The 2023 Women Leaders in Consulting: Anne Choate

Anne Choate leads ICF's energy, environment and infrastructure business—a team of 2,700+ professionals who advise commercial, federal, state, and local clients on energy markets, climate change, clean energy, environmental planning, conservation, transportation planning and disaster management.

With 25+ years of experience working at the intersection of clean energy, climate change, resilience and transportation, Anne has built and utilized state-of-the-art models to track lifecycle emissions, monitor carbon in soils, and pioneer approaches for indicator-based climate risk assessments. She's supported decarbonization planning and carbon target-setting activities at the federal level and in nearly all 50 states; led resiliency efforts for multiple cities and investor-owned utilities; and advised dozens of national parks, estuary programs, transit agencies and state departments of transportation.

Anne is a member of the Standing Committee on Extreme Weather and Climate Change Adaptation under the National Academies of Science/Transportation Research Board. She was an author of the National Climate Assessment, released November 2018, and serves as a trustee on the Pennsylvania/Delaware Board of The Nature Conservancy.

Anne is a senior fellow with the ICF Climate Center where she provides compelling research and objective perspectives on a wide range of topics to help advance climate conversations and accelerate climate action."

What do you consider your greatest personal or professional achievement?

I take immense pride in the groundbreaking work that my team has done and continues to do at ICF. I am inspired by their passion and expertise every day. They are at the forefront of making a positive environmental impact, whether it's through optimizing energy consumption, enabling renewable energy generation, addressing climate risks, or protecting and preserving our natural resources. Their work is truly building a more resilient world for all.

My team of 2,700+ professionals operate at the crossroads of decarbonization and resilience, providing valuable guidance to a diverse range of clients, including commercial, federal, state and local entities. Their expertise spans energy markets, climate change, clean energy, environmental planning, conservation, transportation planning, disaster management and more. They are developing cutting-edge technologies that support decarbonization planning and the establishment of achievable carbon reduction targets. They are creating innovative approaches to assess climate-related risks and modernizing aging infrastructures, namely the energy grid. And they have been on the ground for the biggest, most significant natural disasters in recent U.S. history, helping impacted citizens get back on their feet and into their homes.

My team has an unwavering commitment to finding innovative solutions to some of the most complex challenges of our generation. It's truly humbling to witness their passion for creating a more sustainable and resilient future for communities, organizations, and the environment as a whole. I'm deeply honored to lead such an inspiring and dedicated team.

What's the best advice—consulting or otherwise—you've ever received?

It's a marathon, not a sprint. That was the advice I was given by one of my mentors and I return to that advice often in different contexts. In consulting, the pace is fast, the expectations are high, and the teams are dynamic. Realizing that you are in it for the long haul and taking 1 mile or one segment at a time—optimizing and managing conditions in the moment, but with an eye toward the future—has served me well.

What advice would you give to a female consultant just beginning her career?

To any consultant, but especially those starting their careers, I'd offer this guidance: Your professional journey and growth potential are entirely within your control. What you put into your career is what you will get out of it. Personally, I've embraced the philosophy of being "all in."

Moreover, choosing to work for a company whose values align with yours makes your commitment more natural and fulfilling. This is particularly important as a wife and mother. I have had to miss lots of games and school events over the years, but my family knows that I have a commitment to improving decision- making in ways that are important for communities and for the planet. They are proud of the work I/we do.

I see this same personal commitment in my colleagues every day at ICF. It is a company full of people deeply passionate about making a positive impact in the world. When you're genuinely enthusiastic about your work, you can be more successful and feel more fulfilled.

And finally, don't sell yourself short. It's healthy to test your own boundaries and step outside of your comfort zone. It's in these moments of challenge and growth that you'll discover highly rewarding professional and personal experiences and development. Your career is a journey. It's yours to shape.

What does this recognition mean to you?

I am humbled and appreciative of the ALM Women Leaders in Consulting Leadership Excellence in Leadership Award as a validation of my career journey to date. I started at ICF as a research assistant right out of school and now lead a large and diverse operating group. My success is due to the amazing team of professionals at ICF. I'm incredibly proud of the work we're now doing together to deliver on our purpose—to build a more prosperous and resilient world for all.