The Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) is bringing in a new leader. Edward F. Poolos has been named the next director of the agency, and he will officially start in August 2025. The decision to hire him was made earlier this year in a unanimous vote by the Alabama Environmental Management Commission. Poolos’ interview for the director position was held on June 13, 2025, at the ADEM EMC Meeting. The recorded meeting can be found here: 06/13/25 ADEM EMC Meeting. ADEM’s official announcement of the personnel change can be found here: Environmental Management Commission Names New ADEM Director.
Looking Back on LeFleur’s Leadership
Poolos replaces Lance LeFleur, who retired on May 1, 2025. LeFleur served as ADEM’s director for 15 years. Mr. LeFleur was the longest-serving director in the agency’s history.
LeFleur’s first day on the job was in May 2010. It happened to be the same day the Deepwater Horizon oil spill reached crisis levels in the Gulf of Mexico. He had to lead an immediate response. He helped set up an emergency operations center in Mobile, Alabama. That center played a key role in dealing with the effects of the spill on Alabama’s coast. It was a tough way to start, but LeFleur stepped up.
During his time at ADEM, LeFleur focused on strengthening the agency. He worked to make sure Alabama’s air, water, and land were protected. He also pushed for more efficient systems, better communication with the public, and stronger partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies. His leadership helped shape how ADEM works today.
To honor his contributions, ADEM named its new Mobile field office after him. It is now called the Lance R. LeFleur Coastal Alabama Field Office. The naming is a tribute to his years of service, especially his work along the Alabama coast.
Looking Ahead as Poolos Takes the Lead
Now, ADEM is looking ahead to a new chapter with Edward Poolos at the helm. Poolos brings deep experience to the agency. He graduated from the University of Alabama in 1992. Since then, he’s spent his entire career working in environmental and conservation roles. Poolos worked at ADEM for 24 years before moving to the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR). At ADEM, he served in different roles, including Chief of Field Operations in the North Alabama Field Office. In that job, he helped lead inspections, permit reviews, and enforcement actions.
After leaving ADEM, Poolos spent eight years as Deputy Commissioner at ADCNR. In that role, he was responsible for managing 1,250 staff members across multiple programs. These included wildlife and fisheries, state parks, marine resources, and outdoor recreation. Poolos oversaw daily operations and helped shape policy decisions that impacted the whole state. ADEM’s official newsletter, “ADEM Update,” delves deeper into Poolos’ experiences and qualifications. Found here: ADEM Update: Volume 18; Number 3.
When asked about returning to ADEM, Poolos stated in an interview, “I am 100 percent invested in making the department better, safeguarding the environment, and protecting the health and well-being of all Alabamians. I am extremely excited about this opportunity.”
People who have worked with him say he is thoughtful, steady, and focused on doing the work. He listens, knows how to manage people, and understands how state agencies operate. His years of experience at both ADEM and ADCNR give him a strong foundation for this role.
A New Chapter, Same Mission
As director, Poolos will take on many responsibilities. He’ll be in charge of leading the agency’s staff, overseeing environmental regulations, and working with lawmakers and the public. His job will be to continue protecting Alabama’s environment while balancing the needs of businesses and communities.
LeFleur leaves behind a well-organized agency with a clear mission: protecting the environment and the health of the people of Alabama. LeFleur’s work laid the foundation for the next phase of growth. Poolos is stepping into a role that requires strong leadership and long-term thinking. But he’s not new to the challenges. He knows how the agency works and what it takes to lead it. Because of this, the agency is set to move forward with stability and focus.
Trinity Consultants, which has worked with ADEM for many years, looks forward to continuing that relationship under Poolos’ leadership. Trinity is committed to supporting him and the agency during this transition and beyond.
LeFleur’s time at the ADEM will be remembered for his quick action during crises and his dedication to public service. The new Mobile field office will serve as a lasting reminder of his work.
Now it’s Poolos’ turn. He plans on addressing the Alabama chapter of the Air & Waste Management Association (AWMA) on August 12 at 5:00pm. Mr. Poolos brings a different background, but he shares the same goals – clean air, safe water, and healthy communities. With his experience and steady leadership, ADEM is in good hands.
If you have any questions about the transition or related permitting concerns, reach out to Trinity’s Birmingham office.
