TCEQ Executive Director Stepping Down
Richard A. Hyde, P.E., is retiring effective in April.
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality commissioners announced that Executive Director Richard A. Hyde, P.E., is retiring, effective this April. Hyde has been the agency's executive director since January 2014; he began his career in state government more than 25 years ago as a permit writer with the Texas Air Control Board, a predecessor agency of TCEQ, and has worked in several areas of the agency, including director of the Air Permits Division, deputy director of the Office of Permitting and Registration, deputy director of the Office of Compliance and Enforcement, and deputy executive director.
"It has been a privilege to work for the people of this great state, but now it's time for myself and my family to begin the next chapter in our lives," Hyde said. "I’m thankful to have worked with so many dedicated employees at the TCEQ. TCEQ's employees work hard every day to protect the environment using good science and common sense."
"Throughout his many years at the TCEQ, Richard has worked tirelessly for the state of Texas and the employees of the TCEQ," said TCEQ Chairman Bryan W. Shaw, Ph.D., P.E. "As someone who has grown within the agency, he knows the agency process inside and out. We owe a tremendous debt to Richard for his service and leadership of this agency."
"With all the demands of running a large state agency, Richard has remained laser-focused on protecting public health and the environment," TCEQ Commissioner Jon Niermann added. "He has approached this mission with excellent judgment and superb leadership. Texans have been fortunate to have a public servant of Richard's caliber."
TCEQ's announcement said commissioners "will work expeditiously to identify a quality successor." It says Hyde will step down as executive director at the end of March but will remain at the agency through the month of April to allow for a smooth transition.