DEP Names John Stefanko Executive Deputy For Programs, Richard Morrison To Mine Operations

DEP Secretary John Quigley Monday announced John Stefanko has been named Executive Deputy Secretary for Programs and Richard Morrison was named Deputy Secretary for Active and Abandoned Mine Operations.

John Stefanko has served as Deputy Secretary for Active and Abandoned Mine Operations and prior to that, he held a number of positions in the deputate, including executive assistant, senior advisor, and project designer in the Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation.

Stefanko holds an associate degree in Mechanical Engineering from Pennsylvania State University, and a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering Technology from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown.

In his new position, Stefanko will focus on partnership-building, both internally and externally, and working with me to develop major departmental initiatives and priorities.

Richard Morrison has served as DEP’s acting Chief Counsel since March, and prior to that, served as chief counsel for the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

Morrison has previously served in several capacities at DEP, including Executive Deputy Chief Counsel for DEP's Office of Chief Counsel, and assistant director of DEP’s Bureau of Regulatory Counsel.

He first joined DEP in January 2005 as program counsel for DEP’s Mining programs.

He is an honors graduate of Rutgers School of Law, and a graduate of St. Vincent College, in Latrobe, where he graduated with highest honors.

The appointments will take effect October 13.