Life as an Owner: Keara Fehr

Our employee-owners are the foundation of Alliant’s success — their innovation, integrity, and commitment drive us forward and make Alliant a top workplace.

Join us for our series, “Life as an Owner,” where we highlight the people who bring our values to life.

Meet Keara Fehr, a Senior Environmental specialist at Alliant. Based in our Minneapolis office, Keara has been with Alliant since 2018. She earned her degrees in Biology and Environmental Science, and brings a diverse background in environmental work to her role. Prior to joining Alliant, Keara gained experience in the environmental industry through a variety of local and state government roles, as well as work at another consulting firm. Today, she plays a key role in supporting projects that balance development needs with environmental guidance.

We sat down with Keara to learn more about what inspired her career path, the projects that have shaped her journey, and what employee ownership means to her.

Why did you choose environmental as a career, Keara?

I chose environmental industry as a career because it combines my love of the outdoors with meaningful work that makes a tangible impact. I grew up attending an overnight camp in Missouri, where I developed a deep appreciation for nature and the outdoors. That experience played a big role in shaping my interest in environmental science. It inspired me to pursue a career where I could contribute to projects that protect and improve the environment.

You’ve likely worked on a wide range of projects — can you share one that stands out to you?

One of the first projects I worked on after starting at Alliant was an industrial development in White Bear Township. The project was unique because it required a significant amount of wetland impact, and the watershed required on-site wetland creation as part of the developer’s mitigation plan. It’s one of the few projects where I was involved throughout the entire lifecycle. From initial wetland delineation prior to construction, through design and permitting, and into construction and post-construction monitoring over a five-year period. Seeing the wetland mitigation perform well, and observing how it evolved over time made the project especially impactful and rewarding.

Are you involved in any professional organizations or initiatives through Alliant?

I’m involved in several professional organizations and internal initiatives at Alliant. Externally, I’m a member of the Minnesota Wetland Professionals group and the Minnesota Association of Environmental Professionals.

Internally, I was part of the Young Professionals Group when it first launched, served on the Recruitment and Retention team, and in 2022, I led the parental leave initiative, helping establish Alliant’s parental leave plan. I also help support our Trailblazers initiative by teaching young people about environmental careers.

Through these experiences, I’ve gained valuable leadership and collaboration skills, expanded my professional network, and had the opportunity to contribute to initiatives that positively impact both employees and company culture.

How has Alliant supported your professional growth or helped you reach your goals?

Alliant has supported my professional growth by trusting me with a wide range of projects and encouraging me to explore new services for our group. Leadership has also been consistently open to professional development and technical training opportunities that I’ve requested to further build my expertise. That support, combined with the variety of opportunities available at Alliant, has helped me reach important milestones and develop skills that continue to advance my career.

What advice would you give to someone considering a career in this industry?

Stay curious, take initiative, and take advantage of opportunities to gain experience across different types of projects. This industry is constantly evolving, so being adaptable to new regulations, technologies, and approaches is essential.

Strong communication and collaboration skills are just as important as technical knowledge. Building relationships can go a long way in supporting long-term success in the environmental field.

What are you passionate about outside of work?

I love being outside — which probably doesn’t surprise anyone. Most of my outdoor time these days is shaped by whatever activities my kids are interested in, which usually means walking, exploring parks and playgrounds, and trying out whatever outdoor sport they’re excited about.

When I get time to myself, I enjoy running, walking, and biking. I’ve also been trying to get more into landscaping and reading.

If you had to choose, what’s been your favorite Alliant event?

Even though I’ve only ever been once, the annual golf event is still one of my favorite events.

What do you think sets Alliant apart as a place to build your career?

I think Alliant’s ESOP structure, combined with its unique culture and size, truly sets it apart as a place to build a career. Being employee-owned creates a stronger sense of investment, and the firm’s size allows individuals to have a meaningful impact. We have real opportunities to contribute to initiatives and help shape the organization in ways that likely wouldn’t be possible at a larger firm.

As employee-owners, the work we do every day contributes to something bigger. At Alliant, we’re not just delivering projects — we’re building communities and shaping our future together.

You can be part of it, too. Explore career opportunities and discover what it means to be an employee-owner like Keara.