Krista Scheirer, a Germantown Academy graduate who grew up in West Norriton Township in Montgomery County, is an Environmental Specialist at Aqua Pennsylvania, which serves approximately 1.4 million people in 32 counties throughout the state.

Scheirer began working as a 12-year-old at trapshooting events at her grandfather’s gun club.

“I used to keep score and keep the shooters in line when they tried to argue about a missed clay pigeon,” she said. “I got paid $20 a night, plus dinner. These outdoors events helped spark my love of nature and my career in the environmental field.”

Scheirer earned a bachelor’s degree in Biology and English Literature from Swarthmore College and is currently finishing her master’s degree in Environmental Science at Villanova. She credits Bob Kahley, Aqua’s former Environmental Specialist, with having the biggest impact on her career.

“Bob knew everyone and everything in the watersheds of southeastern Pennsylvania, and I called him so much at my first job that I knew his number by heart,” said Scheirer. “I worked closely with him, and when he retired, he urged me to apply for his position, which I am so thankful I did.”

Scheirer’s proudest professional accomplishment is her work to enhance the source water protection program at Aqua.

“I have worked to strengthen relationships among the water resources community in southeastern Pennsylvania, so that we can pool resources and expertise to tackle water quality issues,” she said. “In particular, my leadership on the Schuylkill Action Network planning committee and on the Schuylkill River Restoration Fund steering committee have led to many on-the-ground clean water projects to protect the Schuylkill Watershed. We have leveraged millions of dollars in grant funding and worked with countless partners. What makes me smile the most, though, are the side effects of those projects: students educated, species protected, farmers aided, volunteers fulfilled, and communities revitalized. My next role will be on the steering committee for Chester County’s comprehensive water resources plan, which will guide the county’s efforts over the next 20 years.”

Scheirer’s favorite Chester County restaurant is El Rincon Criollo (The Latin Corner) in Spring City.