Melissa Gilliland has been with Talon/LPE for four years and has grown from an Environmental Scientist to the Regional Manager of the Permian Basin. She works hard to ensure that Talon/LPE is delivering the best service in the area. That's why she's been chosen for this month's Employee Spotlight! Meet Melissa Gilliland!

1. What is your favorite thing about working for Talon/LPE?

My favorite thing about working for Talon is the people I am surrounded by each day.  Within each office, we treat each other like family. But, we also have the multi-office structure that allows us to tackle any large project and share resources.

We genuinely care  about our coworkers personal well-being, family life, success and sorrows. However, we also pride ourselves in the service that we give to clients and we work hard to give the bets service every project.

2. What brought you to Talon/LPE?

I came to Talon/LPE for the challenge.  I had a biology and chemistry background and wanted to find something that I was passionate about.  The District Manager at the time was whole-heartedly passionate about what Talon was capable of and it was infectious. I accepted the job as an Environmental Scientist and jumped in head first.

3. Out of our ten principles, which one do you value most? Why?

Integrity- We will do what is right every time, period.

I appreciate that there no room for error when it comes to doing what is right. I believe that this principle truly represents Talon/LPE because we do not and will not cut corners in order to make a quick profit or satisfy a client. We believe in the integrity of the state regulations, the recommendations of our safety team, and the competency of our staff.  Our integrity fuels our reputation and every employee works towards doing the right thing every time, period.

4. What do you like most about the Midland Team?

The Midland Team is willing to go above and beyond in order to give the best service to our clients. It is not unusual to see management level positions working a shovel in order to get the project completed quickly and financially responsibly.  The Midland staff knows our individual roles, but we are also willing to help each other and other offices.  

5. What skill set do you feel strongest in at Talon/LPE? Why?

I think my greatest strength is Emergency Spill Management and Response.   For our clients, spills can be a very frustrating and stressful time. I pride myself in being able to move resources, mitigate spills, and assure the client that we have it taken care of as quickly as possible.  Spills tend to happen at inconvenient times, (nights/weekends/holidays) and having a consultant that you can trust to handle your emergency 24/7 is important.

6. What has been your proudest moment while working at Talon/LPE?

My proudest moment at Talon/LPE was at one of our recent oils that impacted a creek for approximately 2.5 miles. Once response assignments were given to the Midland Staff, they jumped on spill containment as quickly as possible.  Within 12 hours, an access road and an underflow dam was constructed, containment boom was deployed, recovery systems were staged and fluid was being skimmed from the surface.  I was proud of my staff for dropping everything and getting the site under control as quickly as possible.

7. What do you like to do in your free time?

I played softball in college and was a pitcher. While I am now just a "has-been" I still miss being in the softball scene.  So in my free time, I give pitching and hitting lessons to young girls in the area.   I also enjoy being around family, friends, my husband Anthony, and our two sweet pups  Kimber and Kai.