Heather Lynn Brinkerhoff has spent more than two decades turning complex environmental challenges into innovative solutions that protect people and the planet. As a partner at The ERM International Group Limited, she draws on 23 years of experience in environmental health and safety to help organizations align global strategies, foster cross-regional collaboration, and deliver effective, sustainable outcomes. Known for her ability to bridge technical expertise with client-centered service, Ms. Brinkerhoff is widely respected in the industry for her leadership in sustainability, compliance, and auditing.
Ms. Brinkerhoff holds a Bachelor of Arts in environmental studies with honors from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and is a certified safety professional through the Board of Certified Safety Professionals. She also completed the AHERA certificate program at UC Berkeley Extension, adding to her robust technical training.
Since joining ERM, Ms. Brinkerhoff has played a key role in driving coordinated growth across service lines and geographies, working closely with business units to tailor solutions to evolving client needs. She is a proud member of the American Society of Safety Professionals, the National Safety Council, and the Board of Certified Safety Professionals, which reflects her commitment to excellence and staying current with best practices in her field.
Before her current position, Ms. Brinkerhoff was the environmental health and safety practice director at ALL4, where she launched a new practice from the ground up. Her efforts led to a doubling in revenue and a culture of mentorship that left a lasting impact. Prior to that, she was a managing consultant at the same firm, sharpening her expertise in environmental consulting and expanding her leadership capabilities.
Ms. Brinkerhoff’s career includes notable roles such as regional environmental engineer at Amazon Web Services and senior environmental scientist and project manager at AECOM. At AECOM, she contributed to the air quality practice and was recognized with the Star Award for outstanding performance. Earlier, she was an environmental manager at E.E. Cruz and president of her own consultancy, HB Consulting LLC, where she provided tailored environmental health and safety services.
Ms. Brinkerhoff began her career as an environmental coordinator at Yanke Energy and later worked in regulatory roles as an air quality inspector and compliance specialist. Her position as environmental health and safety manager at NAES marked a period of professional growth and recognition, including multiple Best Safety Awards.
Outside of her professional work, Ms. Brinkerhoff channels her passion for the environment into her personal life. She is an avid outdoor enthusiast who enjoys surfing, snowboarding, cycling, and hiking. As a mother of two, she balances a busy professional schedule with her role as a dedicated parent to a fifteen-year-old daughter and eleven-year-old son. She is also a volunteer fundraiser for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and participates in endurance events such as triathlons, half marathons, and century bike rides to support charitable causes.
Looking ahead, Ms. Brinkerhoff hopes to create a more flexible lifestyle that allows her to spend more time with her children and explore opportunities to teach or volunteer in educational settings. She remains driven by a desire to inspire others and continue making a meaningful impact through her work and service.