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40 Under 40: Kimberly Caringer, Tahoe Regional Planning Agency

  Tahoe Chamber  |   September 22, 2020   |   40 Under 40

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“It is amazing to work for the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency because they value and support this collaborative work.”

Kimberly Caringer is the Environmental Improvement Program Division Manager for the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency where she works to collaboratively find solutions to tough environmental challenges with the help of many different stakeholders and land managers. When not at work, Kimberly is an active member of the local Crossfit community, where she has organized many fundraisers through the gym to raise money for breast cancer research.

Congratulations to this week’s 40 under 40 honoree, Kimberly Caringer!

Can you tell us a little about your responsibilities and accomplishments in your current position?

In my position, I coordinate the Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program (EIP). The EIP is a partnership of nearly 80 organizations collaboratively working together across the region to restore the environment, improve public access and build environmental stewardship among our visitors and residents. I work as a facilitator amongst the many different land managers and stakeholders to set priorities, find solutions to tough environmental challenges, and seek out public and private funding that we can leverage together to put projects on the ground.

It is amazing to work for the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency because they value and support this collaborative work. In my nearly six years working there, we have assisted in planning, permitting, and funding hundreds of projects that make Tahoe a better place, and that feels very gratifying.

What has been your favorite professional moment in the last year?

Launching the collaborative Tahoe Keys aquatic invasive weed control project. For years the weed problem has been growing in the Tahoe Keys and has threatened the lake’s water quality. Last year a lot of the stars aligned to get new players engaged, acquire some new funding sources, build on the previous work of the Tahoe Keys homeowners and start to collaboratively work together on a very complex and daunting problem. We have made a ton of progress over the last year and I am looking forward to when we can see a project on the ground from all of our hard work.

Do you have a professional/life mantra that you live by?

“You gotta go slow to go fast”.  If there is one thing I have learned from being a professional mediator and facilitator for over a decade, it is that partnership building and collaboration take time. When you are faced with a huge environmental challenge that many people have differing views on how to solve, you must take time to determine who has a stake in that problem, understand the history, get on the same page of what the final goal is, and work together to develop a plan on how to get there. All that time spent upfront is well worth it to avoid misunderstandings and delays later down the line. In the end, you have a better project that now has ambassadors and champions to make sure it happens!

Who is your role model?

I love that Lake Tahoe has embraced so many women in leadership and executive positions that are making such a positive impact in our region. This is reflected in my own agency and all around the basin including local county supervisors, CEOs of non-profits and directors of public and private organizations.  I look up to all of them as they have really paved the way here for the next generation of leaders.

Why choose Tahoe to make your home and career?

It is a familiar story. The first time I saw Lake Tahoe I was awestruck, and I vowed to come back and make it my home. The beauty and culture of Tahoe just captured me, and I wanted to be a part of managing it and protecting it.

Are you active in any volunteer roles or community groups?

I have been active in the Crossfit community since I moved here, both through South Tahoe Crossfit and Crossfit Lake Tahoe. In the last five years I have organized several fundraisers at the gym for breast cancer, raising more than $20,000 for local and national non-profits. Crossfit has always been more than just a place to workout. It serves as a great local hub where people build friendships, support each other and strengthen the community as a whole.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?

I love exploring all of what Tahoe has to offer whether it be on a snowboard, mountain bike or boat.  Many days are spent with my boyfriend JT Chevallier and my dog Jackson checking out new trails and working on the new house we just bought.

Where are your favorite South Shore stomping grounds?

I love the East Shore – in the summer you can often find me catching a sunset at Roundhill Pines or the many other east shore beaches.

Do you know a deserving young professional? Nominate them here


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