Region 9 includes Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Niagara and Wyoming counties.

Julie M. Barrett O’Neill has been named regional director for Region 9. O’Neill most recently served as Executive Director for Local Initiatives Support Corporation and oversaw the strategic planning, geographic program and staff expansion, and funding diversification, including a new community-based planning program for the Buffalo East Side neighborhood revitalization. Under her leadership, LISC received the Buffalo First IDEA award for leadership in diversity, equity, and inclusion. Prior experiences in the public and private sectors included Green Program Director and General Counsel for the Buffalo Sewer Authority and Executive Director at Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper.

Chad R. Staniszewski has been named assistant regional director for DEC’s Region 9. Staniszewski has more than two decades of experience with DEC, most recently serving as acting regional director and regional engineer to manage environmental quality programs and staff. His tasks included developing work plans and overseeing the implementation of emergency management protocols and fostering the ongoing success of DEC’s remediation programs to spur economic development and address contamination.

“I am excited about adding and promoting these incredibly qualified individuals to our teams in Albany and Western New York, bolstering and sustaining our mission to conserve, improve, and protect the state’s natural resources,” said Basil Seggos, state DEC commissioner. “We’re at a critical juncture when it comes to climate change and with Governor Kathy Hochul’s leadership and a strong team at DEC, we are working together to rise to the challenge.”