U.S. EPA Administrator Mike Leavitt today named Rich McKeown as his new Chief of Staff. McKeown will replace Tom Gibson, who announced earlier this month that he will step down on August 7.
"Rich is an extraordinarily able and experienced leader," said Administrator Leavitt. "His management abilities, people skills and sound judgment will add leadership talent to an already seasoned team of Agency professionals."
McKeown has served as Senior Counselor to the Administrator since joining the Agency in November 2003. In the past eight months, McKeown has provided guidance to Administrator Leavitt, direction to EPA’s Assistant and Regional Administrators and helped craft the Administrator’s 500-day plan.
McKeown served as Governor Leavitt’s Chief of Staff in Utah from 1999 to 2003. He also served on the Utah State Tax Commission from 1996 to 1999. Prior to his public service, McKeown practiced law in Salt Lake City, Utah.
"I am privileged to continue my service to Mike Leavitt and the remarkable people of EPA," McKeown said. "In this new role, I look forward to working together to advance the Administrator’s goal of accelerating environmental progress."
McKeown is an alumnus of Ohio University and the University of Utah School of Law.
Source: EPA
