FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July
13, 2001
Mary Jean Yon Appointed Northwest
District Director
PENSACOLA -- Department
of Environmental Protection Secretary David B. Struhs and Deputy
Secretary Allan F. Bedwell today announced the appointment of Mary
Jean Yon as the new DEP Northwest District Director. Yon was
introduced to the District staff in Pensacola by Bedwell, who
oversees DEP’s six regulatory districts.
"We are
fortunate to have the broad background of experience that Mary
Jean brings to the district," said Struhs. "She has
worked for over 20 years with a wide variety of environmental
issues, both at the federal and state levels, including waste
management and air programs in Pensacola. That experience adds a
new dimension that will strengthen our presence here in northwest
Florida."
Yon, 45, began her
career with DEP in 1979. After working her way up through a
variety of waste-related programs, she assumed her most recent
position as head of the Department’s Solid Waste Program in
1991.
Yon’s other work experience includes two
years with the EPA’s Region IV office in Atlanta (1985-87), and
extensive work with DEP water and storage tank programs.
Throughout her career, she has worked closely with the Solid Waste
Association of North America’s (SWANA) Sunshine Chapter, The
Florida Association of Counties, The League of Cities, The Florida
Local Environmental Resource Agencies (FLERA), The Sierra Club,
and the Legal Environmental Assistance Foundation (LEAF).
"I am grateful for the opportunity to
serve the Department in this new capacity," said Yon. I look
forward to working with the citizens and community leaders of this
area. I don’t presume to have the solution to all of the issues
that affect this district, but with the help of my colleagues, I
will do my best to serve the residents of this area."
While Bedwell welcomed Yon to the district, he
also offered words of praise to the interim management team.
"I look forward to working with Mary Jean
and I’m pleased to have an individual of her caliber in this
position," said Bedwell. "At the same time, I wish to
express my gratitude and praise to Dick Fancher, who served as
acting Northwest District director for the past three months. Dick
and his team did a fine job leading this office during this
transition. His colleagues and several district residents have
offered many words of praise for Dick’s effort here and I
appreciate his service. Mary Jean is joining a fine group of
people."
Yon is married to Tallahassee attorney David A.
Yon. Both are avid runners. She holds a Masters Degree in Land Use
Planning from Florida State University. In 1997, Mary Jean was
honored as DEP’s Employee of the Year.
Yon begins her new position on August 8.
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