BALTIMORE (November 17, 1999) – The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) Secretary Jane Nishida has announced the appointment of Ann Marie DeBiase of Ellicott City as director of the Air and Radiation Management Administration (ARMA). As director, DeBiase will be responsible for the implementation and management of the state’s air pollution and radiation protection programs.

"Ann Marie’s background and expertise in managing air pollution control programs and as legal counsel make her the ideal person to fill this important position," said MDE Secretary Jane Nishida.

Prior to her appointment as director, DeBiase served as ARMA’s deputy director for 3 1/2 years, and was an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Maryland assigned to MDE for 17 years where she handled a variety of enforcement and appellate matters, primarily in the fields of air pollution and hazardous waste. While in the Office of the Attorney General, DeBiase also served as MDE Deputy Counsel for nearly seven years.

"It’s like coming full circle," said DeBiase. "I originally began my career here in 1970 as a Sanitarian working with air pollution in ARMA’s predecessor agency at the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene."

DeBiase holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the College of Notre Dame of Maryland and a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Maryland Law School.

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