NEIWPCC hosted its annual fall Executive Committee and Commission meeting in Middletown, Connecticut in September. Attendees included representatives and commissioners from NEIWPCC’s seven member states, the U.S. EPA Regions 1 and 2, and Mark Sanborn, regional administrator of EPA Region 1. The two-day event included discussion on collaborative PFAS efforts, lead in schools initiatives, and nutrient bioextraction in the Long Island Sound. During the event, commissioners were recognized for their years of service.

Departing chair Jennifer Perry (left) and NEIWPCC Executive Director Susan Sullivan (third from right) pose with commisioners who were honored for reaching milestone years of service: Sue Kiernan (R.I.), five years; Dennis Lutz (Vt.), 15 years; Rich Lyons (N.Y.), 10 years; Stacy Thompson (Maine) and Amy Parmenter (R.I.), both with five years.

The commissioners also elected new officers for the upcoming fiscal year, October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026.

Rene Pelletier, Water Division director of the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) was elected as chairperson. He previously served as vice chair. Pelletier has 50 years of experience with the NHDES, where he has provided oversight related to subsurface systems, alteration of terrain, drinking water and groundwater, wetlands, dams, wastewater engineering and watershed management.

Serving as vice chair is Carol Lamb-LaFay, director of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Division of Water and a licensed professional engineer. Lamb-LaFay has 35 years of experience in the development, implementation and management of New York state water programs, including monitoring, assessment, permitting, compliance, enforcement, water supply, flood protection and dam safety.

Harry Stewart was appointed as treasurer, a role he has held since 2018. Stewart is a senior associate at Normandeau Associates in Bedford, New Hampshire, where he works on diverse water-related projects and Clean Water Act regulatory and permitting issues. Previously, he served for 30 years at NHDES, including 16 years as Water Division director, as well as working for the EPA. Stewart previously served on the NEIWPCC Executive Committee (16 years) and as NEIWPCC chairperson.