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Annita McCormick

A woman with City of Louisville uniform stands near a water treatment facility walkway.

Annita McCormick – Environmental Compliance Manager at the City of Louisville

My job is to oversee the city’s Environmental Compliance program, which is responsible for protecting water quality and works with industries, businesses, residents, and municipal operations to reduce pollutants entering the city’s drinking water and waterways. I help with achieving safe drinking water, properly treated wastewater, and pollution-free stormwater by managing and maintaining regulatory compliance in several areas within the program. I love being active and taking on new challenges. I’ve done triathlons, marathons, a half iron man, and a 100-mile bike ride.

My Path

Foreshadowing

One of the standardized tests we had growing up in Colorado was supposed to help us identify our ideal field. Mine came up with two suggestions: natural sciences and teaching. I didn’t think much of it then, but it turned out to be surprisingly accurate. I’ve built a career that blends science, education, and community outreach in a way that feels like a perfect fit.

One Class, Many Paths

I studied natural resources in college and one of the most impactful classes I took was an environmental health class. That one class alone seemed to open so many doors. It connected everything: biology, chemistry, water, and animal science. I saw how the field of environmental health could lead to careers in everything from toxicology to engineering to public health.During college I was also a resident advisor and had to create programs and support students. That experience helped me realize how much I enjoy connecting with people and making complex topics more approachable.

Rules and Regulations

My early jobs after college showed me how regulations protect public health and the environment. In Wyoming, I did health inspections for pools, daycares, and other facilities and learned how policy translates into real-world safety. Working for an environmental engineering firm in Colorado I saw firsthand how groundwater and well testing play a critical role in protecting communities.

Behavior Change in School and at Work

While earning my Master of Public Health I did a project looking at what behavior change looks like and how it happens. I was always seeing science and education and outreach coming together, and I wanted to bridge the gap between complex regulations and the people trying to do the right thing.

My Work

Scales showing how this person's work breaks down. They most often work indoors on distinct tasks, but their time is more evenly split between working alone and with people.

Compliance

I help ensure that businesses and individuals are following the regulations that keep pollutants out of our drinking water and waterways. It’s not just about enforcement, it’s about education, collaboration, and finding practical solutions that work for everyone.

Inspections

Inspections are a key part of making sure regulatory programs are effective. Sometimes people just don’t know what’s required, and it’s rewarding to help them understand and improve. In the last three years I’ve seen real progress from permit holders in our city.

Being a Lifelong Learner

Even after decades in the field, I’m still learning. There’s always something new to explore, from new regulations to technical challenges I haven’t seen before. I’ve learned to seek out people who know more than I do and to stay curious. This mindset has served me well.

My Why

I want to leave the world better than how it was given to me. I think about my nieces and nephew, and I want them to have the same opportunities I did, to be outside and enjoy all nature has to offer.

My Advice

Stay curious and don’t put yourself in box, you will be surprised at what opportunities come up for you. Be open to opportunities that fall into your lap but know there are some you might need to seek out.

Every experience has value if you’re learning from it. Learn what you like and don’t like. Fail forward – failing is ok, if you take something from it and move forward.

Going to college and graduating with a degree is not the only path. Consider your learning style and pursue paths that will support your learning best. If you do go to college, look at course manuals instead of majors. See what classes and topics excite you and go from there.