ADEM names Edward Poolos as new director

June 16, 2025 - The Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) has named Edward F. Poolos as the new director, replacing longtime Director Lance LeFleur who retired earlier this year. Poolos is presently the deputy commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

The commission voted to appoint Poolos after interviewing four finalists for the director's job during its Friday public meeting. The other finalists were Anthony Scott Hughes, chief of the Field Operations Division at ADEM; David A. Perry, former chief of staff and state finance director for Gov. Robert Bentley; and James "Mike" Thornton, director of Coffee County Environmental Services.

The commission evaluated the applications of ten people who applied for the position.

Former ADEM Director Lance LeFleur retired in May after leading the agency for 15 years.

Poolos has served as the deputy commissioner to ADCNR Commissioner Chris Blankenship for the past eight years. Prior to that, he worked 25 years at ADEM, including 17 years as a manager in ADEM's North Alabama Field Office in Decatur.

"I am extremely grateful for Commissioner Blankenship and Gov. (Kay) Ivey for putting their trust in me in helping lead the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources," said Poolos. "I learned a lot. ADEM and ADCNR have two big things in common -- serving the people and protecting the environment."

"I really look forward to returning to ADEM," Poolos continued. "I know the Department well -- its dedicated staff and its mission. I am 100 percent invested in making the department better, safeguarding the environment and protecting the health and well-being of all Alabamians. I am extremely excited about this opportunity."

A starting date for Poolos at ADEM has not been determined.