Alabama Department of Environmental Management announces new leadership

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June 16, 2025

The Alabama Department of Environmental Management will soon be operating under new leadership after a recent vote from the agency’s seven-member commission.

According to the department, the group has elected Edward Poolos, a former agency employee for 25 years to the role. Poolos currently serves as the Deputy Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

Following his appointment to the position, the future director issued a statement thanking state leaders for their faith in his leadership.

“I am extremely grateful for Commissioner Blankenship and Gov. Ivey for putting their trust in me in helping lead the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. I learned a lot,” Poolos said. “ADEM and ADCNR have two big things in common — serving the people and protecting the environment.”

Poolos says he is thrilled to return to ADEM.

“I know the Department well — its dedicated staff and its mission. I am 100 percent invested in making the department better, safeguarding the environment and protecting the health and well-being of all Alabamians. I am extremely excited about this opportunity.”

An officially starting date for Poolos has not yet been announced by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management.

Austen Shipley is the News Director for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten