The Lightbox Effect : Shaping Future Leaders in Environmental Risk Management

In the ever-evolving field of environmental risk management, fostering the next generation of professionals is crucial. The Lightbox Developing Leaders Program bridges this gap by connecting early-career professionals with experienced mentors from different companies, providing invaluable industry insights, networking opportunities, and skill-building experiences.

Andy Basehoar, LSRP, PG, Site Remediation Program Manager with over 14 years of experience overseeing complex environmental projects, has been an active mentor in the program for three consecutive years (2022–2025). Encouraged by mentors and past participants, professionals like David DiPascale, LSRP, Project Manager (2022-23 cohort), Rob Russell, Project Manager (2023-24 cohort) Shian Knouse, Environmental Associate 2 (2023–24 cohort) and Kevin Carr, Environmental Associate 2 (2024–25 cohort) have leveraged the program to build professional networks, refine technical skills and gain confidence in leadership roles.

By pairing mentees with seasoned professionals from various organizations, the program fosters cross-industry collaboration and career growth. Through structured mentorship, technical training, and personal development initiatives, Lightbox continues to shape the next generation of leaders in environmental risk management. We know that participants must dedicate many extra hours after work for meetings and preparation and are very proud of our team’s commitment and participation in the program.

Lightbox’s Mission, Vision & Goals

Mission Statement: The Lightbox Developing Leaders Program is committed to strengthening the environmental profession by connecting early-career professionals with experienced mentors. The program aims to attract and retain talent in the environmental risk management field by providing mentees with a strong support network and opportunities for professional growth.

Vision Statement: As industry leaders, the program’s mentors are dedicated to knowledge transfer and professional development. Through mentor-mentee relationships, participants gain insights into business and technical aspects of the industry, equipping them with the tools needed to achieve their professional and personal goals.

Core Goals:

• Commitment: Strengthening dedication to environmental risk management as a career path.
• Development: Enhancing career trajectories through structured guidance.
• Branding: Providing mentorship in networking, social media presence, and public speaking.
• Fulfillment: Supporting professional and personal growth.
• Teamwork: Encouraging reinforcement and collaboration.
• Performance: Driving both individual and team success.
• Achievement: Ensuring mentees reach their professional objectives.

Mentee Experiences

While every mentee’s journey is unique, their experiences stand out as exemplary examples of the program’s transformative power. Their stories illustrate how the program’s structured mentorship and collaborative environment can empower individuals.

Shian Knouse (Mentee, 2023-24 Cohort)

• Motivation to Join: Shian was encouraged by her supervisor, Andy Basehoar, and a former mentee, David DiPascale, who spoke highly of the program’s networking benefits and professional development opportunities.
• Key Takeaway: “Seize any opportunity that excites you. If it intertwines with something you’re passionate about, even better.”
• Career Influence: Shian developed a strong professional network, referring to it as a “personal board of directors” that she consults for advice and insights from diverse industry professionals.
• Skills and Connections: She participated in EPA Portfolio Manager training alongside her mentor, providing a foundation for New Jersey’s energy benchmarking requirements. She also formed strong professional connections through her cohort of mentees and mentors.
• Recommendation: “YES. It was an incredible program to make connections and learn from those with more experience. The program offers networking opportunities and technical webinars on topics relevant to both mentors and mentees.”

Kevin Carr (Mentee, 2024-25 Cohort)

• Motivation to Join: Encouraged by previous mentees, Kevin joined the program and will complete it in June 2025.
• Key Takeaway: “Get out of your comfort zone – that’s how real development happens.”
• Career Influence: Overcoming his fear of public speaking, Kevin accepted a challenge to present at the Environmental Bankers Association (EBA) to an audience of over 150 people.
• Skills and Connections: Kevin’s experience in the program led him to develop a presentation titled “The Anatomy of a Presentation,” which helps fellow mentees prepare for public speaking engagements. He refined both his public speaking and PowerPoint skills, which had not been tapped into since college.
• Recommendation: “Absolutely. Beyond the technical skills, the program introduced me to aspects of the business and career world that I had never previously considered.”

David DiPascale (Mentee, 2022-23 Cohort)

• Motivation to Join: Eager to expand his professional network and gain client-focused insights, David sought to learn from peers in different consulting roles through the program.
• Key Takeaway: “Stay in your lane—focus on your expertise in site remediation rather than roles outside your scope.”
• Career Influence: The program equipped David with a broader network of professionals to consult on complex projects, enhancing his problem-solving approach.
• Skills and Connections: He honed active listening skills and now proactively reaches out to seasoned colleagues for guidance, leveraging connections built during the program.
• Recommendation: “Absolutely. The relationships formed here extend beyond the program—it’s an ongoing resource for collaboration in our field.”

Rob Russel (Mentee, 2023-24 Cohort)

• Motivation to Join: Encouraged by previous mentees/mentors from TTI. Rob felt the program would be beneficial as a new project manager at the time.
• Key Takeaway: “Never say no to an opportunity just because it scares you! That’s how you grow personally and professionally.”
• Career Influence: Rob said that connecting with professionals from the lending side of due diligence allowed him look at commercial real estate transactions in a different light than he normally would have. He was able to learn a new perspective which he can now apply to my work.
• Skills and Connections: On top of developing a stronger network, this program allowed Rob to develop better communication skills and project management skills.
• Recommendation: “I would recommend this course to young professionals who are ready to take the next step to advance their careers.”

Leadership and Impact

Kristin Heimburger, LSRP, Director of the Environmental Consulting Division, reflects on the program’s success: “The Developing Leaders Program has transformed our employees into career-driven professionals who want to find their true potential. I am so proud of our team members for completing the program and becoming true leaders.”

The Lightbox mentoring program benefits from a diverse pool of mentors who come from various companies and bring unique expertise to the table. While Andy has been a prominent mentor for several cohorts, mentees such as David, Shian, Rob, and Kevin were guided by other dedicated professionals within the program. These mentors, whose backgrounds span environmental consulting, commercial real estate lending, and related industries, offer tailored advice and skill-building opportunities that align with their mentees’ specific career goals. Each mentor-mentee pairing is carefully curated to align with the mentee’s career goals, ensuring personalized development that spans technical skills, leadership abilities, and business acumen.

For instance, David DiPascale worked closely with David Treadway, VP and Environmental Risk Officer at Truist Bank, to deepen his understanding of project management and client needs. Kevin Carr worked with Dennis P. Firestone REM, RG, from JLL,  a veteran in the field who guided him with client communications and project challenges.

Kelly O’Rourke, Reviewer at RETECHS Environmental and Seismic, US Bank, a mentee of Andy Basehoar, shares her thoughts: “The Lightbox Developing Leaders program has given me the confidence and tools to grow my career and network. I’m appreciative of my mentor, Andy Basehoar, taking the time to meet with me and provide valuable advice.”

Conclusion

This is more than just a career-building initiative—it is a transformational experience that shapes future leaders across many industries. By investing in the next generation today, TTI and Lightbox ensure a stronger, more connected industry tomorrow. The Lightbox Developing Leaders Program is a catalyst for leadership in environmental risk management. By combining mentorship, skill development, and industry networking, it empowers professionals to innovate and lead. For TTI and Lightbox, investing in talent today ensures a stronger, more connected industry tomorrow. To learn more visit: https://www.lightboxre.com/developing-leaders-program/  and  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElYG72WAdS4

For more information about the program contact Andy Basehoar, LSRP at andyb@ttienv.com