Lead Region Process

The Lead Region System, formed in 1984, serves as a critical communication mechanism to ensure that the Agency decision-making process considers and reflects regional perspectives. The Lead Region System partners each Region, known as a Lead Region, with one or more National Program Offices. The pairings are made for a two-year cycle, and typically rotate sequentially.

Through the Lead Region System, both Regional and programmatic Senior Leadership at the Environmental Protection Agency work hand in hand to ensure that Regional input is incorporated into the many policy, regulatory and resource decisions that are made every day. The Lead Region Coordinators assist the Senior Leaders by ensuring communication, meetings, and activities between the Regional and programmatic headquarters offices are coordinated.

Lead Regions

• Inform their Regional colleagues of key programmatic activities to ensure prompt awareness.
• Provide an opportunity for Regional input before decisions are made.
• Identify and synthesize concerns of all ten Regions to be factored into national decisions.

National Program Offices

• Communicate significant actions, rollouts, and programmatic activities through their Lead Region.
• Soliciting input on major policy, regulatory and resource decisions from their Lead Region.
• Incorporate the Regional perspective into national decisions, guidance, and policy.

Lead Region Assignments (2026-2028)

National Program Manager: Jilia Vento (OA, Office of External Affairs)