ANNAPOLIS, MD (September 9, 2002) - Governor Parris N. Glendening today announced the appointment of Richard F. Pecora as Maryland Secretary of the Environment effective immediately. Acting Secretary Merrylin Zaw-Mon will resume her position as Deputy Secretary.

"Richard Pecora brings a wealth of experience in State government, an invaluable understanding of how State agencies should be managed and a passion for the environment and people of Maryland," said Governor Glendening. "I want to thank Merrylin for the tremendous work she has done as Acting Secretary. I know she will continue to play a critical role during this transition period and as she continues her work as Deputy Secretary. Preserving and protecting our environment remains a top priority, and I am confident Richard will be an outstanding Secretary as we work to build on the environmental accomplishments that have made Maryland a national leader."

Richard Pecora has been the Deputy Secretary at the Maryland Department of General Services (DGS) since 1999. As Deputy Secretary, he advised the Secretary on all department activities, planned strategies and shared responsibility with the Secretary for management of DGS. Pecora came to DGS from the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), where he served in the Office of Real Estate Development as Assistant to the Secretary of Transportation from May 1999 to December 1999. He was responsible for handling real estate development and coordinating the real estate efforts of MDOT and its affiliated modes. While at MDOT, Pecora also served as the Special Assistant for Planning and Business Development at the Maryland Port Administration from June 1996 to May 1999. In 1987, he was appointed the Assistant Secretary for Operations at the Maryland Department of the Environment before beginning his first stint as Deputy Secretary of DGS from 1991-1996.

A native of Baltimore, Pecora received a B.S. degree from the University of Maryland in 1967 and earned his law degree from the University of Baltimore School of Law in 1970.

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