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Biography of George Pavlou
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On January 20, 2009, George Pavlou was appointed Acting Regional Administrator of Region 2 of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Previously, he was appointed Deputy Regional Administrator in May, 2008. As Acting Regional Administrator, George's responsibilities are wide-ranging. In cooperation with state and regional authorities in New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and seven federally recognized Indian Nations, Region 2 administers federal programs governing air and water pollution, industrial discharges, toxic substances, pesticides, protection of streams, lakes and the ocean, solid and hazardous wastes, the cleanup of chemical spills and abandoned hazardous waste sites, and much more.
George is responsible for managing a staff of about 900 from a variety of professions – including engineering, hydrogeology, law, chemistry, biology, public affairs – and overseeing an annual budget of approximately $750 million.
Prior to that, George served as the Director of the Region 2 Emergency and Remedial Response Division (ERRD). In that capacity, he was responsible for the development, implementation and coordination of regional activities under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) and the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA). He managed a comprehensive program for site evaluation, expedited response actions, immediate removals and long-term remedial actions, including cost recovery activities and the Brownfields program. ERRD serves as the focal point for all emergency response and emergency contingency planning activities, with responsibilities for spill control and monitoring programs under Section 311 of the Clean Water Act as amended by the Oil Pollution Act.
Previously, George was the Director of the Division of Enforcement and Compliance Assistance. As Director he led a staff of about 150 professional and administrative people and was responsible for compliance management of a full range of laws and regulations governing Air, Surface and Ground Water, Drinking Water, Solid and Hazardous Waste, Underground Storage Tanks, Pesticides and Toxic Substances.
He began his career with EPA in 1973 in what was then called the Energy and Thermal Waste Section responsible for establishing thermal waste permits for industrial and municipal facilities.
George holds a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering and a Master's degree in Business Administration from the City University of New York and has been the recipient of some of EPA’s highest awards including a Presidential Rank Award of Meritorious Executive and Senior Professional, the Lee M. Thomas Excellence in Management Award, a Gold Medal, and numerous bronze medals.
