ADCNR deputy commissioner appointed as ADEM director

Edward Poolos, who had served as deputy commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR), has been appointed as director of the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM). 

Poolos was selected by the Alabama Environmental Management Commission (AEMC) from three other applicants, these being  Anthony Scott Hughes, chief of the Field Operations Division at ADEM; David A. Perry, former chief of staff and state finance director for Gov. Robert Bentley; and James “Mike” Thornton, director of Coffee County Environmental Services.

Former ADEM Director Lance LeFleur retired in May after serving for 15 years.

Poolos worked for 25 years at ADEM, with 17 years as a manager in ADEM’s North

Alabama Field Office in Decatur. He served as deputy commissioner to ADCNR for eight 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. “ADEM and ADCNR have two big things in common -- serving the people and protecting the environment.

“I really look forward to returning to ADEM. I know the Department well -- its dedicated staff and its mission. I am 100 percent invested in making the department better, safeguarding the environment and protecting the health and well-being of all Alabamians. I am extremely excited about this opportunity.”