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Annette Switzer
Air Quality Division Director
Annette Switzer is director of the Air Quality Division (AQD) of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). The AQD regulates sources of air pollutants to minimize impact on human health and the environment in accordance with federal and state laws. Meeting and maintaining air quality standards, limiting harmful emissions, and providing transparent information to the public about air quality conditions and trends are the primary goals of the Division.
Annette led AQD’s Permit Section for seven years prior to being named director in early 2023. As Section Manger, she improved public participation by pioneering innovative enhancements to the engagement process and creating the map by which all AQD program areas engage with the public. She also was heavily involved in an air permit lean process improvement that streamlined air permitting in Michigan. Annette began her civil service career as an air permit engineer where she used her education to work on the most complicated air permit applications.
She is a proud graduate of Michigan Technological University with a bachelor's degree in environmental engineering. She maintains her professional engineers license and believes continuing to learn is an important part of leading her staff and other stakeholders through the highly technical world of air quality rules and regulations. After graduating from the State of Michigan's Quality of Life Leadership Academy, she continues to lead through her work as a mentor and a steering committee member. She chairs the AQD's Air Advisory Council and is a member of the National Association of Clean Air Agencies and the Lake Michigan Air Director's Consortium.
When she is not working, she and her husband enjoy spending time with their three children, skiing, running, traveling, and relaxing with a good book.