January 7, 2026 — EA is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Ciarlo to Chief Scientist. He is joining EA’s team of Technical Chiefs, responsible for overseeing compliance, quality control, and technical leadership by leading reviews, mentoring staff, supporting client service, and driving technology transfer. Ciarlo is taking on this role as part of the firm’s ongoing succession process, coinciding with the planned retirement of veteran Business Unit Director and Chief Scientist, Dr. Jeffrey Boltz, PhD.
“With the rare combination of wide-ranging environmental expertise, scientific curiosity, and technical problem solving, Mike brings diverse experience and a unique skill set to serve in the role of Chief Scientist,” said Frank Barranco, Senior Vice President and Director of EA’s Quality Programs. “The Technical Chiefs and I look forward to working with Mike to ensure our project delivery teams continue to meet or exceed industry standards while applying scientific principles and advanced tools and techniques to address our client’s environmental needs.”
Ciarlo has a broad spectrum of technical expertise, including sediment, soil, and groundwater contaminant assessment and remediation; ecological and human health risk assessment; and regulatory compliance support at federal facilities and legacy industrial waste sites. He has successfully led numerous multi-million-dollar projects, managed large, interdisciplinary teams, and consistently delivered outcomes that solve complex environmental challenges, while satisfying regulatory requirements and stakeholder needs. In addition to his technical skills, Ciarlo is highly regarded for his work in risk communication and public engagement, having presented to community groups, regulators, and industry partners. His extensive publication record demonstrates his dedication to advancing environmental science and fostering responsible stewardship.
“I have always been dedicated to serving our clients and the EA community through a commitment to sound science and creative problem solving” said Ciarlo. “This new role offers the opportunity to contribute directly to EA’s continuously improving quality processes and guide our technical team in addressing our most unique and complex scientific challenges.”
Ciarlo’s career spans nearly 30 years, including 23 years with EA. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Duke University and a Master of Science in Environmental Science from Johns Hopkins University. He has authored and presented numerous technical papers and posters and has participated in panel discussions at leading national and international conferences, showcasing expertise in sediment science, remediation, ecological and human health risk assessment, environmental compliance, environmental planning, and innovative approaches to contaminated site management for governmental, industrial, and academic audiences.
