October 7, 2004

The Department of Environmental Quality Director Steven E. Chester today announced the reassignment of Tim McGarry as the Chief of the newly created Office of Civil Enforcement Coordination (OCEC). This office was created as part of the DEQ’s recent reorganization in an effort to create a more predictable, reliable and effective enforcement program.

Tim brings 25 years of compliance and enforcement experience with the Department of Natural Resources and DEQ to the job, and is well versed in working with the regulated community, federal authorities, the Attorney General’s office, as well as other state agencies.

“The DEQ must hold, and continue to improve upon, our commitment to the protection of Michigan’s environment,” said Director Chester. “The new Office of Civil Enforcement Coordination, under Tim’s leadership, will be a positive force in realizing the vision we share for our enforcement program."

Tim’s role will include assisting each division in strategic targeting for multi-media inspections and enforcement action; leading negotiations on specific high profile and multi-media enforcement cases; ensuring that cases are managed to meet overarching department goals and objectives, support the department and division program goals and objectives and are responsive to the department and division priorities; and being the Executive Division liaison to the Department of Attorney General, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other stakeholders.

Tim will assume his new position with the DEQ immediately.

Editor’s note: DEQ news releases are available on the department’s Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

Revised October 7, 2004  by Kathy Curtis