Governor Ryan Appoints New Director of Illinois Environmental Protection Agency

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan today appointed Renee Cipriano as the new director of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA). Since 1999, Cipriano has served as the Governor's Senior Advisor for Environment and Natural Resources.

"I have greatly appreciated Renee's service as my senior policy advisor," Governor Ryan said. "She has an impressive record of work experience in environmental law and policy, and combined with her determination and leadership, Director Cipriano will be a great asset to my administration."

Cipriano, 37, worked previously for IEPA as Associate Director and Chief Counsel from 1995-1997. She was also a partner in the law firm of Schiff Hardin & Waite Environmental Group.

"I'm honored to take this new position in Governor Ryan's Cabinet," Renee Cipriano said. "Illinois has made great strides in balancing the needs of industry and the environment, and with the leadership of Governor Ryan, we will continue to work for a cleaner and greener Illinois."

As the governor's senior advisor for environment and natural resources, Ms. Cipriano assisted in launching several of the Governor's initiatives such as Green Illinois, the Open Lands Trust initiative and Illinois Tomorrow - Illinois' balanced growth initiative. She also was appointed chair of the Governor's Environment and Natural Resources Leadership Cabinet and Balanced Growth Cabinet, and co-chair of the Energy Cabinet.

Cipriano will replace Director Thomas V. Skinner as he leaves to take a position with the US EPA.

At IEPA, Cipriano will continue to develop policies that safeguard our environmental quality in a way that is consistent with the social and economic needs of the State, so as to protect health, welfare, property and the quality of life. The Illinois EPA is composed of roughly 1,200 employees. The headquarters is in Springfield and in nine field offices and three laboratories throughout the state