NWA Women in Business: Cassie Schmidt

Residence: Bentonville

Education: B.S., zoology, 2005, M.S., biology, 2011, University of Oklahoma 

Professional background: Schmidt joined engineering firm Garver in 2015 and was named senior environmental scientist in 2023. She has supplied environmental services for major infrastructure projects across the state, including the Future I-57 Environmental Impact Statement. Outside of the office, Schmidt is an advocate for STEM education among young learners and enjoys spending time outdoors with her family.

What was your dream job as a kid, and why? Honestly, I wanted to be the next David Attenborough because he got to see and talk about wildlife and nature all day every day. I would even practice my British accent in case they wanted his successor to also sound British. I chose Attenborough because he was more professional than Steve Irwin who, despite his shenanigans, was a close second. Plus, I can’t do an Australian accent.

What inspired you to pursue the career you are in? I came upon my career purely by happenstance, but I’m so grateful I did. I’ve always loved science, nature, and problem solving, and a career navigating environmental regulations and permitting has been so fulfilling.

Who was a big mentor to you in the early part of your career? I wouldn’t say I had much of a career to guide in the early days, but Gary Schnell, Michael Kennedy, Michael Mares, and Ingo Schlupp were monumental in shaping my early adulthood in graduate school and the years to follow. Bill McAbee was, and still is, a huge mentor for me. He’s taught me so much and helped facilitate a lot of my professional growth in the past five years. 

What is the best leadership advice you have ever received? To remember the concept of “everyday leadership” coined by Drew Dudley. I love the idea that we’re all leaders, we’re all humans on this planet, and we’re all connected. We influence each other whether it’s intentional or not, so it’s important to be mindful of that in all that we do, whether in or outside the office. I’ve also gotten a lot of value out of striving to “lead with love” day in and day out.

What advice can you offer to women who want a career in your industry? Besides the typical “work hard and do your best,” which I very much abide by, I’d say to vocalize your goals and not be afraid to ask for advice or help from willing resources. As for advice specific to my field, you can do environmental science and permitting across numerous industries. So pick one, or better yet, a firm that is in line with your own core values, and go from there.

You stay busy professionally. How do you take care of yourself and maintain good mental health? Early morning “me time” at the gym is great for my mental health. I do my best not to skip it, even if work is piling up, and I’m grateful for my wonderful husband and Garver’s Wellness Program for always supporting me in that.

What are some of the leadership skills that helped you move up in your organization? That British accent hasn’t paid off yet, but being open to new opportunities and staying positive has been beneficial throughout the entirety of my career.

What do you do to relax when not working? Ah you know, just your typical top-women-in-business stuff.

First thing you do at the office each morning? Google “What do top women in business do to relax?”

I wish I knew how to … what? Oh dear, so many things. Play the piano, speak fluent Spanish, and survive for a month alone out in the wilderness would probably be my top three.

What’s the next big personal or career challenge you plan to take on? My next big personal challenge will be tackling the Rim-to-Rim Grand Canyon hike in April of 2026 with a group of amazing ladies. Given my knees aren’t what they used to be, I suppose the challenge will be training in the meantime so I can keep up. As for a possible career challenge, I want to work on developing relationships with some new clients, particularly with agencies I already know, respect and admire. Oh, and of course, finally landing a job narrating nature documentaries so I can put that British accent to good use.