Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Task Force
John H. Hankinson, Jr., Executive Director, Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Task Force
John H. Hankinson, Jr. brings more than 30 years of government service in environmental policy and regulation. From 1994-2001 he served as the Regional Administrator for EPA's southeastern regional office in Atlanta, covering eight southern states, directing a staff of almost 1200 people and a budget in excess of $500 million. His top priority while at EPA was helping states and communities protect air and water quality and restoring and protecting key ecosystems such as the Everglades and the Gulf of Mexico. Prior to his service at EPA, Hankinson worked for almost ten years as Director of Planning and Acquisition for the St. Johns River Water Management District in Palatka, FL, and directed the purchase of over 200,000 acres of environmentally sensitive lands. Hankinson most recently served as an environment and conservation lands consultant, advising on land conservation, strategic land use decision-making, and constructive environmental management and policy projects across the Southeastern United States.
As the executive director of the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Task Force, Hankinson who reports directly to EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson coordinates interagency efforts, oversees staff and outreach efforts in developing a regional ecosystem restoration strategy and ensures that science underpins the task force's efforts. The task force is an advisory body comprised of lead officials from the five Gulf states appointed by the President upon recommendation of each Governor, and 11 Federal agencies and White House offices. Engagement of local stakeholders, representatives from affected tribes, and the scientific and academic communities is ongoing and will inform the development of the strategy. Offices for the task force are located in Washington, D.C.