ANNAPOLIS, MD (April 12, 2002) - Governor Parris N. Glendening today announced that he has accepted the resignation of Jane T. Nishida as Maryland's Secretary of the Department of Environment (MDE), effective April 26th.

"Jane Nishida has served the people of Maryland admirably and with great distinction," said Governor Glendening. "Maryland has enjoyed an historic period of economic growth and prosperity, while at the same time taken unparalleled steps strengthening our commitment to protecting our environment. Jane has been a leader in those efforts and has been a valuable and essential member of our Smart Growth team. She will be missed and I extend my deepest thanks and wish her the best as she pursues new opportunities."

Secretary Nishida will be leaving MDE to join an international consulting firm that provides assistance to developing countries, particularly in Asia, on environmental management practices and regulatory reform initiatives. She will be the Senior Policy Advisor to PADCO, Planning and Development Collaborative International, which is based in Washington, D.C.

"The decision to leave MDE was a very difficult one for me to make. For the past almost eight years as Secretary, I have had the extraordinary opportunity to protect Maryland's environment and serve the citizens of our state," said Secretary Nishida. "It has been the most exciting and rewarding position that I have ever held and, without question, the highlight of my career."

Ms. Nishida was sworn in as Maryland's Secretary of the Environment by Governor Glendening on March 27, 1995. As Secretary, she directed all aspects of pollution prevention, environmental regulation and environmental enforcement in Maryland. Programs under the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) include air quality control of stationary and mobile sources, management of hazardous and solid waste, oil control, regulation of wastewater discharges and public drinking water, wetlands protection, environmental risk assessment and financial assistance for environmental restoration. MDE has a combined operating and capital budget of approximately $250 million and employs a diverse staff of scientists, engineers, planners, lawyers and other professionals.

Prior to becoming Secretary, Ms. Nishida served as the Maryland Executive Director of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation from 1991 to 1995. She also served as the Deputy Legislative Officer for Governor William Donald Schaefer and as Assistant Legislative Officer for Governor Harry Hughes. Before joining Governor Hughes, Ms. Nishida held numerous positions with the Maryland General Assembly, including Counsel to the House Environmental Matters Committee and Senate Economics Affairs Committee.

Ms. Nishida is a graduate of Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon and earned her law degree at the Georgetown University Law Center.

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