The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (“MDEQ”) issued a news release stating that Executive Director Gary C. Rikard has announced he is leaving the agency on January 13th.
Mr. Rikard has served as Executive Director since his appointment by Governor Phil Bryant in September 2014.
Mr. Rikard has previously served as an environmental engineer and a senior attorney at MDEQ. He has also practiced environmental law in the private sector.
The news release contains the following statement by Mr. Rikard:
“It has been my great honor to serve as MDEQ’s Executive Director during
the past five years. I want to thank Governor Bryant for the opportunity and
privilege to lead the agency that has meant so much to me. After thoughtful
consideration and prayer, I have decided to step down. This is a difficult
decision as it is incredibly hard to give up something you love, but my family
and I decided it is time to move on to the next chapter of our lives.
“The past five years have been some of the most enjoyable of my life. I have
such great respect and admiration for the MDEQ staff, and the friendships that
I have made will be lifelong. I have truly enjoyed coming to work,” said Rikard.
Degrees earned by Mr. Rikard include:
*Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering – Christian Brothers University;
*Graduate studies in environmental engineering – University of Mississippi
School of Engineering;
*Juris doctor degree – University of Mississippi School of Law.
A copy of the news release can be downloaded here.
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