Growing a Business, AI and Hiring, and Challenges Facing Western Alaska with Shannon Oelkers

Environmental Professionals Radio (EPR)

Environmental Professionals Radio (EPR)
Growing a Business, AI and Hiring, and Challenges Facing Western Alaska with Shannon Oelkers
Jun 26, 2026 Episode 251
Nic Frederick and Laura Thorne

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Laura and Nic interview Shannon Oelkers, owner and principal consultant at Integrity Environmental, about growing a business, using AI thoughtfully in environmental work, and how hiring is changing in an AI-driven world. They also dive into the complex energy and infrastructure challenges facing western Alaska, along with the memorable field experiences that come with working in some of the country’s most remote landscapes.

Welcome back to Environmental Professionals Radio, Connecting the Environmental Professionals Community Through Conversation, with your hosts Laura Thorne and Nic Frederick! 

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This podcast is produced by the National Association of Environmental Professions (NAEP). Check out all the NAEP has to offer at NAEP.org.

Connect with Shannon Oelkers at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-oelkers/

Guest Bio:
Shannon Oelkers is the owner and principal consultant for Integrity Environmental. Shannon previously worked at the State of Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation in the Contaminated Sites and Terminal / Tank Farms division, focusing on industrial environmental compliance. Shannon holds a bachelor's degree in Biological Science and a master's degree in Community Development from the University of Alaska Fairbanks and has more than a decade of experience inspecting and auditing bulk fuel tank farm operations. Shannon is also an MBA Instructor at Alaska Pacific University. Shannon is well-versed in the unique challenges of completing oil and gas related projects in Alaska.

Music Credits
Intro: Givin Me Eyes by Grace Mesa
Outro: Never Ending Soul Groove by Mattijs Muller

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