AUGUSTA — Gov. John R. McKernan on Monday named Debrah J. Richard acting commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection effective March 4.
Richard, who has been deputy commissioner of the DEP since 1991, will succeed outgoing Commissioner Dean C. Marriott, who resigned to become director of environmental services in Portland, Ore.
As acting commissioner, Richard does not need legislative confirmation and may serve up to six months in the acting capacity.
Richard joined the DEP in 1988 as director of the Bureau of Land Quality Control.
She worked to streamline the process of obtaining permits for projects with little environmental impact. She also worked to have environmental rules based on consensus among opposing parties.
Richard also has been director of planning and community development for the city of Lewiston. She was assistant director of Greater Portland Landmarks from 1983 to 1986.
She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maine and a master’s degree from the University of Oregon.
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