A Letter from Katie

January 24, 2024

When I started the GeoLiteracy Project, I knew only one job could bring me back to working for the U.S. government: directing water programs in the southeast. I grew up in this part of the country, swimming, playing, and adventuring in the wetlands, lakes, rivers, and creeks, and these are still some of my favorite pastimes. I was recently invited to return to the EPA as the Region 4 Water Division Director, a career goal for me, and I’ve accepted this offer. The bittersweet impact of this exciting decision is that, as of January 28, 2024, my consulting through GeoLiteracy is discontinued.

I’m extraordinarily proud of the work the GeoLiteracy Project has done. In just a few years, we have worked hand-in-hand on more than two dozen non-profit, for-profit, and academic projects, helping clients get better environmental results. My clients have taught me volumes about their difficult and important work. They’ve been devoted to understanding how they can get more out of the work and dollars they have, and eager to understand their impacts better. 

GeoLiteracy has also planted a flag for environmental program evaluation. We were invited to talk about the techniques that help environmental evaluation at more than a dozen universities and conferences. I’ve spoken individually with countless undergrad and graduate students inspired by the need for environmental evaluation and dedicated to building careers that will carry this flag forward.

“Geoliteracy” is a concept and practice I’ll keep pursuing and pushing for the rest of my career. Understanding how the Earth works helps us to make intentional, thoughtful decisions about how we interact with ecosystems and protect public health. I hope you’ll stay on this journey with me!