Profiles of African Americans at EPA

At EPA, we protect human health and the environment every day.  EPA's diverse workforce, which includes a wide range of specialists -- scientists, lawyers, economists, accountants, emergency responders, managers, inspectors, and communicators -- brings a balance of perspectives to bear on every challenge we face.  We hope that these profiles will serve as an inspiration to others who are interested in protecting our planet.

Michael S. Regan, EPA Administrator

Washington, DC

Michael S. Regan was sworn in as the 16th Administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency on March 11, 2021, becoming the first Black man and second person of color to lead the U.S. EPA. Read more about EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan.

Kevin J. Bailey, Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations

Deputy Associate Administrator for Management
Washington, DC

I serve as the most senior career employee within the Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations. Read more about Kevin J. Bailey.

Kent Benjamin, Office of Land and Emergency Management

Director
Washington, DC

I serve as the director of OLEM’s Office of Communications, Partnerships and Analysis at EPA headquarters. Read more about Kent Benjamin.

Denise Benjamin-Sirmons, Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization

Director
Washington, DC

I serve as the senior executive responsible for directing the agency’s small business programs. Read more about Denise Benjamin-Sirmons.

Sharon Hilliard, Office of Mission Support

Human Resources Specialist (IT)
Washington, DC

I manage the Interpreter Service program for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing employees at EPA. Read more about Sharon Hilliard

Lance McCluney, Region 8 Mission Support Division

Director
Denver, CO

I provide leadership, support, communications, and direction to ensure efficient operations vital to EPA and regional goals. Read more about Lance McCluney.

Jonathan Newton, Office of Information Access

Division Director
Washington, DC

I provide legal advice, policy recommendations, and administrative oversight for a subdivision of the Office of the Administrator. Read more about Jonathan Newton.

LaTonya Sanders, Region 7 Community Engagement Branch

Acting Chief
Lenexa, KS

I work on the planning and implementation of various programs as the manager of Region 7 Community Engagement Branch. Read more about LaTonya Sanders. 

Nigel Simon, Office of Program Management

Director
Washington, DC

I work on long-term strategic planning on cross-cutting issues and information management in the Office of Land and Emergency Management. Read more about Nigel Simon.

Tracy White, Office of the Administrator

Program Analyst
Washington, DC

I work in the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU). Read more about Tracy White.

Helena Wooden-Aguilar, Office of Policy

Deputy Associate Administrator
Washington, DC

I am the Deputy Associate Administrator (DAA) in the Office of Policy (OP). As the DAA I support the Agency’s mission by conducting sound regulatory, scientific, and economic analyses and by creating business and community partnerships to achieve greater and more cost-effective public health and environmental protection. Read more about Helena Wooden-Aguilar.