Kara Godineaux

Biography

Kara Godineaux is an accomplished environmental chemist, quality assurance leader, and public sector professional with more than twenty-five years of experience analytical chemistry, regulatory compliance, and environmental protection across federal, municipal, and private sector organizations. Her career spans analytical chemistry, method development, environmental compliance, stormwater, drinking water, and wastewater programs, and quality assurance oversight for complex scientific and regulatory environments. Kara’s federal service includes her tenure at the United States Environmental Protection Agency, where she served as Director of Quality Assurance. In this role, she provided strategic, administrative, and technical leadership to scientists, managers, and research teams across the Agency. Before joining EPA, Kara supported municipal water and environmental programs including environmental inspections and investigations, environmental sampling and ensuring compliance with local, state and federal requirements. Kara’s laboratory and quality systems experience spans multiple organizations both private, state and federal laboratories, She has supervised laboratory teams, validated analytical methods, implemented quality management systems, and ensured compliance with ISO, CLIA, NELAP, EPA, USDA, and FDA standards. Her early career included roles in environmental sampling, drinking water and wastewater analysis, and regulatory compliance across military and federal facilities. Throughout her professional journey, Kara has been recognized for her ability to translate complex scientific and regulatory requirements into clear, actionable guidance while fostering strong team performance and operational excellence. Kara holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Austin Peay State University, a Master of Science in Occupational Safety and Health with a concentration in Environmental Management from Columbia Southern University, and a Specialist Certification in Environmental Regulations from the University of Texas Arlington. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Studies at Antioch University New England, where her research focuses on water governance, equity, and environmental justice.