Stephanie Santell

About Stephanie Santell

Stephanie Santell is a senior leader with over 15 years of experience working at the intersection of science, policy, and finance to advance national environmental solutions. Santell joined EPA’s Office of Policy to support the Associate Administrator of Policy with developing and executing the agency’s climate adaptation and resilience strategy. In this position, she managed a complex portfolio of projects and advised on key initiatives related to BIL, IRA, Executive Orders, and internal operations. In addition to serving as the agency’s lead for climate-smart infrastructure, nature-based solutions, and flood resilience, Santell spearheaded a comprehensive risk management enterprise, leading a multidisciplinary team of over 20 offices to integrate climate-related risk into EPA’s financial investment decisions. As Office of Water’s Climate Lead, Santell led the development of the 2022 Climate Adaptation Implementation Plan with a team spanning EPA’s National and Regional Offices. In this capacity, she established a new organizational structure, priority actions, and performance metrics to achieve EPA’s climate goals. Santell also served as an advisor to Political Leadership on nutrient pollution and PFAS, in addition to tackling other priorities for innovative financing, disaster resilience, and green infrastructure. Earlier in her career, Santell exercised her technical expertise by advancing water quality standards for ecosystem and human health. She held key positions in the CWA 303(d) Program and the Water Quality Standards Program, which required working closely with states and Tribes, handling precedent-setting litigation, and developing a high-profile rulemaking that fundamentally reshaped the national approach to deriving nutrient criteria. Santell has worked extensively with the White House, governments, Tribal nations, NGOs, private sector, and academia. In addition to working across EPA, she has partnered with every major water program, including the State Revolving Fund Programs, WIFIA, Nonpoint Source (319) Program, Geographic and National Estuary Programs, NPDES, and more. A purpose-driven leader, Santell has a proven ability to inspire and motivate professionally diverse teams. She excels at brining people together and is committed to helping others realize their full potential. Santell confronts challenges with grit, creativity, and a positive growth mindset - always learning, questioning the status quo, and unlocking new opportunities.*Views expressed on this profile are my own and do not reflect those of the USG.

Experience

1. Senior Climate Advisor

   Us Environmental Protection Agency Epa

   May 2022 — Present · Washington, DC, US

Education

• American University

  Master of Public Policy - MPP

  2009 — 2011

• University of Rochester

  Bachelor of Arts - BA

  2005 — 2009