Mark R. Vickery, P.G., Executive Director
Carlos Rubinstein, Deputy Executive Director
Zak Covar, Assistant Deputy Executive Director
Staff: Address/Phone/Fax

Mark R. Vickery	Carlos Rubinstein	Zak Covar

The executive director, who is hired by the commissioners, is responsible for managing the agency’s day-to-day operations.

Major responsibilities include directing operations of approximately 2,900 employees in 17 statewide offices, implementing commission policies, making recommendations to the commissioners about contested permitting and enforcement matters, and approving uncontested permit applications and registrations.

The deputy executive director serves as the chief operating officer to assist the executive director in the administration of the agency.

See also:
Executive Director's Agendas

Five divisions report directly to the executive director:

Agency Communications
Budget and Planning
Chief Financial Officer
Intergovernmental Relations
Small Business and Environmental Assistance

Five office clusters report to the executive director. Each office is headed by a deputy director. These deputies are responsible for administering the agency’s regulatory and administrative programs.

Office of Administrative Services
Chief Engineer's Office
Office of Compliance and Enforcement
Office of Legal Services
Office of Permitting, Remediation, and Registration

Agency Communications
Andy Saenz, Director
Staff: Address/Phone/Fax

The Agency Communications Division works to continuously improve and streamline the delivery of print and Web information to the public and within the agency. This division coordinates the agency response to all media inquiries, prepares and distributes agency news releases, and coordinates news conferences. The division also includes the agency library, and a publishing staff that coordinates, produces, and distributes regulatory and general informational materials, both print and Web.

See also:
News Releases
Natural Outlook
Publications Catalog
Library

Budget and Planning
Becky O'Brien, Director
Staff: Address/Phone/Fax

The Budget and Planning Division is responsible for developing and monitoring the agency’s annual operating budget. Staff prepare, submit, and monitor all of the agency’s federal grant applications and work plans, centralizing grants management in support of TCEQ programs. The division also develops and submits the agency’s strategic plan, biennial legislative appropriations request, and quarterly performance reports to the governor and the Legislature. In addition, its staff conducts special analyses to monitor the achievement of agency goals and priorities.

See also:
Reports to the 81st Texas Legislature

Chief Financial Officer
Linda M. Flores, Chief Financial Officer
Staff: Address/Phone/Fax

The Chief Financial Officer's office oversees all budgeting and financial issues in the agency. This office oversees the development of the agency’s strategic plan, biennial appropriations request, the annual operating budget, and quarterly performance reports to the Legislature and the governor. On fiscal matters, this office is the point of contact for the TCEQ’s oversight agencies. The office is involved in bill implementation and preparing fiscal notes that have revenue requirements, and it monitors revenue and expenditures, estimates revenue collections, and provides fiscal analysis and reporting.

Intergovernmental Relations
Leonard Olson, Director
Staff: Address/Phone/Fax

The Intergovernmental Relations Division (IGR) coordinates the agency response to congressional and state legislative inquiries and constituent issues, legislative initiatives, and interim committee studies affecting the agency. IGR also coordinates the agency’s testimony and participation during legislative sessions and ensures that the Legislature is informed of the TCEQ’s initiatives and activities. IGR serves as a clearinghouse for border-affairs information for the TCEQ and coordinates agency comments on national policy issues.

Small Business and Environmental Assistance
Grace Montgomery Faulkner, Director
Staff: Address/Phone/Fax

The Small Business and Environmental Assistance Division (SBEA) helps Texans prevent pollution, conserve resources, and achieve compliance with regulations; educates customers; and promotes conservation of natural resources through partnerships in Texas and along its border with Mexico. The division offers services to a variety of customers, including small businesses and local governments, industries and manufacturers, agricultural operations, students and academia, and anyone interested in environmental stewardship. SBEA services include:

• a small business compliance assistance hot line at 800-447-2827;
• free on-site technical assistance;
• resources and assistance for regulatory compliance;
• assistance with pollution prevention planning and reporting;
• seminars and workshops on regulations and pollution prevention;
• assistance with environmental management systems, tax exemptions for pollution-control equipment and other innovative programs, practices, and technologies;
• resources for, and assistance with, the marketing of compost and products that are recycled or recyclable;
• opportunities and resources for environmental education;
• awards and special events to recognize environmental leadership;
• recycling and disposal opportunities for urban, rural, and agricultural communities;
• information and resources for individuals, communities, schools, and businesses, including citizen recycling programs; and
• voluntary programs, advisory committees, and partnerships encouraging public participation.