For more than 30 years, Carol L. Rowe, PG has been an established name in the field of environmental consulting, serving as the president of CWM Company, Inc. since 1991. She has lent her expertise in groundwater and soil remediation and environmental management systems to a wide spectrum of clients, predominantly major coal companies and mining operations. Deeply passionate about her work, she takes great pride in helping people, remediating sites, and seeing a project through to completion—thoroughly and correctly. Although challenging to do what her firm does, she has been consistently committed to ensuring her work does not leave a negative impact on future generations.

Born and raised in Illinois, Ms. Rowe underwent what was supposed to be a simple surgery at 12 years old, which resulted in a broken tailbone and extensive lifelong nerve damage, causing excruciating pain while standing, walking, and even sitting. However, despite these difficulties, she found ways to adapt and persevere through adversity. Upon earning a Bachelor of Science in geology from the University of Southern Illinois at Carbondale in 1984, she completed her master’s in environmental studies at the University of Illinois Springfield and became certified as a professional geologist and a member of the Professionals of Illinois For Protecting the Environment a few years later.

Early in her career, Ms. Rowe was employed by the U.S. Department of Energy, where she focused her work on its coal demonstration program. This led to a full-time role and, eventually, the opportunity to manage environmental initiatives for a major coal company with multiple mines in Southern Illinois. While on job sites, she would observe widespread challenges faced by individuals with underground storage tanks in finding consultants due to new regulations and a lack of compliance knowledge. Her career advancement eventually paved the way for creating an innovative financial plan to assist people dealing with leaking underground storage tanks and the formation of CWM Company.

The recipient of a Governor’s Award by the Coal Development Board in 1994, Ms. Rowe has long been recognized for her work, which includes significant contributions to the development of groundwater and underground storage tank legislation and regulations. She has testified in front of Congress and state legislators on numerous occasions when new regulations are being considered. In addition, she collaborates closely with petroleum industry representatives to stay on top of legislative issues. Outside of her primary endeavors, Ms. Rowe is also active civically, supporting the Mini Burn Crisis Nursery at her local church and participating in fundraisers for local parish schools.

Looking ahead, Ms. Rowe strives to stay committed to further expanding several initiatives within the company, including numerous road construction projects and collaborating with the Illinois Capital Development Board to redevelop state-owned properties. In her spare time, she enjoys making jewelry and taking photographs. With her husband, Tod, she has raised four sons.