Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Director Adam Ortiz has been named Regional Administrator for the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Mid-Atlantic Region.
After almost three years of leading Montgomery County DEP, Adam Ortiz has been appointed Regional Administrator for the EPA’s Mid-Atlantic Region. Ortiz will be the first Marylander to serve as EPA Regional Administrator.
According to the Montgomery Press Release:
“Our County’s success is a testament to the talented people we recruit and promote,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “Adam Ortiz has been a standout leader in my administration. He has been at the forefront of our aggressive efforts to combat climate change and has implemented key reforms within DEP to better serve our residents and protect our environment. Combining these accomplishments with an already impressive career, I am not surprised President Biden has selected Adam for a national leadership role. His appointment is yet another example of the caliber of people we have here working in the County government. Although we will miss his leadership and innovation inside County government, I am happy that Adam will still be working daily to protect the local environment as our region’s EPA administrator.”
According to the EPA Press Release:
“I am grateful to have Adam’s leadership on critical matters in Region 3, including restoring and improving the health of the Chesapeake Bay, addressing water quality across the region, and ensuring robust engagement with diverse communities on issues ranging from agriculture to environmental justice,” said EPA Administrator EPA Michael S. Regan. “I look forward to working with Adam to fulfill EPA’s mission.”
“I am excited and honored to assist President Biden and Administrator Regan to address the great environmental challenges before us,” said Adam Ortiz. “The mid-Atlantic region is rich in both environmental treasures and innovative solutions. I look forward to working closely with local and state governments, advocates, utilities, Tribes, and other community stakeholders to ensure our part of the country leads the way for environmental protection.”
Director Ortiz’s last day of service in Montgomery County will be Friday, Oct. 29. Climate Change Officer Adriana Hochberg will serve as acting director of DEP until a new director is appointed by County Executive Marc Elrich and confirmed by the Montgomery County Council.
