Lisa Jackson is the first African American to serve as EPA Administrator, along with being the fourth woman and second New Jerseyan to hold the position. Jackson began her career in 1986 with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at its headquarters in Washington, D.C. She then moved to its regional office in New York City. During her tenure at EPA, Jackson worked in the federal Superfund site remediation program, developing numerous hazardous waste cleanup regulations, overseeing hazardous waste cleanup projects throughout central New Jersey, and directing multimillion-dollar cleanup operations. She later served as deputy director and acting director of the region’s enforcement division.After 16 years with EPA, Jackson joined the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) in March 2002 as assistant commissioner of compliance and enforcement. She served as the assistant commissioner for land use management during 2005. Jackson headed numerous programs, including land use regulation, water supply, geological survey, water monitoring and standards, and watershed management. She focused on developing a system of incentives for stimulating the right growth in the right places. Under her leadership, the state Department of Environmental Protection crafted regulatory standards for implementing the landmark Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act.
