For Immediate Release: March 2, 2015
Contact: Taylor Gage, 402-471-1970

GOV. RICKETTS NAMES DEPARTMENT
OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY DIRECTOR

Photograph attached
 

Lincoln – Today, Governor Pete Ricketts announced that Jim Macy of Jefferson City, Missouri would serve as the next Director of the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality. After an interview process, the Environmental Quality Council forwarded finalists to Governor Ricketts who selected Macy as the department’s new director.

From 2012 to 2014, Macy served as the Director for the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Financial Assistance Center which provides funding for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects. During his tenure in this position, Macy developed and executed a plan to produce annual reports to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) which had become an issue during EPA audits of the agency. He also developed and executed on a $54 million plan to address underutilization of drinking water grant and loan funds to address concerns raised by an Inspector General’s review of the program.

Previously, Macy has served in a variety of capacities throughout the Missouri Department of Natural Resources including roles as the Environmental Compliance Section Chief, the Division Director of Field Services, the Regional Director of the Kansas City Regional Office, a Soil and Water District Coordinator, and an Environmental Specialist.

Macy holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with an emphasis in Animal Science and a Master’s in Education with a focus on Vocational/Technical Education from the University of Missouri-Columbia. In 2001, Macy received the EPA National Notable Achievement Award for Outstanding RCRA Stakeholder Involvement Team of the Year.

“I look forward to working with the Ricketts administration to streamline regulatory processes,” said Jim Macy. “Like my home state, agriculture is Nebraska’s number one industry. I look forward to working with business owners and ag producers across the state in a spirit of cooperation and collaboration.”

“Jim has developed broad experience from a variety of assignments,” said Governor Pete Ricketts. “Whether he’s working with farmers or municipalities, his experience will aid the department as it seeks to provide fair and thoughtful programming and regulation for Nebraska’s air, land, and water resources.”

Macy will start March 9, 2015. His salary will be $120,000.