Profiles of Members of EPA's LGBT Community

Michael Emerson, Staff Assistant
Office of the Administrator
Washington, DC

Where were you born?

Rochester, NY.

What brought you to EPA?

I was looking for work in an area where I could advance personally and professionally. I was attracted to EPA due to its mission and vision. Also EPA was rated one of the top government agencies to work for. I applied and, luckily, got a job at the agency!

Describe the type of work you do at EPA.

As Administrator Gina McCarthy’s Executive Assistant, I help her with whatever she needs, as soon as she needs it! I help keep her in touch with stakeholders, make sure she’s on time and prepared for all her meetings and events, and keep her connected to the office when she is on travel. I work with all the different EPA offices and their staff, and get to learn about all the issues they are working on – which is very helpful when I interact with citizens and others who call the administrator. So many different people contact the administrator each day, including elected officials from Congress, state, local, and tribal governments, White House staff, and many others. I am so glad to get to speak with them and help them.

What is your highest level of education? What was your major?

I have a B.A. in Business Administration, with a focus in Procurement and Public Contracting.

When did you know you were a member of the LBGT community?

When I was a sophomore in college back in 1992, I knew.

What message would you like to send other members of the LBGT community who are considering college or a career in environmental protection?

EPA is one of the best places to work. Here at EPA, I can be myself and live my life to the fullest. I have been accepted by EPA employees at all levels, from staff assistants all the way to the administrator of the agency. I really feel like EPA is my family. I encourage anyone who cares about public health and environmental protection to pursue a career at EPA.

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