Office of the Commissioner

Melanie Loyzim, Commissioner

The Office of the Commissioner supports the commissioner and deputy commissioner in carrying out their day-to-day responsibilities. It also assists the program bureaus in areas that cross bureau boundaries. The Office has three functional units: Communications and Education, Assistance, and Policy Development and Implementation. The Office as a whole is responsible for coordinating inter- and intra-departmental issues and assuming special assignments as needed by the commissioner and the deputy commissioner.

Office of Communications and Education

The DEP Office of Communications and Education directs department efforts to create and maintain public understanding and support for departmental objectives, programs, and regulatory requirements and best practices. The office develops and disseminates all official agency announcements including media releases, weekly highlights, educational columns and other documents/materials of interest to the public and regulated community; coordinates the Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence; responds to requests for public information; coordinates, prepares and promotes department staff public presentations and media conferences; and manages all DEP web content, including the department website and social media presence.

The Office of Communications develops and implements the Department’s legislative agenda and communicates with the legislature on issues relevant to our mission. Staff coordinate development of legislative proposals with program experts in each Bureau, they track legislation relevant to the Department, and they communicate legislative outcomes to the Bureaus. The Communications Director serves as the agency spokesperson, the liaison for all DEP-related media inquiries and also serves as liaison to the Maine legislature. David Madore, Director 207-287-5842.

Office of Innovation and Assistance

The DEP Office of Innovation and Asssitance serves as a centralized and cost-free resource for those in need of assistance and advocacy in navigating environmental laws, rules and best management practices. Staff works to improve Department processes to serve Maine people and regulated entities by providing environmental training to municipalities, members of the public, businesses and sector associations on regulations and best management practices. Efforts include streamlining and improving the Department’s contracting procedures and working with agency staff and the private sector to develop relevant, cost-effective training, including through its Nonpoint Source Training Center.

Policy Development and Implementation Unit

The DEP Policy Development and Implementation Unit develops and ensures proper implementation of the laws, rules, guidelines, policies and procedures of the Department. The Unit serves as the coordinator and support to Department bureaus conducting rulemaking and enforcement. The Unit also manages Freedom of Access records requests, maintains agency-wide operating procedures, and assists with legislation. Mark Margerum, Policy Development Specialist, 207-287-7842.