DEP Names Erin Wells Director Northwest Regional Office

On June 2,  the Department of Environmental Protection announced Erin Wells as the new Director of the Northwest Regional Office.

Wells will manage field operations for Armstrong, Butler, Clarion, Crawford, Elk, Erie, Forest, Indiana, Jefferson, Lawrence, McKean, Mercer, Venango, Warren counties. 

Wells replaces James Miller, who was named regional director of the DEP’s Southwest Regional Office.  

Wells previously worked for DEP for 11 years as the region’s local government liaison, serving as the primary point of contact for all federal, state, and local elected officials in the 14-county region. 

“Erin brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the position, and her years of service to the commonwealth will undoubtedly ensure the continued success in the northwest region,” said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell.  

Prior to being named regional director for DEP’s Northwest Regional Office, Wells held positions as the northwest regional director at Department of Community and Economic Development Governor’s Action Team and mostly recently led the northwest Governor’s Office as regional director. 

Wells holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in environmental studies/geography from Edinboro University.

“I am excited and humbled to have the opportunity to serve as DEP’s northwest regional director and believe in the mission of the agency and my colleagues that serve it,” said Wells. “I am confident that we can protect the environment for our children and support development in our communities to create a better quality of life in northwest Pennsylvania. I look forward to working with businesses and communities across the region to do just that.”

John Holden, who served as acting regional director from January 4, 2021 to May 1, 2021, will resume his previous role as clean water program manager in DEP’s Northwest Regional Office.

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[Posted: June 2, 2021]  PA Environment Digest