Commissioner and Executive Team

Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar

Sean Mahar, a graduate of Siena College, is the Interim Commissioner for DEC helping to lead the agency's environmental protection and natural resource conservation efforts. Prior to becoming the Executive Deputy Commissioner in 2022, Sean was Chief of Staff overseeing external agency affairs and operations and guiding implementation of key agency priorities, and previously was the Assistant Commissioner of Public Affairs for the Agency. Before joining DEC, Sean was the Director of Government Relations and Communications for Audubon New York where he led efforts to advance state and federal conservation policies and build support for wildlife conservation initiatives in the state, including climate change adaptation strategies. Sean was also an adjunct professor at Siena College teaching a course on Environmental Policy and Management.

Chief of Staff Erica Ringewald

Erica Ringewald is DEC's Chief of Staff. Ringewald joined DEC in 2016 as Director of Media Relations before becoming Deputy Commissioner for Public Affairs in 2018. As Chief of Staff, Ringewald helps manage agency priorities, particularly strategic responses to emerging issues and challenges by tapping regional, policy, counsel, and congressional and legislative affairs staff to expedite and harmonize outcomes and safeguard New York's natural resources. She works closely with advocates, regulatory and technical staff, and division directors to design outreach and communications campaigns to achieve goals and maximize available resources. Prior to becoming Chief of Staff, Ringewald managed DEC's external communications and outreach. Before joining DEC, Ringewald helped manage media relations at the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, worked as an independent consultant to not-for-profit organizations and foundations, and served as Communications Director for Environmental Advocates of New York. As Deputy Commissioner, Ringewald helped transform DEC's Press Office into one of the strongest communications operations in the state. She holds a M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Colorado State University and a B.A. in English Literature from Indiana University.

Additional Executive Staff

A full listing of all Deputy Commissioners and their program responsibilities can be found in the Executive Offices section on DEC's Program Directory webpage, along with an Executive organization chart (PDF).