Office of the Executive Director

The executive director, who is hired by the commissioners, is responsible for managing the agency's day-to-day operations.

Mark R. Vickery, P.G., Executive Director
Zak Covar, Deputy Executive Director
Staff: Address/Phone/Fax


Mark R. Vickery	Zak Covar

Major responsibilities of the executive director include directing the operations of 17 statewide offices, implementing commission policies, making recommendations to the commissioners about contested permitting and enforcement matters, and approving uncontested permit applications and registrations.

The deputy executive director serves as the chief operating officer to assist the executive director in the administration of the agency.

Agency Communications

Andy Saenz, Director
Staff: Address/Phone/Fax

The Agency Communications Division works to continuously improve and streamline the delivery of print and Web information to the public and within the agency. This division coordinates the agency response to all media inquiries, prepares and distributes agency news releases, and coordinates news conferences. The division also includes the agency library, and a publishing staff that coordinates, produces, and distributes regulatory and general informational materials, both print and Web.

Intergovernmental Relations

Jim Harrison, Director
Staff: Address/Phone/Fax

The Intergovernmental Relations Division (IGR) coordinates the agency response to congressional and state legislative inquiries and constituent issues, legislative initiatives, and interim committee studies affecting the agency. IGR also coordinates the agency’s testimony and participation during legislative sessions and ensures that the Legislature is informed of the TCEQ’s initiatives and activities. IGR serves as a clearinghouse for border-affairs information for the TCEQ and coordinates agency comments on national policy issues.

Small Business and Environmental Assistance

Brian Christian, Director
Staff: Address/Phone/Fax

The Small Business and Environmental Assistance Division (SBEA) provides confidential compliance assistance on air, water, and waste regulations to small businesses and small local governments; works with regulated entities, industries, and manufacturers to implement pollution prevention, recycling, and innovative environmental programs; and educates the public and the regulated community on rules, TCEQ processes, and environmental issues. SBEA services include:

a confidential compliance assistance hot line (800-447-2827) for small businesses and local governments;
online tools and resources for small businesses and local governments;
free on-site technical assistance and other resources for regulatory compliance;
assistance with pollution prevention planning and reporting;
seminars and workshops on regulations and pollution prevention;
information on innovative practices and technologies such as environmental management systems and clean school buses;
environmental education resources for schools and educators;
awards and special events to recognize environmental leadership;
information on recycling and disposal opportunities (including materials such as computer equipment and televisions);
resources for individuals, communities, schools, and businesses that want to Take Care of Texas; and
voluntary programs, advisory committees, and partnerships encouraging public participation.

SBEA also implements the TCEQ’s Public Education Program. The program answers questions about pending TCEQ permits, explains the permitting process, helps the public learn of opportunities for public participation on permit applications, and staffs a toll-free hotline for the general public (800-687-4040). In addition, the Public Education Program distributes the TCEQ Customer Satisfaction Survey, which encourages customers’ feedback on their experiences with the agency. Every two years, the Public Education Program summarizes the most recent survey responses in a Report on Customer Service to the Legislative Budget Board.

Document Actions

Print this