Title: President and Owner
Company: Allegheny Environmental Services Inc.
Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
Karen E. Souza, MS, President and Owner at Allegheny Environmental Services Inc., has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Executives for dedication, achievements and leadership in Environmental Consulting.
Ms. Souza, an expert in environmental and geological sciences with over 35 years of experience, has served as the president and owner of Allegheny Environmental Service Inc. in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, since 2010. In this capacity, she has demonstrated expertise as a remediation specialist, managing complex projects and guiding her organization with a commitment to scientific rigor and client-focused solutions. Ms. Souza’s leadership has been instrumental in maintaining the company’s reputation for excellence within the industry.
Before establishing herself in her leading roles as both president and owner, Ms. Souza briefly served as the vice president and senior geologist at her organization in 2010. During this period, she made significant contributions to the firm’s growth and technical capabilities, leveraging her extensive background in geology and environmental consulting.
Earlier in her career, Ms. Souza worked for a major engineering and environmental firm where she specialized in human health risk assessments. Among her most notable achievements was her contribution to a project for Alcoa, where she addressed a unique challenge involving lead exposure in a commercial setting. Collaborating closely with an Alcoa manager, Ms. Souza developed a tailored solution when no existing formula or equation was suitable for the problem at hand. She regards this accomplishment as one of the highlights of her professional journey.
In preparation for her future in the industry, Ms. Souza earned a Bachelor of Science in biology and chemistry from West Virginia State University in Institute, West Virginia, in 1980. Subsequently, she completed coursework in physics at Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia, between 1980 and 1981, before receiving a Master of Science in geology, stratigraphy and paleoecology from the University of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1985. The rigorous training Ms. Souza received at these institutions provided her with a multidisciplinary perspective that has been invaluable throughout her career, particularly as she navigated transitions between biology, geology and environmental consulting.
Active in her professional community, Ms. Souza has been affiliated with several prominent industry organizations, including the Geological Society of America and the National Ground Water Association. These memberships reflect her ongoing commitment to professional development and engagement with the broader scientific community.
Recognized for her advanced knowledge as a remediation specialist, Ms. Souza attributes her success to her determination and resilience. These qualities have enabled her to balance family responsibilities while ensuring educational opportunities for her children. Ms. Souza credits much of her professional growth to the strong connections she formed during her early years in consulting, as well as guidance from influential mentors.
Ms. Souza’s career reflects a lifelong dedication to scientific excellence, mentorship and advocacy for women in science. She remains dedicated to advancing the role of women in science and intends to increase her involvement with groups supporting women in scientific fields. She also seeks opportunities to mentor younger women interested in pursuing careers in business or science. Ultimately, Ms. Souza plans to conclude operations at Allegheny Environmental Services Inc., explore teaching opportunities, such as adjunct professorships, and remain open to consulting roles with law firms as an expert witness or adviser.
For more information, please visit:
Contact Ms. Souza: