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, including strategic planning and budgeting.

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


Mark R. Vickery	Zak Covar

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

Major responsibilities include directing operations of approximately 2,900 employees in 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.

Budget and Planning

Elizabeth Sifuentez, Director
Staff: Address/Phone/Fax

The Budget and Planning Division is responsible for developing and monitoring the agency’s annual operating budget. Staff members prepare, submit, and monitor all of the agency’s federal grant applications and work plans, centralizing grants management in support of TCEQ programs. The division also develops and submits the agency’s strategic plan, biennial legislative appropriations request, and quarterly performance reports to the governor and the Legislature. In addition, its staff conducts special analyses to monitor the achievement of agency goals and priorities.

Chief Financial Officer

Linda M. Flores, Chief Financial Officer
Staff: Address/Phone/Fax

The Chief Financial Officer's office oversees all budgeting and financial issues in the agency. This office oversees the development of the agency’s strategic plan, biennial appropriations request, the annual operating budget, and quarterly performance reports to the Legislature and the governor. On fiscal matters, this office is the point of contact for the TCEQ’s oversight agencies. The office is involved in bill implementation and preparing fiscal notes that have revenue requirements, and it monitors revenue and expenditures, estimates revenue collections, and provides fiscal analysis and reporting.

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 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;
recycling and disposal opportunities in urban, rural, and agricultural communities (including materials such as computer equipment);
resources for individuals, communities, schools, and businesses that want to Take Care of Texas; and
voluntary programs, advisory committees, and partnerships encouraging public participation.