Manufacture Alabama Welcomes Ed Poolos As ADEM Director

Manufacture Alabama welcomes Edward F. Poolos on his recent appointment as Director of the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM), succeeding Lance LeFleur. The announcement came Friday following a vote by the Alabama Environmental Management Commission after interviewing four finalists for the position.

Poolos brings decades of experience to the role, having spent 25 years at ADEM including 17 years in the North Alabama Field Office in Decatur before most recently serving as Deputy Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

“Mr. Poolos has a deep understanding of Alabama’s regulatory landscape and the importance of collaboration between state agencies and the business community,” said Jon Barganier, Manufacture Alabama President and CEO. “His leadership, integrity and commitment to public service have long been evident and we are confident he will serve our state with excellence and build off the legacy left by Director Lance LeFleur. Manufacture Alabama looks forward to working with Director Poolos as we continue to promote a balanced, science-based regulatory approach that ensures environmental stewardship and economic growth.”

Poolos expressed excitement about his return to ADEM: “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.”

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