MELISSA LANZARA, 27 / Senior Stormwater Inspector, Parker Design Group, Inc.
Melissa Lanzara is making an impact in the Roanoke Valley through Stormwater management. Obtaining every certification in her field, she has been sought out for her environmental and construction expertise, and was named a Lead Inspector for a large environmentally sensitive project. Tasked with identifying potential concerns before the problem becomes a larger environmental issue, she is responsible for identifying hundreds of issues that could develop into environmentally catastrophic issues. She has also coordinated teams to participate in the Clean Valley Council Waterways Cleanup, collecting trash that washed up on the banks of the Roanoke River; it was so successful that she has organized more cleanup teams for Trout Unlimited to remove more trash and debris from our local waterways. “With flooding in the recent years, I think everyone can agree that maintaining stormwater is very important in our community as we continue to grow,” she says.
From the Nomination: “Melissa Lanzara is amazing. She is warm, smart, communicative and an all-around great person. Lanzara has extensive construction site knowledge and uses that knowledge to expand her stormwater abilities. She attended Citizen Science Water Monitor Training to become a certified Roanoke River Monitor focused on obtaining samples of benthic invertebrates. This helps the Roanoke River Roundtable team to assess the health of the Roanoke River and identify areas to improve water quality. Lanzara is the epitome of a go-getter. She is constantly looking for ways to improve herself and our department, with a great attitude and a team-based approach. When she learns of a training opportunity, she ensures everyone is aware of it to get as much training for our department as possible. She shares her knowledge with other team members and takes their advice on ways that we can improve operations. She is always asking if she can be of assistance with any items on my plate, and has consistently performed these tasks amazingly well.”
- VDOT certified as a soils, aggregate and concrete testing technician
- Certified as a dual DEQ inspector focusing on stormwater and erosion and sediment control inspections
- Certified as VA DEQ Erosion and Sediment Control Plan Reviewer
- Provisionally certified as VA DEQ ESC Program Administrator
- Obtained 10-hr OSHA safety training in addition to being confined space certified
- Lead Inspector for a large environmentally sensitive project
- Certified Roanoke River Monitor through Virginia Save Our Streams
- Coordinated teams for Clean Valley Council Waterways Cleanup
- Participates in different clean ups around the valley including Trout Unlimited
- Currently pursuing certification to become an Erosion and Sediment Control plan reviewer
What do you love about Roanoke?
Lanzara: “I love that numerous resources are readily available to anyone in the Roanoke community that seeks them. From leadership classes through the Roanoke Regional Chamber to kayaking, hiking and biking in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.”
How does your passion impact our community?
Lanzara: “My passion in the environmental field has grown through stormwater. Through my career I feel like I am making an impact in the Roanoke Valley (and beyond!) through Stormwater management.”
