Marisa Valdez

About Marisa Valdez

I am an infrastructure and environmental policy professional committed to advancing New…

Experience

1. Special Advisor for Implementation

   Us Environmental Protection Agency Epa

   Mar 2023 — Present · NY, US

   Environmental Protection AgencySpecial Advisor for Implementation | March 2023 – PresentI am the program manager for the second-largest OEJECR grant program, overseeing $660 million in federal funds through a pass-through program with 11 grantees. I am responsible for ensuring compliance with 2 CFR 200 regulatory requirements and facilitating efficient fund distribution. • Led a cross-functional team of headquarters-based colleagues to develop programmatic guidance, training resources, and stakeholder updates. • Implemented a groundbreaking bifurcation process at the EPA, maximizing grantee time to establish stable, lawful programmatic structures. • Oversaw 1:1 check-ins, facilitated two weekly office hours for up to 60 EPA staff and grantees, conducted weekly team meetings, and provided timely updates for leadership, FOIA requests, and Congressional inquiries. • Coordinated programmatic implementation with national offices, including the Offices of General Counsel, Mission Support, and Grants and Debarment. • Designed system requirements to uphold program integrity and regulatory compliance, collaborating with Human Research Ethics, Quality Assurance, and Brownfield officers nationwide. • Oversaw contract support for developing logic models, quarterly reports, branding materials, instructive videos, and programmatic guidance.

Education

• The New School's Milano School

  Master of Science - MS, Environmental Policy & Sustainability Management

  2019 — 2021

• The University of New Mexico

  B.A. Arts & Science, Spanish; Environmental Science/ Psychology; Earth and Planetary science

  2005 — 2009

• Taos High School

  HS Diploma, Regular/General High School/Secondary Diploma Program

  2001 — 2005