MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) – A new face is chosen to represent the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM), according to the Alabama Environmental Management Commission (AEMC).

Edward F. Poolos, deputy commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, as the new director of ADEM.

Poolos has served as the deputy commissioner to ADCNR Commissioner Chris Blankenship for the past eight years. Previously, he worked 25 years at ADEM, including 17 years as a manager in ADEM’s North Alabama Field Office in Decatur.

The commission evaluated the applications of 10 people who sought to replace former ADEM Director Lance LeFleur, who retired in May after leading the state environmental agency for 15 years.

“I am extremely grateful for Commissioner Blankenship and Gov. (Kay) Ivey for putting their trust in me in helping lead the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. I learned a lot,” Poolos said.

A starting date for Poolos at ADEM has not been determined.

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