ChemFORWARD Welcomes Dr. Anna E. Montgomery as Director of Operations
February 4, 2026 - We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Anna Montgomery has joined the ChemFORWARD leadership team as our new Director of Operations. As ChemFORWARD continues to scale its impact and transition into an independent 501(c)(3) organization, Anna’s expertise in organizational science and nonprofit leadership will be instrumental in shaping our next chapter.
A Leader at the Intersection of Science and Strategy
Anna brings over 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership and environmental consulting. Her career has been defined by a unique ability to blend rigorous scientific research with visionary operational strategy. In previous roles, Anna led technology transformations and collaborative partnerships to advance sustainable chemistry and also delivered innovative policy and research programs focused on improving public and environmental health. Her deep roots in the field are further evidenced by her extensive research and writing, including co-authoring numerous studies on chemical alternatives assessment for state and federal agencies.
Driving Operational Excellence and Innovation
At ChemFORWARD, Anna will oversee the systems, processes, and culture that sustain our growth. Her role is critical as we build the "operational backbone" of our organization—ensuring that our data-driven mission to end chemical hazard uncertainty is supported by a robust, scalable infrastructure.
Anna’s track record of innovation makes her a perfect fit for our team:
Technological Transformation: She has a proven history of implementing technology transitions that significantly save staff time and costs—most recently saving over $250,000 annually through database integration.
AI Integration: Anna is a proponent of using Generative AI to increase impact, aligning with ChemFORWARD’s goal to integrate automation into operational workflows for greater efficiency.
Financial Stewardship: With experience managing budgets up to $4M and securing multi-million-dollar funding, she brings the financial acumen necessary to navigate our transition to an independent entity.
"Scaling our mission requires more than just great data; it requires operational excellence and the ability to build durable, scalable systems. Anna’s leadership will ensure our internal systems are as innovative and reliable as the science we provide to the world," said Stacy Glass, CEO of ChemFORWARD.
A Commitment to Mission and Growth
Anna holds a Doctorate in Organizational Change & Leadership and a Master’s of Public Administration with a focus on nonprofit leadership from the University of Southern California, along with a bachelor’s degree in Biology from Colorado College. Her academic background in organizational behavior and genetic ecology provides a rare perspective that bridges the gap between scientific complexity and organizational effectiveness.
Anna also holds an executive leadership position at Change Chemistry and previously served as the Executive Director of Northwest Green Chemistry.
Beyond her professional achievements, Anna is a dedicated community leader, serving as a school board chair and a mentor for youth programs. We are honored to have her leadership as we continue to advance human and environmental equity through safer chemistry.
Please join us in welcoming Dr. Anna Montgomery to the team!
