Steve Woodard
Nominated for: 30 Over 30 Award
Title: Chief Innovation Officer
Company: Montrose Environmental Group
Years in Profession: 30+
Nominator: Margaret Dunbar, VP, Marketing, Montrose Environmental Group, colleague of Steve.
Tell us why this person deserves recognition for making a difference in the practice of EHS & Sustainability management. (500 words max.)*
I am nominating Dr. Steve Woodard, Ph.D., PE, for his exceptional contributions and significant impact in advancing the practice of EHS&S management through his tireless efforts in creating and deploying sustainable, global PFAS solutions. Dr. Woodard is an award-winning professional engineer and internationally recognized PFAS treatment expert with over 30 years of postdoctoral experience, including nearly a decade of practical experience developing, patenting, designing, and applying PFAS-impacted water treatment approaches.
As the co-founder and Chief Innovation Officer of Emerging Compounds Treatment Technologies (ECT2), a Montrose Environmental Group company, Dr. Woodard has played a crucial role in steering the company to become a pioneer in the industry of PFAS remediation. Under his leadership, ECT2 has grown to be a reliable and visionary developer of sustainable technology for removing and destroying difficult-to-treat contaminants. Dr. Woodard's extensive research, innovative solutions, and project leadership in PFAS management have contributed to the successful treatment of more than 3 billion gallons of contaminated water and the destruction of PFAS compounds in various media at over 350 sites worldwide.
In research and development, Dr. Woodard offers over 15 years of experience and more than 30 patents for technology systems and methods used to treat PFAS and other harmful contaminants. Among these patented treatments is regenerable ion exchange resin which removes harmful PFAS contamination with up to 99% less waste generation, making it one of the most sustainable PFAS technology systems on the market. This technology is currently being deployed to construct the three largest and most sophisticated PFAS removal systems in the world. His other innovations include patents for various ballasted activated sludge, vapor treatment, and carbon capture treatment technologies, showcasing his depth of knowledge in treating a variety of contaminants.
Dr. Woodard has earned more than 20 awards for his technological and industry contributions. He has served as technical lead for over 200 ECT2 projects and has presented the successful, full-scale application of his inventions at a wide variety of expert panels and international conferences. Dr. Woodard’s knowledge of contaminants and their treatment has made him an influential collaborator with government agencies, academia, and industry stakeholders. These partnerships have created and commercialized technologies including PFAS sensing, onsite PFAS destruction, and the conversion of various wastes into renewable energy. Dr. Woodard is at the forefront of solving daunting problems posed by emerging contaminants and global environmental challenges.
In recognition of his groundbreaking work in PFAS solutions and his outstanding contributions to advancing the practice of EHS and Sustainability management, I wholeheartedly nominate Dr. Steve Woodard.
Describe a situation or initiative where the nominee was directly responsible for a significant achievement and/or advancement in the practice of EHS & Sustainability management. Include metrics and KPIs if available. (500 words max.)*
A prominent example of Dr. Woodard moving the needle of PFAS technology development is in carbon capture technology, a process that captures carbon emissions found in common industrial technology like electrical generating units, fertilizer and cement plants, and glass and steel manufacturing systems. Existing carbon capture methods often employ toxic-based solvents and require significant energy for the stripping, compression, and refrigeration of the captured CO2 into geological formations. This process produces more waste and energy, including high parasitic loads. Dr. Woodard, leading ECT2’s research and development team, broke ground with the invention of a highly efficient method of carbon capture. The new method uses a water-based solvent, avoiding toxic amines and mass transfer challenges. In addition to reducing waste and requiring low energy input due to the low parasitic load, ECT2’s unique technology converts the captured carbon into products useful for companies across multiple industries.
