|
Secretary Shari T. Wilson stepped down after serving a full term as the top official in the Maryland Department of the Environment. Dr. Robert M. Summers, who had been Deputy Secretary of the agency, was named Acting Secretary.
Secretary Wilson requested that she not be considered for a second four-year term. During her last week in office, Governor Martin O’Malley designated her “Admiral of the Chesapeake Bay” in recognition of her decades of work to protect and restore Maryland’s environment. The award is the highest honor a Maryland governor can bestow on an individual for environmental contributions.
Under Secretary Wilson’s leadership, MDE: led development of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Implementation Plan; restored a consistent baseline of environmental enforcement; implemented the State’s first controls of coal combustion byproducts; led the Maryland Climate Commission, which developed a plan to address climate change; upgraded stormwater runoff controls; led the development and implementation of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative; improved efficiency; and assessed two of its largest penalties ever.
Governor Martin O’Malley commended Secretary Wilson for her service.
“Her leadership to forge consensus for Maryland’s approach to climate change and reducing stormwater pollution, as well as her efforts to increase efficiency and accountability within the agency are to be commended,” Governor O’Malley said. “Shari brought an in-depth knowledge of environmental and public health issues to MDE, and her expertise will be missed.”
“Serving Governor O’Malley and the State is an honor,” Secretary Wilson said when she announced her decision not to seek a second term. “The Governor is a leader with a great vision for Maryland’s environment. Restoring the Bay will be a win-win for the State and its economic future, and the Governor’s approach to frequently and routinely measuring progress of the Chesapeake Bay restoration is right on target and will make the difference.”
Secretary Wilson’s resignation became effective Dec. 6.
Governor O’Malley announced that Acting Secretary Summers will serve until a new Secretary is named.
|
