Environment DEC
From the February 2005 issue
Governor Announces Departure of DEC Commissioner Erin Crotty
Governor George E. Pataki recently announced that Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Erin M. Crotty is leaving the administration effective February 2, 2005. Crotty became the first female commissioner of DEC in March 2001.
"For nearly four years, Erin has been an effective leader whose professionalism and dedication were instrumental in the success of many of our most important environmental achievements," Governor Pataki said. "Her demonstrated commitment to the protection and preservation of New York State's natural resources and public health has helped shape the future of DEC and secured New York's position as a national environmental leader. She has been an important part of our team, and I am certain she will continue to enjoy success in her future endeavors."
Governor Pataki also announced that Denise M. Sheehan, Executive Deputy Commissioner at DEC, will serve as Acting Commissioner of the agency.
Commissioner's Legacy
As DEC Commissioner, Crotty was instrumental in helping to carry out the Governor's vision of a cleaner, healthier and more protected environment, including reaching agreement on the largest land conservation project in the state's history, enacting a new Superfund and Brownfields law, promulgating some of the strictest acid rain regulations in the country, spearheading efforts to reduce greenhouse gases in the Northeast and proposing a cleanup for Onondaga Lake.
Commissioner Crotty and
Governor Pataki believe
strongly in protecting
New York's environment
"I want to thank Governor Pataki for having given me this extraordinary opportunity and the tremendous privilege of serving as DEC Commissioner," Commissioner Crotty said. "His vision and leadership on environmental issues are inspiring and a driving force behind the significant environmental and public health improvements of our state. This has been a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I am honored to have served as part of the team that has achieved so much for our generation and future generations."
"I also want to thank all DEC employees for their support and efforts to establish a clean and healthy environment for New York State's citizens and natural resources. It has been a privilege to serve as commissioner of such a phenomenal agency."
Commissioner's Background
Cleaning up the Hudson
has been a top priority of
Commissioner Crotty and
Governor Pataki,
shown here releasing
Atlantic sturgeon
into the river
With more than 11 years experience in state government, Crotty has held a number of positions in the public sector, including serving two years as Deputy Commissioner for Water Quality and Environmental Remediation at DEC. At that time, she was responsible for overseeing the state's programs to protect and improve water quality, to clean up contaminated properties and to manage the implementation of the $1.75 billion Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act.
Crotty also served as Governor Pataki's Director of Special Environmental Projects. She was involved in the negotiation and development of the historic New York City Watershed Agreement, implementation of the 1996 Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act and closure of the Fresh Kills Landfill.
Before joining the Pataki Administration, Crotty was a policy analyst for the New York State Senate Commission on Toxic Substances and Hazardous Wastes. She also held a number of positions in the private sector.
Denise Sheehan
Ms. Sheehan has held the position of Executive Deputy Commissioner since January 2002. As DEC's Executive Deputy Commissioner, she reported directly to the Commissioner and managed the day-to-day operations of DEC and provided policy direction to the agency's executive staff.
Prior to her appointment to Executive Deputy Commissioner, Sheehan served as Assistant Commissioner of Administration, where she was responsible for managing and overseeing DEC's administrative functions, including fiscal and personnel, environmental permits, operations, information systems and public affairs and education.
