People Spotlight: Meet Darlene Ige
Our People Spotlight series gives you an inside look at our technical experts around the world. This week, we are highlighting an operations manager from our Environment business in the United States and providing an insight into their inspiration and work.
With over 35 years of environmental program management experience, Darlene brings deep expertise to AECOM’s Environment business. As operations manager, she focuses on process improvements that enhance efficiency and strengthen delivery under the CLEAN (Comprehensive Long-Term Environmental Action Navy) Pacific contract for Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Pacific. This critical initiative provides environmental and restoration services across the Pacific, and Darlene’s regional experience is key to its success. Her work strengthens processes, improves reporting efficacy, and positions the program for long-term success. Darlene’s career includes 24 years with NAVFAC Pacific, where she oversaw multimillion-dollar programs in Hawaii and Guam, including leading environmental efforts for the $8.7 billion Defense Policy Review Initiative. Most recently, she directed environmental programs at Nakupuna Consulting, a Native Hawaiian–owned business, before bringing her leadership to AECOM to drive impactful work at scale.
Tell us about what inspired you to join the industry.
When I started with the Environmental Restoration Program at NAVFAC, the field was still very new, and I was excited by the opportunity to build something meaningful that could make a real impact on the environment. I didn’t originally study environmental work — I earned a degree in civil engineering and began my career doing design work for NAVFAC. After five years, I realized my strengths and passions lay elsewhere, so I moved into planning for a couple of years within NAVFAC.
That’s when the head of NAVFAC Pacific Environmental, Mel Waki, approached me about joining the new Environmental Restoration Program. He didn’t know me personally, but he knew of my work and thought I’d be a good fit. I’m so glad I made the move. Over 30 years later, I’m still energized by the work — environmental restoration is such a broad field, and there’s always something new to explore and learn.
When I started with the Environmental Restoration Program at NAVFAC, the field was still very new, and I was excited by the opportunity to build something meaningful that could make a real impact on the environment.
What is your favorite AECOM project that you’ve worked on and why?
One of my favorite efforts at AECOM so far has been leading process improvements across the CLEAN program. Over the past five months, I’ve focused on enhancing the quality and efficacy of our monthly progress report packages — ensuring narratives align with schedules and forecasts.
With over 200 active projects and many Contract Task Order (CTO) managers involved, this is a large and complex program. My role is to connect with different managers month by month, offering support and helping improve project performance. These improvements have already enhanced efficiency, strengthened consistency, and positioned the program for long-term success under the CLEAN contract. It’s a rewarding challenge, and I truly enjoy finding ways to streamline processes, strengthen communication, and contribute to AECOM’s mission.
My role is to connect with different managers month by month, offering support and helping improve project performance. These improvements have already enhanced efficiency, strengthened consistency, and positioned the program for long-term success under the CLEAN contract.
What makes working on the Navy’s CLEAN program unique compared to other projects you’ve been part of?
The Navy’s CLEAN program is unique because it’s been around for over 25 years and has a well-established culture and set of processes. AECOM has built a strong foundation for how the program runs, and improving collaboration within that structure has been both challenging and rewarding.
With such a successful program, people are naturally used to doing work in a certain way. As Operations Manager, I’ve built strong relationships through consistent one-on-one conversations, helping others see the value in improving processes such as reporting and automation. My goal is always to save time while enhancing the quality and reliability of the information we provide. Clear, consistent records help everyone make better decisions and respond more effectively.
At this point in my career, I’m focused on making a difference. Across such a large program, there is always room for process improvement, and that’s what keeps me engaged. I’ve been fortunate to work with great teams and supportive leaders throughout my career, and that’s made all the difference.
Across such a large program, there is always room for process improvement, and that’s what keeps me engaged. As Operations Manager, I’ve built strong relationships through consistent one-on-one conversations, helping others see the value in improving processes such as reporting and automation.
How have you seen the CLEAN program evolve over time, and what excites you about its future?
The CLEAN program has grown rapidly in recent years due to several factors, including emerging contaminants like PFAS. That growth makes the work both interesting and challenging. As the program expands, we are navigating new technical and regulatory territory, and that’s what excites me most — helping shape solutions in uncharted ground. Being part of the CLEAN program means we can influence and adapt to evolving regulations, positioning us at the cutting edge of environmental protection. Once regulators align on the right approach, I believe we’ll be able to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the environment.
Being part of the CLEAN program means we can influence and adapt to evolving regulations, positioning us at the cutting edge of environmental protection.
Share a piece of career advice.
I believe a successful career comes down to effective collaboration and communication, paired with a solution-focused mindset. Many people can communicate and collaborate, but without a focus on solutions, progress stalls. Staying solution-oriented is what helps move projects forward and achieve meaningful results.
I’ve also found that building strong one-on-one relationships is essential. Those personal connections foster trust, and once trust is established, people are more open to change. That sense of connection is what makes the work feel meaningful, and it is a big part of why I have stayed in this field for so long.