Heather McKenney, of Marblehead, has been appointed to the Green Ribbon Science Panel (GRSP) by the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC).
McKenney is the Science and Safer Chemistry Lead for ChemFORWARD, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing safer chemistry, according to a press release from the organization.
“The GRSP is composed of preeminent scientists and technical experts who provide advice and input on critical green chemistry and chemicals policy matters to support the Safer Consumer Products (SCP) Program,” the press release said.
McKenney expressed honor in joining the panel and being able to help make products safer for people and the environment.
“I was fortunate to have credentials or practical experience in many of the areas of interest to the Department in the 2024 call for applications,” McKenney said.
Her qualifications align with the New Approach Methodologies for chemical hazard assessment, maternal and child health, supply chain management, alternatives analysis, product formulation, and reducing chemical exposures in communities disproportionately impacted by pollution and other environmental justice populations, according to McKenney.
McKenney’s career journey began during an environmental health course as an undergraduate.
“I learned that chemicals and products sold in the U.S. are not required to undergo any standardized safety assessment before they are placed on the market,” she said.
This realization sparked a sense of urgency and responsibility in McKenney to help change the chemical landscape and enable the development of safer consumer products in the U.S.
She also grew up on a Marblehead Housing Authority property, which led to a personal investment in changing the landscape for individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, who are more likely to be exposed to hazardous chemicals through the products they purchase.
“I then attended Boston University School of Public Health to pursue a Master of Public Health (MPH) in Environmental Health,” she said.
There, McKenney expanded her understanding of chemicals of concern from various environmental sources—food, water, consumer products, and more.
“The program also provided key insights into disparate impacts experienced by environmental justice populations with which I had less personal experience, such as racial and ethnic implications, fenceline communities, worker health, pregnant people and their developing babies, and people with disabilities,” McKenney said.
McKenney also reflected on her time at Marblehead High School, from which she graduated in 2011.
“I am absolutely certain that I would not have landed where I am had I not attended Marblehead Public Schools. The school system is incredible, the teachers are phenomenal, and they work tirelessly to ensure the success of their students. I am indebted to each and every teacher I had in MPS,” she said.
She also acknowledged the educational advantage she gained as a child of a low-income family in Marblehead, benefiting from a respected school system with reasonably sized classrooms, excellent resources, and rich extracurricular activities.
“I am forever grateful for the local individuals and organizations that support students with financial needs wishing to attend college,” McKenney said. “I received several scholarships, from Rotary Clubs to the Marblehead Fire Department’s annual scholarships. It’s exceptional that I didn’t have to take on massive amounts of private loans to attend college, even though my Expected Family Contribution for college was $0.”
McKenney entered the job market with a fierce desire to change how consumer products are made, with the goal that safer, more equitable products become the norm during her lifetime.
“My first job out of grad school was my dream job: to build the Toxicology program at The Honest Company, a consumer products company specializing in safer and more sustainable diapers, baby personal care, beauty, and cleaning products,” she said.
Her transition to ChemFORWARD was driven by a desire to expand her experience beyond safer beauty, personal care, and cleaning products.
“As the Science and Safer Chemistry Lead at ChemFORWARD, I oversee the Data Trust, which houses comprehensive Chemical Hazard Assessments. I regularly partner with leading brands, such as Apple, Google, Ulta Beauty, and Sephora, to support their data-driven safer chemistry goals.”
McKenney looks forward to supporting the development of safer consumer products in her community of Los Angeles.
“I am humbled to serve alongside accomplished, passionate change-makers and to follow past members who dedicated their careers to safer chemistry,” she said.
