The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has named Nicole (Nikki) Tachiki the director of the Long Island Sound Partnership, a NEIWPCC program partner. Tachiki will lead EPA’s work with federal, state, and local partners to restore and protect the estuary.

“Nikki’s selection propels forward a flagship program that stands as a model for how powerful partnerships across federal, state, and local governments – along with stakeholders and the business community – can drive real progress,” said EPA Region 2 Administrator Michael Martucci.

“Restoration efforts in Long Island Sound are essential to ensuring clean water, thriving ecosystems, and strong local economies throughout New England and New York,” said EPA Region 1 Administrator Mark Sanborn. “Nikki brings the experience and leadership needed to build on the program’s long record of success and deliver lasting results that protect the Sound for generations to come.”

Since 2019, Tachiki has served as the strategic planning coordinator of the Long Island Sound Partnership with a focus on developing the organization’s “Reports to Congress” and leading the program through revisions of the “Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan.” She previously worked in the Drinking Water and Groundwater Protection Section as a drinking water specialist in 2021 and as its acting section supervisor in 2024. She served as a special assistant to the Regional Administrator in 2022.

Before joining the New York City office, Tachiki served as EPA liaison to the Pacific Island Territories and the Los Angeles Regional Water Board, focusing on water quality. She also supported the National Estuary Programs and previously worked with the National Audubon Society and the White House Council on Environmental Quality. Tachiki received a bachelor’s degree in environmental science from the University of California, Los Angeles, and a master’s degree in environmental science and policy from Johns Hopkins University.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as the director of the Long Island Sound Partnership,” said Nikki Tachiki. “Together, we have an opportunity to build on strong momentum, advance restoration projects, and protect this vital resource for future generations. I look forward to collaborating with our partners to help turn our shared goals into lasting results.”