Deanna Atkinson: CEO, Apiarist and Environmental Superhero
Meet Deanna Atkinson, environmental scientist and leader of Oklahoma Environmental Services (OES) for almost 20 years. Atkinson’s passion for a cleaner and safer world has been instrumental in Oklahoma Environmental Services’ continued growth and success. Atkinson loves what she does. When she isn’t leading her organization, she and her husband spend their time working on building a new home on an acreage, with great care given to preserving the natural wildlife that call the land home, or planning their trip to the national apiarist convention.
Tell our readers about your background; what attracted you to Oklahoma Environmental Services in the first place?
My degree is in environmental science, and I started at OES as a project manager responsible for overseeing a caseload of contaminated properties. I’ve always enjoyed science and the outdoors, and the organizational aspect of project management came naturally to me. Being able to work outside, help clients and clean up the environment checked all the boxes for me.
You have been leading OES for almost two decades. What are some of the changes you’ve witnessed in the past 20 years?
On an industry level, I’ve witnessed a transition from mom and pop-type establishments to more national chains. We’ve observed an increased number of Oklahoma businesses being owned by out-of-state stakeholders. This has caused our client base to shift, which has resulted in the pursuit of larger contracts to include municipalities and federal installations.
Our clients are increasingly interested in sustainability and environmental, social and governance criteria. Their customers and investors are becoming more environmentally conscious and therefore requiring increased accountability, which makes OES a perfect partner.
How have you continued to make OES relevant in the environmental service and consulting industry?
To stay relevant, we have been diligent about understanding what is going on around us; the latest trends and evolving needs in our industry. We stay connected and informed through our involvement with our industries’ associations. We listen to our clients’ experiences and challenges and remain informed on changes to regulatory agencies’ rules and regulations that affect our customers. As CEO, I’m also part of a national group of environmental company presidents and CEOs. It provides me tremendous value to learn from perspectives outside our state, and I’ve learned over the years that if it isn’t in Oklahoma yet, it will be coming soon.
We have also heavily invested in technology and our infrastructure, which has afforded us the ability to recruit and retain exceptional talent. Because in the end, it all comes down to the customer service your employees provide. Treat your employees the way you want them to treat your clients, and the rest falls into place.
What’s next for OES?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established health advisories for the emerging class of contaminants called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). In popular culture, they’re the subject of the movies The Devil We Know and Dark Waters. They’re a group of over 4,700 man-made chemicals that have been in use since the 1940s. They were and can still be found in stain- and water-repellent fabrics, nonstick skillets, polishes, waxes, fire-fighting foam, food packaging, electronics and even make-up.
They’re known as “forever chemicals” due to their inability to break down under typical environmental conditions. PFAS have been found in soil (and food grown in contaminated soil) and water, including sources of drinking water. While PFAS have posed problems for decades, the EPA has determined toxicity information and provided regulatory guidance for only a handful of PFAS substances. Once risk levels are established by the EPA and substantial regulatory requirements implemented, our entire nation (local, state, federal) will follow suit and seek ways to remove them from the environment. OES stands ready to remediate PFAS contaminated soil and groundwater using proven technologies we currently employ for the remediation of other contaminants.
There continues to be a groundswell for environmental justice, the belief that all people, regardless of race, color, national origin, income, etc., deserve the same protections from environmental health hazards and access to a healthy environment in which to live, learn and work. We embrace each opportunity to clean up contaminated sites and turn these places into properties that advance the community’s social and economic development.
What has been your greatest lesson as a CEO?
Remain humble, because your success comes from the efforts of others. It is tempting to let achievements go to your head and think, “I did this,” when it is attributable to your team. Be grateful for your lucky breaks and the hard work of those who choose to follow your lead.
What has been your greatest joy as the CEO of Oklahoma Environmental Services?
The 2020 construction of our corporate campus in Northeast Oklahoma City was a dream come true. We purchased the 3.5 acres at 2424 North Kelley, near the Capitol complex, and built our 5,500-square-foot corporate office space and a 16,000-square-foot warehouse. I’m still in awe every time I drive into our parking lot!
You have been very intentional in building a strong team culture. How would you describe your culture and what have you done to build it?
Our culture is based on respect and autonomy. We hire independent, self-motivated people and are intentional about defining the expectations we have for them. They have autonomy on how those expectations are fulfilled. Since our team of employees is all over the state, it is vital to maintain a strong team culture since we may only see each other in person once a month.
A few years ago, we brought in an outside business consulting firm called The Mettise Group. We created a strategic plan for future growth. That growth required the buy-in of employees. One of The Mettise Group’s recommendations was to have a corporate culture committee, composed of employees. Our committee is charged with creating and maintaining OES’ corporate culture that emphasizes team collaboration, accountability, purpose and excellence. We not only tasked them with the job, but provided the tools such as time and a budget to ensure their success.
Tell us about your leadership style.
My leadership style is one of collaboration and inclusion. I strive to view things from an employee perspective by considering how I would like to be treated. In the end, we all want to feel respected, heard and be a part of something larger than ourselves. I’ve found it’s more effective when the goal or expectation is communicated to the team and employees are empowered to achieve their own individual success. More often than not, they achieve a level of success greater than one imposed upon them by management.
When you are not working, what do you enjoy doing?
My husband and I recently purchased 50 acres of undeveloped land southeast of Oklahoma City. We’re building a homesite and creating a system of trails on the remaining acreage to encourage native habitats. It is heavily wooded, so I enjoy exploring all the flora and fauna and just being in nature.
I welcome the responsibility of being a good steward of the land and its inhabitants. I hope to be able to share it with others someday.
Finally, what is one of your life’s luxieres that you enjoy?
My husband and I are apiarists and enjoy beekeeping. We plan to attend a national apiculture conference in January. Unlike regular livestock that can be fenced in, our bees are free to leave at any time. Therefore, we’re constantly ensuring their environment is hospitable, which includes plenty of
pollen and nectar sources for them to choose from. It is currently a luxury because it costs more than it brings in, ha! However, having our own locally sourced honey and knowing we’re helping save pollinators makes it something I’m willing to indulge in.
Photos by Jordan Mobley