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Women employees at LACO forge ahead with professional achievements

Women employees at LACO forge ahead with professional achievements

metamorphic rock geology collection in old, wooden typesetter box

EUREKA – Geology Department Manager Christine Manhart has assumed the added responsibilities of company Principal, leading a list of recent achievements announced by LACO Associates President Mike Nelson.

Manhart, who has worked for the engineering consulting firm for eight years, became an owner in 2019 and also recently earned certification as a Hydrogeologist. To gain licensure, Hydrogeology candidates must complete three years of related services and pass a rigorous certification exam.

“As the state of California has made groundwater a higher priority, having a Hydrogeologist on staff is important to LACO’s mission of serving our communities,” Nelson said. “We’re fortunate to have Christine Manhart on staff, both in this role and as a Principal.”

“The ever-increasing reliance on groundwater as a resource requires the input of hydrogeologists to help ensure the public always has access to a safe and secure drinking water supply,” Manhart said. “I want to help people use this resource in a way that is compatible with its availability and competing uses.”

Manhart’s accomplishment, along with those of her female peers, is one the firm considers a valuable step forward in recognizing women in the industry. Following industry advisor, Zweig Group’s recent launch of the ElevatetheIndustry and ElevateHer movements, LACO has stepped up to take on the challenge; to embrace, promote, and fortify the path for equal opportunities.

“I think this is what ElevateHer is about. Recognizing achievements, shining the spotlight—it’s so deserved. We’re helping elevate the industry by elevating her— otherwise the industry never will.” said Marketing Designer, Jessica Carenco.

Other recent accomplishments by LACO women include:

Vanessa Davis, Eureka office, has earned Professional Geologist status. Vanessa recently passed the Practice of Geology and California Specific examinations, earning her full licensure from the Association of State Boards of Geology (ASBOG). Vanessa has been with LACO since 2016.

Kelsey McLaughlin, Ukiah office, has passed the ASBOG Professional Geologist examination. She can achieve full licensure by passing the California Specific examination in the fall.


LACO Associates is a multidisciplinary engineering consulting firm with offices in Eureka, Ukiah, Santa Rosa, Chico, and Fort Bragg. We provide integrated solutions for development, infrastructure, and geo-environmental projects to advance the quality of life for generations to come.

For additional information, please contact Jessica Carenco at (707) 443-5054.