Department of Environmental Protection Secretary E. Christopher Abruzzo Monday announced John Guth, Environmental Program Manager for Air Quality, has been named regional director of the agency’s Northwest Regional Office in Meadville.

“John’s strong background working with the regulated community, coordinating with local governments, directing and managing staff and serving with the region’s emergency response team has more than prepared him for his new role as regional director,” Abruzzo said. “His vast experience and dedication to the department’s important mission has earned him respect both inside and outside DEP. I am confident that he will continue to serve with diligence.”

Guth began his career at DEP conducting field investigations for the Waste Management Program in 1985, and was promoted to Solid Waste Supervisor in 1993 to supervise employees conducting municipal, residual and hazardous waste inspections, compliance assistance and enforcement.

Guth was again promoted in 2002 to the position of Solid Waste Manager. In this role, Guth directed all supervisors in the Solid Waste Program.

In 2004, Guth was promoted to his current position of Environmental Program Manager for Air Quality where he facilitates the implementation of state and federal air quality laws and regulations by issuing permits, plan approvals and compliance enforcement. He has served his entire career with DEP in the Northwest region.

Guth earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental resource management with a minor in soil science from the Pennsylvania State University.

The director of DEP’s Northwest regional office is based in Meadville and manages the Waste Management, Air Quality, Environmental Cleanup and Brownfields, Clean Water, Safe Drinking Water, Waterways and Wetlands and Emergency Response programs for Butler, Clarion, Crawford, Elk, Erie, Forest, Jefferson, Lawrence, McKean, Mercer, Venango and Warren counties.

5/26/2014