Amber Deem has cultivated an impressive career in environmental engineering, establishing herself as a leader and innovator in a field often dominated by men. With more than two decades of professional experience, she has consistently tackled environmental challenges with resilience and expertise, leaving a lasting impact on the communities and industries she has served. As she looks forward to the next chapter of her career, Ms. Deem remains committed to leveraging her knowledge and skills to contribute to meaningful and sustainable progress.
Ms. Deem’s educational journey laid the groundwork for her success in environmental and civil engineering. She earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Colorado Boulder, followed by a master’s degree in environmental and environmental health engineering from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. These academic achievements provided her with a comprehensive understanding of engineering principles and environmental systems, equipping her to address the complex and dynamic challenges she would face throughout her career.
Ms. Deem began her professional journey in Anchorage, Alaska, as an environmental consultant with Ecology and Environment, Inc. In this role, she worked closely with clients to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and to support cleanup activities at various sites. Her dedication and technical acumen quickly became evident, setting the stage for her transition into more specialized and impactful roles. She joined Aircraft Service International Group as an environmental manager, where she spent over a decade representing the airline industry on critical environmental and operational projects. Her responsibilities included overseeing tank expansions, pipeline realignments, and fuel hydrant system upgrades while managing federal, state, and local compliance requirements. Ms. Deem also led training initiatives, audits, and drills, ensuring that the systems she managed operated efficiently and adhered to rigorous environmental standards.
In addition to her operational responsibilities, Ms. Deem was pivotal in supporting the airline consortium operating at Anchorage International Airport. She assessed fuel storage needs and imports into the Cook Inlet, safeguarding the fuel supply chain for airlines operating in Alaska. Her ability to navigate the intricacies of fuel logistics and environmental compliance was instrumental in maintaining operational stability during times of uncertainty. Her leadership extended to her service on the board of directors for Chadux, a spill response organization crucial to fuel industry operations in western Alaska and the Cook Inlet region. She served two six-year terms on the board, contributing her expertise to this vital organization.
Ms. Deem’s career trajectory evolved further as she embraced roles that expanded her scope of influence and technical expertise. As a project engineer for Geosyntec Consultants, she applied her engineering knowledge to complex environmental projects. Later, as vice president of Global Fuel, LLC, she focused on bolstering fuel supply chains, ensuring they remained resilient and adaptable to shifting industry demands. In 2020, Ms. Deem joined McKnight & Associates, Inc., based in Nome, Alaska. There, she provided environmental permitting and documentation expertise for transportation planning and infrastructure projects in rural Native villages. Her work involved addressing pressing issues such as flooding, erosion, and permafrost thaw in the Bering Strait region, reflecting her deep understanding of Alaska’s unique environmental and geographic challenges. Her contributions to these communities underscored her commitment to creating practical and impactful solutions tailored to the needs of the people she served.
Ms. Deem’s professional journey has been defined by her determination to drive change and implement improvements in the face of adversity. Early in her career, she faced significant resistance as she advocated for environmentally friendly upgrades and compliance initiatives in a male-dominated industry. Despite this, she persevered, earning respect and recognition for her ability to enact meaningful improvements. She takes pride in knowing that the facilities and systems she managed were left in better condition than when she began, a testament to her dedication and expertise.
Ms. Deem’s involvement in professional organizations has further enriched her career and allowed her to stay connected to the broader engineering and environmental community. She is an active member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and its Anchorage chapter, where she engages with peers and contributes to advancing the field. Her commitment to giving back extends beyond her profession; she supports organizations such as Food Bank Alaska, Alaska Public Media, and the Nome Nugget, demonstrating her dedication to her community.
As Ms. Deem reflects on her professional journey, she takes pride in her ability to overcome obstacles and effect positive change. Her work has been driven by a deep-seated desire to make a difference, particularly in Alaska’s unique and often challenging landscape. She has championed initiatives emphasizing prevention, sustainability, and economic remediation, ensuring her efforts align with the region’s distinct needs. Ms. Deem plans to reassess her contributions to the market and explore opportunities to continue making a meaningful impact. She approaches this next career phase with the same determination and focus that have defined her professional journey, eager to tackle new challenges and drive progress in her field.