Dr. Stephanie C. Bolyard is a Senior Director of Environmental Science and Regulatory Affairs at CO2EFFICIENT with more than 18 years of experience advancing science-based solutions to complex environmental and energy policy challenges. She advises clients on issues at the intersection of environmental science and engineering, regulatory strategy, sustainability, and public policy, with expertise spanning emerging contaminants (PFAS), waste management, air quality, climate policy, environmental permitting, and regulatory compliance.

Prior to joining CO2EFFICIENT, Dr. Bolyard served as Senior Engineer to the Assistant Secretary for Environment at the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ), where she provided strategic and technical guidance to senior leadership on some of the state's most significant environmental initiatives. She led multidisciplinary efforts involving PFAS, 1,4-dioxane, landfill methane, biosolids management, climate planning, and water quality standards, translating complex scientific and engineering issues into practical policy solutions while coordinating across state agencies, industry stakeholders, local governments, and nonprofit organizations.

Dr. Bolyard has held leadership, research, and consulting roles across government, academia, nonprofit research, and the private sector. She served as the Research and Scholarship Program Manager for the Environmental Research & Education Foundation (EREF), where she directed nationally recognized research programs advancing sustainable materials management and environmental protection. She also worked as a research engineer with the North Carolina Department of Transportation, where she managed applied research programs focused on traffic operations and safety, sustainability, emerging technologies, and strategic research partnerships among government, industry, and academic institutions. Earlier in her career, she worked as an environmental consultant supporting solid waste and industrial permitting and regulatory compliance and held environmental engineering positions in state government and academia.

Known for her ability to bridge science, engineering, and public policy, Dr. Bolyard helps organizations navigate regulatory complexity, anticipate emerging environmental risks, and develop practical, data-driven strategies that support informed decision-making. Her experience across government, academia, nonprofit research, and private consulting provides clients with a unique perspective on policy development, stakeholder engagement, and environmental strategy.

A globally recognized leader in environmental engineering and policy, Dr. Bolyard has authored technical publications, taught undergraduate and graduate environmental engineering courses, and served in leadership roles with numerous professional organizations. Her contributions to the profession have been recognized through the Air & Waste Management Association Outstanding Young Professional Award, Waste360's 40 Under 40, and the American Academy of Environmental Engineers & Scientists (AAEES) 40 Under 40 Award.

Dr. Bolyard earned her Ph.D. and M.S. in Environmental Engineering from the University of Central Florida and her B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Florida. She is also a Certified Public Manager.