August 29, 2006

ROMNEY NAMES ARLEEN O’DONNELL AS ACTING COMMISSIONER OF MASSDEP

Governor Mitt Romney today announced his appointment of Arleen O’Donnell as acting commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP). O’Donnell replaces former Commissioner Robert Golledge, who has been named environmental affairs secretary.

“Arleen O’Donnell has been an important player in our efforts to deliver environmental results while streamlining the regulatory process,” said Romney. “She is a career environmental professional who is well qualified to continue the innovative initiatives we have put in place.”

O’Donnell has served at MassDEP for 17 years, most recently as the Deputy Commissioner for Policy and Planning. As Deputy Commissioner she oversaw policy and regulatory issues, strategic planning, information management and the Office of Research and Standards. From 1989 to 2000, she was Assistant Commissioner in charge of the Bureau of Resource Protection, where she managed water resources regulatory programs as well as the drinking water and wastewater State Revolving Fund program.

“I have worked closely with Arleen throughout my career at MassDEP and I know that her experience and leadership will serve the agency and its environmental goals well,” said Secretary Golledge.

At MassDEP, O’Donnell helped to implement the voluntary dental mercury amalgam reduction program in conjunction with the Massachusetts Dental Society, successfully reducing the amount of mercury entering the environment. She also managed the promulgation of both the Rivers Protection Act and storm water regulations, helped to tighten rules for drinking water withdrawals and worked with the Secretary of Environmental Affairs on the Statewide Watershed Initiative.

“I am honored to serve as the commissioner of an agency that is vital to the protection of our Commonwealth’s natural resources and the public health,” said O’Donnell. “MassDEP has built an excellent record of environmental results over the past three and a half years, and I intend to continue those good works.”

Prior to joining MassDEP, O’Donnell was Director of Education and Public Policy for the Massachusetts Audubon Society, where she worked on environmental policies and legislation. She also worked on regional and local environmental issues at the Metropolitan Area Planning Council in Boston and for the towns of Braintree and Concord.

O’Donnell graduated from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst with degrees in Zoology and Environmental Science and earned a Master of Science in Civil Engineering and Urban/Environmental Policy from Tufts University. She has received numerous awards for her environmental work, including the 2000 Public Servant of the Year from the Environmental League of Massachusetts and the 2000 Government Service Award from the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers’ Association.

O’Donnell resides in Winchester with her husband and their son.

###