News Releases from Headquarters

EPA Appoints Chris Hladick as Region 10 Administrator

(Washington) - Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Scott Pruitt announced the appointment of Chris Hladick of Alaska to become regional administrator for Region 10. Mr. Hladick will oversee environmental protection efforts in: Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.

For the last two years, Mr. Hladick has served as commissioner of Commerce Community and Economic Development for the State of Alaska where he has been responsible for six divisions and seven corporate agencies supervising about 500 employees. He previously worked as city manager for Unalaska, Alaska where he was responsible for administering union contracts and oversaw the operating budgets of the city’s police, fire and emergency response, public works and utilities departments. He also served as city manager of Dillingham, Alaska and Galena, Alaska.  His passion for protecting the environment extends to his involvement in organizations, such as: the Alaska Arctic Policy Commission, Northern Waters Task Force, and serving on the working group on the Arctic Marine Protected Areas.

“Chris Hladick has spent his career servicing the needs of the people and tribes of Alaska,” said Administrator Pruitt. “His passion in helping others, experience in managing numerous government departments, and familiarity with regional issue make him the perfect fit to address the environmental issues of Region 10.”

His nomination is receiving high accolades from across the region:

U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski: "‎Chris is exactly what Alaska needs, an experienced Administrator that will implement the law instead of furthering agendas. Chris has years of experience as the Commissioner of the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development and as a city administrator in rural Alaska. He knows the issues our communities face when dealing with the EPA, from fishermen struggling with overburdensome regulations to the need to ensure that Alaskans can reasonably comply with the agency's environmental rules. His knowledge will be an asset as he works to create collaborative relationships between the Region 10 office and Alaska."

U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan: "The Congressional delegation has been relentlessly pushing to have an Alaskan serve as the Administrator for EPA's Region 10 Office. I’m pleased that EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt worked closely with our offices to find a well-qualified candidate for this position. Chris Hladick has a long history of working for Alaska.  He understands how state and federal agencies intersect, and will be able to navigate the EPA’s rules and regulations in order to serve Alaska and the other region-10 states. He also has the heart of a public servant informed by years of experiences serving in different places across Alaska. He knows the importance and impact EPA programs can positively make to the lives of Alaskans. I look forward to working with him and the agency to help grow our economy, provide good paying jobs for Alaskans, and to keep necessary safeguards in place to keep our environment pristine."

Alaska Governor Bill Walker: "Chris has been an incredible asset in our drive towards building a Stronger Alaska. While he will be missed, I’m very pleased to see him take on this new role, and know he will serve Alaska and the country well. I commend Administrator Pruitt for appointing an individual who can effectively represent the interests of varied stakeholders." 

U.S. Congressman Don Young: "Extortion has long been the name of the game for the EPA – sue and settle type tactics rather than helping communities or individuals actually address their challenges. Chris Hladick knows first-hand the overbearing nature of the previous administration’s EPA; helping lead a challenge against them while serving as City Manager of Unalaska. Having lived in and managed river and coastal communities across rural Alaska for many years, Chris understands the many challenges our residents face when dealing with government agencies, particularly the EPA. I’m optimistic Chris can begin rebuilding a level of trust and confidence in the EPA that was steadily eroded over the previous eight years."

U.S. Congressman Mike Simpson: "I’m pleased that Chris Hladick was nominated for EPA Region 10 Administrator, it is important to fill these positions with qualified people. Hladick’s experience in both the private sector and local and state government provide him with collaboration experience that will be vital to move projects forward. I look forward to working with him."

Bryce Edgmon, Speaker of the Alaska House of Representatives "Commissioner Hladick has a long track record of outstanding public service. He has worked for nearly 30 years with governments at all levels including municipal, states and tribes. I’m confident he will do great work for the EPA and protect the Pacific Northwest."  

Mayor Shirley R. Marquardt of Unalaska, Alaska: "Chris Hladick’ s appointment as the new EPA Region 10 Director is good news to those in Idaho, Washington, Oregon and Alaska who believe that responsible and practical environmental protections and strong, healthy regional economies should and can go hand in hand. His twenty-five years as a municipal manager in Alaska provided Mr. Hladick the leadership role in multiple water, wastewater, electric utility, marine port and landfill projects that must navigate a complex and relatively cumbersome state and federal regulatory process. The significant permitting and regulatory experience combined with strong management skills that Mr. Hladick has gained along the way will serve Region 10 well."

Glenn Reed, president, the Pacific Seafood Processors Association: "I've known and worked with Chris Hladick for over 20 years. Chris is an experienced administrator and regulator, as a City Manager he is familiar with the business community. He is knowledgeable of the region, seasoned in the issues, and solution oriented."

Heath Wasserman, executive director, Alaska Municipal League: "Chris has lived in the west his whole life.  But more importantly, he has worked in Alaska for decades; in a position that gave him the opportunity to deal with decisions made by the EPA on a ground-floor level.  As a long-time City Manager and then State Commissioner, he knows the ramifications and impact EPA’s decisions will have on State and municipal policies."