Governor Crist Announces Mimi Drew as Secretary of Department of Environmental Protection

TALLAHASSEE – Governor Charlie Crist and the Florida Cabinet today unanimously voted to approve Mimi A. Drew as Secretary of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

“Secretary Drew has more than 30 years of technical, supervisory, and administrative experience with Florida environmental issues,” said Governor Crist. “She is a proven leader, and I am confident she will continue to serve the people of Florida responsibly and with integrity.”

Drew has served as Interim Secretary of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection since September 10, 2010. Previously, she served as the agency’s deputy secretary of regulatory programs beginning in 2007, and as director of the division of water resource management beginning in January 1995. Drew received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida, as well as a master’s degree in environmental engineering and sciences.

"I am honored to serve as Secretary of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection," said DEP Secretary Mimi Drew. "I am committed to ensuring Florida's dynamic natural resources, state lands, waterbodies and beaches are protected and continue to rank among the most beautiful natural treasures in the world."

The Department of Environmental Protection is the lead agency in state government for environmental management and stewardship and is one of the more diverse agencies in state government, protecting our air, water, and land. The Department is divided into three primary areas: Regulatory Programs, Land and Recreation and Planning and Management. Florida's environmental priorities include restoring America's Everglades, improving air quality, restoring and protecting the water quality in our springs, lakes, rivers and coastal waters, conserving environmentally-sensitive lands and providing citizens and visitors with recreational opportunities, now and in the future.