Environment DEC
From the October 2005 issue
Governor Nominates Denise M. Sheehan to be Commissioner of DEC
Looking forward to serving as
DEC Commissioner, Denise Sheehan
will continue to build on the many
environmental accomplishments
New York State has achieved in the
past ten and a half years
Governor George E. Pataki recently announced that he has nominated Denise M. Sheehan to be Commissioner of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). Ms. Sheehan has served as DEC's Acting Commissioner since February 3, 2005.
"Throughout her tenure at DEC, Denise Sheehan has consistently demonstrated a strong vision and commitment to protecting and enhancing New York's environment and public health, and has played an important role in helping us achieve significant environmental accomplishments," Governor Pataki said. "Her continued leadership at DEC will be invaluable as we build on these achievements and strive to make the Empire State cleaner, healthier and stronger than ever before."
With DEC Since 1998
Ms. Sheehan joined DEC in 1998 as a special assistant in the Bond Act Office, where she helped coordinate implementation of the $1.75 billion Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act. Prior to joining DEC, Ms. Sheehan worked for nearly 11 years at the New York State Division of the Budget, where she oversaw the budgets of the state's environmental, recreational, and energy agencies.
Ms. Sheehan previously served as DEC's Assistant Commissioner of Administration, where she was responsible for managing and overseeing the agency's administrative functions, including fiscal and personnel, environmental permits, operations, information systems, and public affairs and education.
Deputy Commissioner Since 2002
Prior to being named DEC's Acting Commissioner, Ms. Sheehan held the position of DEC's Executive Deputy Commissioner since January 2002. In this position, she managed the day-to-day operations of DEC and provided policy direction to the agency's executive staff.
"I look forward to serving as DEC Commissioner under the leadership of Governor Pataki and continuing to build on the many environmental accomplishments New York State has achieved in the past ten and a half years," Sheehan said. "DEC will continue to work with our partners in government and in communities across the state to build upon the progress we have achieved in improving water and air quality, preserving open space, and cleaning up contamination throughout the state."
Ms. Sheehan holds a Bachelor of Science in economics and political science from the State University of New York at Oneonta, and a Master of Public Administration from the University at Albany's Rockefeller College of Public Affairs. She lives in the Town of Niskayuna, Schenectady County, with her husband, Michael Miller.
The appointment is subject to confirmation by the State Senate.
