This month, we are happy to introduce Hollaway’s GIS Specialist + Senior Environmental Scientist I, Chris Garza.
Chris attended St. Edward’s University, where he obtained his Bachelor of Science in Biology. After graduating in 2011, Chris attended Texas A&M University for a Master of Science in Forestry and received a Geographical Information Systems (GIS) certificate at the university. After graduate school, Chris started his professional career as an applied ecologist with the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center.
In October 2018, Chris started working at Hollaway Environmental + Communications Services on the environmental team. Chris quickly adapted to the position and was soon leading Waters of the United States delineations, Threatened and Endangered Species Habitat Assessments, and Phase I Environmental Site Assessments. Chris has also assisted Hollaway with tree surveys, wetland mitigation, technical report writing, GIS, project management, and coordination with clients, agencies, and contractors. Chris took a hiatus from his time with Hollaway to move to Austin, Texas, but returned in November 2023 as Hollaway was continuing to expand into Central Texas.
Chris is a Certified Ecologist, Certified Arborist, and Certified Restoration Practitioner in Training. Beyond the aforementioned activities with Hollaway, his work experience includes plant inventories, ecosystem restoration, invasive species management, landscape management, and scientific education. Chris serves on the board of directors for Travis Audubon Society and as a trustee for Central Texas Mycological Society and actively volunteers with both.
Outside of work, Chris can be found gardening native plants in his yard, rock climbing at a local crag, or hiking with his partner, Bre, and his two dogs, Vashti and Luna.
We're so happy to have Chris (back) on our team! His well-rounded proficiency with various skills makes him an incredible asset in the field, with GIS, and with managing projects.
To learn more about our team, visit us at www.hollawayenv.com.