Kevin J. McOmber appointed to lead EPA’s Southeast Region
ATLANTA (February 24, 2025) – Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin announced that President Donald J. Trump has appointed Kevin J. McOmber, P.E., to serve as regional administrator for the EPA’s Southeast Region (Region 4). McOmber will lead the implementation of President Trump’s environmental agenda in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and with six federally-recognized Tribes.
“Our EPA team continues to grow, and I am excited to welcome yet another outstanding professional to help us deliver on President Trump’s mandate. Region 4 has a talented and tested leader in Kevin McOmber. With nearly four decades of experience in environmental planning, water resources, stormwater management and sustainable urban development, Kevin is the right person to lead the Southeast region, and I am ready to get to work with him,” said Administrator Zeldin.
“I am humbled to be named Regional Administrator for the EPA’s largest region – serving upwards of 63 million people across the eight Southeastern states,” said Regional Administrator McOmber. “Collaboration with the many state, tribal and local partners across our region is vital to successfully implementing the Trump Administration’s environmental priorities, and I’m excited to get to work.”
Prior to joining the EPA, McOmber served as Executive Vice President and National Community Practice Leader at CPL where he led transformative municipal and public infrastructure projects. With a distinguished career spanning over 37 years in civil engineering, construction management and community development, McOmber brings a wealth of experience and leadership to his new role. His expertise in environmental planning, water resources, stormwater management and sustainable urban development will be instrumental in advancing EPA’s mission to protect human health and the environment. McOmber also has a long history of collaborating with state and local agencies to ensure the successful execution of complex, multi-disciplinary projects.
McOmber’s leadership roles include being elected twice as a City of Suwanee Councilmember, an appointment to the Gwinnett County Water & Sewerage Authority, and several state and national roles with the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC). These positions all reflect his dedication to public service. Kevin has been married for 36+ years to his loving and supportive wife, MaLisa, and they have two adult children, Marissa and Andrew, who live in North Carolina.
Here’s what people are saying about McOmber’s presidential appointment:
“I congratulate Mr. McOmber and look forward to working with him as he leads the EPA Southeast Region,” said U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R–Miss.). “This is a job of some consequence. I am confident he will work hard on behalf of Mississippians, which includes continued cooperation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to ensure the Yazoo Backwater Area Water Management Project is carried out efficiently and effectively.”
“Mr. McOmber boasts an impressive, long history of strong leadership, collaborative partnerships and successful projects. I’m confident that Kevin will make the Peach State proud in his service as EPA Southeast Regional Administrator, and I look forward to supporting his work in improving communities across Region 4,” said U.S. Representative Andrew Clyde (GA-9).
“On behalf of our fellow Georgians, I want to congratulate Kevin McOmber on this new role leading EPA Southeast,” said Georgia Governor Brian Kemp. “As Regional Administrator, I’m sure his experience and skill will benefit both our state and nation as we safeguard the natural resources we’re blessed to have in the Southeast while also promoting the growth and strength of our economy.”
“We look forward to working with Kevin as the new regional administrator for EPA’s Southeast Region, and to continuing the good work Kentuckians deserve and expect,” said Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear.
“I have known Kevin McOmber for the past two decades, and he has worked with excellence in the Atlanta business community and as a Suwanee City Council member. I am glad that his talents and experience will be used by the federal government for the benefit of the people of America,” said Georgia State Representative Matt Reeves (GA-99).
“I look forward to working with EPA Region 4 Administrator Kevin McOmber and his team to safeguard our state's air, land and water,” said North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Reid Wilson. “We have an outstanding relationship with EPA Region 4, and our continued collaboration will help us protect the health and prosperity of all North Carolinians.”
"The Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) looks forward to working with new EPA Region 4 (Southeast Region) Administrator McOmber in continuance of our efforts to protect the environment and human health," said Alabama Department of Environmental Management Director Lance LeFleur. "ADEM and EPA Region 4 have had a strong, cooperative relationship over many years, and we will work to build on that relationship."
“The partnership between Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) and U.S. EPA is a crucially important one that impacts the lives of every Georgian in the state,” said Georgia Environmental Protection Division Director Jeff Cown. “I welcome Mr. McOmber as the new Region 4 Regional Administrator and congratulate him on his appointment. I look forward to meeting him and working with him as we ensure Georgia remains the #1 state for business.”
“The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) is looking forward to working with Regional Administrator McComber, and I am especially excited to work with a fellow engineer,” said Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation Commissioner David Salyers. “Tennessee understands that a clean environment is essential for continued economic prosperity, and our focus on conserving our state’s natural and scenic treasures amidst record population growth is a recipe worth replicating across the country. We look forward to sharing best practices and working cooperatively with EPA to ensure this success continues long into the future for our state and our region.”
“I would like to congratulate Kevin McOmber on his appointment,” said Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Alexis A. Lambert. “We look forward to collaborating with the Trump Administration’s EPA to advance innovative solutions that balance environmental protection with economic growth, ensuring Florida has the flexibility needed to effectively implement federal and state programs.”
“We at MDEQ look forward to further enhancing our long-standing working relationship with Region 4 and welcoming Mr. McOmber to his new role,” said Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality Executive Director Chris Wells.
“I would like to extend my congratulations to Kevin McOmber on his appointment as the new Regional Administrator for EPA Southeast Region 4. Kevin’s leadership, dedication to the community and innate ability to build impactful collaborations will undoubtedly strengthen EPA’s efforts across the southeastern United States,” said Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Nick Masino. “As an esteemed business leader and community advocate, Kevin’s influence will continue to have a positive, lasting impact. We look forward to seeing all that he will accomplish in this important role.”
“Kevin McOmber is an excellent pick by President Trump for Region 4 EPA Administrator. Kevin is a seasoned engineering and environmental professional who has a proven, long-term and credible record working with local, state and federal government as well as private industry,” said Michael E. Paris, President and CEO of the Council for Quality Growth. “Kevin’s astute knowledge of the regulatory structure and practical day to day project administration experience has given him a unique view of what is required to execute complex projects and interact with oversight agencies. Kevin has been a valued member of the Council for Quality Growth, and we congratulate him and look forward to working with him in the years to come.”
“Kevin will be an asset to EPA for our state and region not only in Georgia but for all the USA,” said F. Wayne Hill, former Gwinnett County Commission Chairman. “He is first class and cares about the environment.”
“Kevin’s ability to connect across stakeholders, state agencies, local governments and community leaders gives him a unique ability to foster collaboration and build strong partnerships, particularly as we work to advance water infrastructure projects in the region. With his wealth of experience and commitment to working collaboratively, I have no doubt he'll be a fantastic leader for the EPA Southeast and continue making a difference for both the environment and the people of our region," said Dave Williams, Senior Vice President of Policy and Talent, Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce.
“We are so proud that Kevin’s years of leadership in the environmental issues facing our region has been recognized. He will be an incredible public servant balancing both the needs of the environment, business and the public,” said former Gwinnett County Commissioner Lorraine Green.
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