oregon2014
Bachelor of Science - Biology - Botany
University of Montana
Missoula, MontanaSkills
- Optimistic leadership style
- Effective task delegation
- Team leadership
- Process optimization
- Effective deadline management
- Long-term strategic planning
- Detail-oriented approach
- Dispute resolution
- Effective collaboration
- Effective task prioritization
- Client relationship management
- Improving team engagement
Certification
- U.S. Federal Service Award
- National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
- Certified Environmental Professional (CEP)
- AICP Certified Environmental Planner (AICP CEP)
- Master Planner Certification - Resource Planning (USDA-NRCS)
Civic Leadership
- Board Member, European Union Climate Change Board BLUEAP
- Board Member, Soil & Water Conservation Society
- Board Member, Straub Environmental Learning Center
- Board Member, City of Portland - Sister City
- Advisory Board, Frank Lloyd Wright Sustainable Energy Committee
- Advisory Board, Pacific Northwest Conservation Planning Annual Training Conference
Timeline
Environmental Senior Team Lead
Attain X
2022 - Current
Environmental Regional Lead Coordinator,
United States Forest Service
2020 - 2022
Environmental Protection Specialist
Bonneville Power Administration
2016 - 2020
Environmental Planner & Policy Specialist
Institute for Natural Resources
2013 - 2016
Environmental Policy & Climate Advisor
The White House - Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ)
2013 - 2014
Climate Policy & Planning Advisor
European Union
2012 - 2013
Environmental Conservation Planner
Natural Resource Conservation Service
2009 - 2012
Master of Science - Environmental Policy & Management
Oregon State University
Master of Science, MS - Natural Resource Management & Business
Oregon State University
Bachelor of Science - Biology - Botany
University of Montana