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Mary Elizabeth Mach, PE recalls much of her childhood spent in and around water—swimming in lakes, exploring streams and adventuring in rivers. It was her appreciation for the natural world that inspired Mach to pursue a career ensuring communities have access to clean, affordable water. 

 

“What I do is deeply rewarding because it allows me to play a role in positively impacting entire communities in meaningful ways,” Mach explained. “Every parent who turns on the tap to bathe their child, every homeowner who relies on clean water to wash their clothes or cook a meal—these are lives our team touches, and we carry that responsibility with care.”

 

As Garver’s Regional Water Director, she oversees the firm’s water and wastewater services in Oklahoma, in addition to five states in the western United States. Since graduating from Oklahoma State University with a bachelor’s degree in Biosystems Engineering, she’s had a front-row seat to some of the state’s most noteworthy water, wastewater and reuse projects for nearly two decades with Garver.

 

“It’s been a joy to help figure out the best solutions for these communities,” she said.

 

Mach cites the Lawton Wastewater Treatment Plant, with its extensive renovations and multi-phase, financially-minded approach, and the Locust Grove Water Treatment Plant, a unique design that ultimately doubled the small town’s water treatment capacity, as two projects that have been both challenging yet exciting to work on. Her time on Norman’s Lake Thunderbird Indirect Potable Reuse Demonstration project proved that producing purified water from water reclamation plants to augment drinking water supplies can be done safely and affordably, which will be critical for future water security. It’s this varied experience that led to her appointment to Oklahoma’s Water Quality Management Advisory Council, on which she’s served since 2019. 

 

An initiative close to Mach’s heart is Garver Connect, an internal group that provides support and connection for all employees by sponsoring companywide events that encourage mentorship and development. It started as a means to highlight female employees, encouraging women to be involved in professional organizations and committees, and providing mentorship opportunities. 

 

“We have a shortage of women engineers. We want to encourage them to stay—not just within our firm, but in the industry as a whole,” she explained. 

 

With World Engineering Day on March 4, Mach underscored the importance of inspiring the next generation of engineers—particularly young women. Garver takes a multifaceted approach, including philanthropic efforts aimed at bringing STEM to more students, internships within the firm that provide students with invaluable real-world experience, and a commitment to not only recruiting but retaining the best young talent to ensure long-term success. 

 

“My job is often challenging,” Mach admitted. “But I want young people to understand that, while engineering can seem daunting, it’s far better to pursue something difficult yet rewarding, rather than choosing an easier path simply to avoid discomfort. Chase something with meaning.” 

 

Take it from Mach; she speaks from experience. 

 

“Safe, reliable water is an essential resource,” Mach said. “To work alongside communities as they navigate the challenges of delivering water to families, while helping them safeguard that water for decades to come, is incredibly fulfilling.”