This technology is being piloted by a glass manufacturer to tackle CO2 emissions issues. In this ongoing study, the carbon capture technology has demonstrated over 99.9% removal of CO2 and has converted the sequestered carbon output into soda ash, a main ingredient in the glass-manufacturing process for this confidential client. This technology could revolutionize carbon capture, providing a low-waste, sustainable, and cost-effective solution for clients and helping drive ECT2 to support companies across the globe decrease their CO2 output.
This example of carbon capture is one of the many ways that Dr. Steve Woodard is committed to providing the most effective and sustainable solutions for clients across industries, showcasing his proven leadership in tackling pressing environmental challenges for global stakeholders. Dr. Woodard continues to push the envelope on the possibilities of technology within the sustainable solutions field and leads his teams to success through the combination of his technical expertise and drive for maximum impact.
In your opinion, what are the predominant skills and attributes that directly contribute to the nominee’s effectiveness and success? (500 words max.)*
One of Dr. Woodard’s most predominant skills is his near decade of experience in the field of emerging contaminants. ECT2 was one of the first companies in the PFAS remediation industry, pioneering cutting-edge technologies that have removed and destroyed chemicals and other potentially toxic and dangerous contaminants since 2015. This expertise and continuous passion to find the most effective, innovative, and sustainable solutions to some of the world’s most difficult-to-treat contaminants position Dr. Woodard as a successful expert in the field of Sustainability management and EHS.
Another of Dr. Woodard's strengths is his relentless pursuit of innovation. Not content with existing solutions, he continuously seeks to push the boundaries of possibility in water and vapor treatment. He has worked on over 500 global projects with ECT2, and for many of them, he has driven sustainable PFAS treatment forward with his inventions. For example, Dr. Woodard helped design and implement ECT2’s SORBIX RePURE regenerable resin technology, the world’s first regenerable resin system for PFAS removal. As of last year, this first full-scale installation alone has treated more than 75 million gallons of groundwater and reduced PFAS compounds to non-detect. Additionally, because the resin in this system is regenerated in place and the regenerate solution is reclaimed and reused, less than one gallon of waste is produced per million gallons of water treated, making this system one of the most sustainable and cost-effective PFAS treatment technologies in use. Dr. Woodard’s continuous leadership in piloting and producing full-scale systems demonstrates his drive to be at the forefront of sustainable technological advancements and opportunities to reduce waste at every step of contaminant treatment. Dr. Woodard never rules anything out at first glance, and this unwavering determination fuels his motivation and resilience, allowing him to work on over 500 global projects with ECT2.
Finally, Dr. Woodard is a strong communicator. He can distill complex scientific concepts and challenges for different audiences, including scientific, engineering, and regulatory communities as well as the general public. He has authored chapters in textbooks and multiple journal articles and presented at many conferences throughout his extensive career, including the AEHS Foundation, the American Water Works Association, and the Water Environment Federation. Dr. Woodard collaborates with other inventors to tackle challenging environmental problems and tailors his support for each client’s specific needs. Dr. Woodard's strongest skills contributing to his success include his technical expertise, his drive for knowledge and innovation, and his dedication to communication. Dr. Woodard's impact is not only measured by his professional accomplishments but also by the positive influence he has on the EHS&S industry and his commitment to creating a more sustainable world for all.
Share the ways this nominee has positively influenced you, both personally and professionally. You may also include reflections and quotes from others including executives, direct reports, colleagues, suppliers, and clients. (500 words max.)*
Dr. Woodard is an admired and respected leader at ECT2, and he has had a profound positive influence on myself, our marketing team, and colleagues and clients alike. One quality that influences our team is his ability to break down complex problems and communicate effectively across diverse groups, drawing out individual strengths in the process. As my colleague Dave Kempisty aptly describes him, Dr. Woodard is an "even-keeled" professional who can effortlessly navigate conversations ranging from deep scientific discussions to welcoming banter. No matter the scale of the meeting, Dr. Woodard makes a point of seeking different perspectives and encouraging individual expression without putting people on the spot, which has been instrumental in fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment at ECT2 and Montrose. My colleague Scott Churbock had this to say about Dr. Woodard’s leadership qualities: “He is a very kind person who tries to lift everyone around him up to a higher level. In spite of all of his amazing talent, intelligence, and success, he is a very humble man who has a wicked sense of humor. It’s his approachability and humor that puts others at ease and helps everyone perform at a higher level.”
