BALTIMORE, MD, (January 19, 2007) – Shari T. Wilson, Acting Secretary, named Robert M. Summers, Ph.D. as Deputy Secretary for the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE). Dr. Summers is a leader in the Chesapeake Bay restoration. His expertise in the water quality, regulatory and voluntary environmental programs position him well to make the changes needed to advance the Bay restoration.

Dr. Summers was appointed Director of the Water Management Administration on July 3, 2001. For 6 years he directed over 300 employees in seven programs, including the Bay Restoration Fund, Stormwater Management, wetlands and waterways, and maintaining the quality of Maryland’s drinking water resources to protect public health.

“I’m proud to serve under Governor O’Malley and, support the efforts of MDE Secretary Shari Wilson in leading the State of Maryland’s efforts to protect and restore the environment,” said Dr. Summers “I look forward to providing technical advice for future regulation, and assuring that the State’s waters, air and land are managed in a professional, science-based way.”

Dr. Summers serves on the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin and the Susquehanna River Basin Commission. Dr. Summers also serves on the Association of State and Interstate Water Pollution Control Administrators. He is also a member of various Chesapeake Bay Program Committees and the State Water Quality Advisory Committee

A 23-year veteran of MDE, Dr. Summers has served as the Director of MDE’s Technical and Regulatory Services Administration, and worked on many aspects of Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay restoration effort, hazardous chemical, oil and nuclear power plant emergency response activities and environmental and public health issues. Dr. Summers holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering from the Johns Hopkins University.

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