2022 40 Under 40: Ericka Baxter

Since Ericka Baxter became senior environmental director, Conco Cos., a CRH company, has had 100% inspection compliance.  Baxter, 39, is clearly detail oriented, and she extends that diligent oversight throughout her community on the Missouri Air Conservation Commission; as chair and co-chair of leading state and national trade organizations; and by promoting policy to reduce carbon footprints.

Baxter works to ensure no Conco employee is overlooked. She is part of a female employee support group at the company. She enjoys hosting local grade school or college groups for tours, and is a foster parent.

Best productivity hack? I have to have music playing while I’m working and if I’m into something technical, it has to be instrumental. 

What did you learn the hard way? As a woman in a very male-dominated field, if I don’t take the initiative to speak up for myself, no one else will.

Best piece of advice you’ve ever received? My parents said, “Always assume the best.” In marriage or in work, this has led to me having a glass-half-full mentality and has helped resolve many issues before they even started.

Favorite hobby or creative outlet? I play piano and sing, both for church and for myself. Our whole family does, actually. Imagine the von Trapps from “The Sound of Music.”