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Environmental Progress - Summer 2000

David J. Kolaz New IEPA Bureau of Air Chief

Agency veteran succeeds long-time chief Bharat Mathur

Photo: IEPA bureau Chief David Kolaz Illinois EPA Director Tom Skinner has announced the appointment of David J. Kolaz, a 29-year veteran of the Agency, as Chief of the Bureau of Air, effective June 16.

"Dave's experience and expertise in air issues, as well as his management and interpersonal skills, should serve the Bureau, the Agency and the citizens of Illinois well. I am grateful that he is willing to take on this new responsibility," Director Skinner stated.

Kolaz, who first joined Illinois EPA in June 1971 in the Air Pollution Control Division, is a Springfield native who attended Griffin High School and was graduated with honors from the University of Illinois-Champaign in 1971 with a BSE in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering. He and his wife Catherine now live in Athens.

Kolaz replaces Bharat Mathur, who was Bureau of Air Chief from October 1989 until leaving in January for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Region 5 office in Chicago. Illinois EPA Deputy Director Bernie Killian has served as acting bureau chief during the interim period.

Illinois EPA primarily operates through three Bureaus - Air, Land and Water. The Bureau of Air has about 300 employees and administers a variety of state and federal programs and initiatives to protect and enhance the quality of Illinois' outdoor air.