People Spotlight: Meet Carrie Henderson
Our People Spotlight series gives you an inside look at our technical experts around the world. This week, we are highlighting a leader from our Environment business who will share insight into her career journey and industry aspirations.
Carrie Henderson is a vice president based in Arlington, Virginia, where she serves as our East Region Environmental Health and Safety + Air (EHS+Air) Sales Director and Program Manager. As of October 2025, she is also the East Region Environment Federal Market Sector Lead. For over 25 years, she has combined her passion for science and policy with hands-on problem solving to help federal clients meet environmental goals. Known for her collaborative approach and clear communication, Carrie guides programs that facilitate compliance, protect people and strengthen communities.
What inspired you to join the industry?
My fascination with environmental science started young, sparked by Saturday mornings spent watching an environment-themed TV show called “Captain Planet” and a high school recycling project that led me to the National 4-H Congress.
As a chemistry major and one of the first environmental studies minors at Wake Forest University, I was fascinated with how science drives environmental policy and compliance. I realized environmental consulting would allow me to help a range of organizations reduce emissions and meet their environmental responsibilities.
This discovery led to my 25-year journey supporting clients across the U.S. on everything from regulatory compliance to sustainability planning. Throughout that time, my motivation has remained the same: to facilitate science and policy working together to protect people and places.
As a chemistry major and one of the first environmental studies minors at Wake Forest University, I was fascinated with how science drives environmental policy and compliance. This discovery led to my 25-year journey supporting clients across the U.S. on everything from regulatory compliance to sustainability planning.
What is your favorite AECOM project that you’ve worked on and why?
One of the most rewarding projects was developing the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) PFAS management program, which regulates a group of persistent chemicals found in firefighting foams and industrial products. Over three years, our team built the program from the ground up to help the agency address one of today’s most pressing environmental challenges.
We analyzed regulatory actions across all 50 states, developed policies that standardize PFAS management enterprise-wide and created an environmental management information system (EMIS) to collect and report data. We also designed and delivered training to help hundreds of environmental professionals across the agency use the system effectively.
The program we built helps DHS protect people and the environment while setting a foundation for continuous improvement. Helping clients protect communities and the environment is the kind of impact that makes this career so fulfilling.
The program we built helps DHS protect people and the environment while setting a foundation for continuous improvement.
Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.
As a military spouse, projects that improve the lives of service members and their families mean a lot to me.
I’ve supported the Headquarters Marine Corps (HQMC) Environmental Management Program for nearly a decade, leading initiatives that enhance environmental compliance, conservation and communication across installations.
One of the most impactful efforts has been supporting outreach for veterans and families affected by historic drinking water contamination at Camp Lejeune. Our team manages information distribution and operates a help desk staffed by veterans who can connect with callers through shared experience and empathy. It’s a reminder that environmental programs are ultimately about protecting people.
Beyond Camp Lejeune, our work with HQMC includes advancing PFAS management, air and water quality initiatives, and sustainability programs that directly improve the environments where Marines live and work. Knowing our work contributes to that mission is incredibly meaningful.
One of the most impactful efforts has been supporting outreach for veterans and families affected by historic drinking water contamination at Camp Lejeune. It’s a reminder that environmental programs are ultimately about protecting people.
Share a piece of career advice.
My advice is to always deliver your best work and say yes to new opportunities, even when they push you outside your comfort zone. Early in my career, a major reorganization changed my trajectory overnight. Instead of seeing it as a setback, I treated it as an opportunity to redefine my path, which led me to larger program leadership roles. Whether I’m leading complex environmental programs that bring together multiple agencies or mentoring early-career professionals, I focus on accountability and communication. Those qualities build trust with clients, teammates and regulators — and that trust is the foundation for delivering lasting environmental solutions.