His empathetic and kind leadership style has earned him the admiration of his colleagues, who appreciate his ability to remain approachable and prioritize meaningful interactions with everyone despite his busy schedule.
Many have noted that Dr. Woodard is unique in this field for his focus and drive for the most effective solutions. While profitability is certainly important, Dr. Woodard's focus lies in achieving mutually beneficial outcomes. He emphasizes the importance of reaching solutions that satisfy all parties, showcasing his commitment to fostering sustainable business deals and influencing executive buy-in. This refreshing perspective inspires me and my colleagues to approach challenges with a broader mindset. Dr. Woodard possesses a high degree of technical integrity, always making decisions based on sound reasoning and data analysis, but he never shies away from new ideas. His open mindset and curiosity allow him to explore complex solutions from different angles, even in high-stress situations. He has successfully led us in treating industrial waste challenges that others have struggled with, demonstrating his exceptional leadership skills and inspiring confidence and personal growth in each of us.
My colleague Erika Houtz had this to say about Dr. Woodard: “It's an honor to work with Steve, and I specifically joined ECT2 because I had a high level of admiration for him and what he has accomplished in his career.” This is a sentiment that many of us share at ECT2 and Montrose as a whole. Dr. Woodard exemplifies the qualities of not just a great scientist, but a great person, and his strong leadership over the years has shaped many professional journeys. He is truly a guiding light in our organization, and a role model for many.
Provide one or more examples of nominee’s commitment to environmental stewardship within their organization and/or the community. (500 words max.)*
Dr. Woodard is invested in the environment both professionally and personally. I have already mentioned many professional accolades in the field of sustainable remediation technologies such as carbon capture and regenerable resin. He is constantly inventing new technologies and improving patents to ensure his technologies are as environmentally efficient as possible. Another example that demonstrates Dr. Woodard’s commitment to building a cleaner world is his work on the Katherine Water Treatment Plant in the Northern Territory of Australia. PFAS had contaminated the groundwater at the plant from aqueous film forming foam (AAAF) used at a nearby Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal. The groundwater contamination impacted a drinking water supply that services over 10,000 nearby residents. Under Dr. Woodard’s leadership, a tailored PFAS treatment system utilizing the latest technology was designed to treat 10 megaliters of water per day, successfully remediating over 1.2 billion litres of water so far. This technology was awarded Best Remedial Project by the Australasian Land & Groundwater Association and continues to provide clean, safe water to thousands. This is one of the many ways that Dr. Woodard has prioritized community, health and safety through his inventions.
Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Woodard has an abiding passion for the outdoors. His involvement in triathlons, cross-country skiing, hunting, paddling, fishing, and other outdoor activities demonstrates his well-rounded appreciation for the environment. This deep connection with nature enhances his perspective on sustainable practices and his motivation to understand client challenges.
Dr. Steve Woodard's commitment to environmental stewardship is exemplified through his actions within his organization and the community. He has actively championed sustainable practices at ECT2, leading projects that address complex environmental challenges and promoting the use of innovative technologies. His involvement and personal dedication to outdoor activities highlight his deep connection with nature and his commitment to preserving it. He is a tireless champion of sustainable technologies and is fearless in the face of daunting environmental challenges.
To end this nomination, I would like to share a Ralph Waldo Emerson quote that my colleague Scott Churbock cited when sharing Dr. Woodard's impact at ECT2 and Montrose. This statement perfectly captures Dr. Woodard’s commitment to environmental stewardship: “To laugh often and much: To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children, to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others, to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you lived. This is to have succeeded.”