Environmental Progress - Summer 2001

Skinner Moves to U.S. EPA;
IEPA Has New Director

New director has served with Agency before.

Renee Cipriano	Thomas Skinner

Late summer saw a change in command at the Illinois EPA as Director Tom Skinner moved to U.S. EPA and Renee Cipriano returned to the Illinois EPA as its tenth director, from a post as a senior aide to Gov. George H. Ryan.

Skinner, who became director in January 1999, became regional administrator for U.S. EPA's Region 5, made up of six Midwestern states.

"EPA is fortunate to have the leadership of such an experienced environmental professional. He brings a wealth of knowledge about Agency programs and relationships with the states, which will be critical in developing more progressive approaches to protecting the environment and public health," said U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Christie Whitman, when announcing her appointment of Skinner.

"I am grateful to President Bush and Administrator Whitman for the opportunity to work with the six states of Region 5," said Skinner. "I can bring a state perspective to U.S. EPA that should benefit the region."

Skinner, 39, is the first former state environmental agency head to serve as Administrator for Region 5, which includes Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin, and the Great Lakes National Program.

Cipriano, 37, was associate director and chief counsel of the Agency from 1995-1997.

Since early 1999, she had served as the Governor's Senior Advisor for Environment and Natural Resources.

"I have greatly appreciated Renee's service as my senior policy advisor," Governor Ryan said. "She has an impressive record of work experience in environmental law and policy, and combined with her determination and leadership, Director Cipriano will be a great asset to my administration."

Prior to being appointed Illinois EPA Director by Gov. Ryan, Skinner was partner in the environmental law department of the Winston and Strawn law firm in Chicago for eight years. He was a special assistant to Illinois Governor James Thompson from 1988 until 1991.

While at Illinois EPA, he served on the executive committee and was chair of the air committee of the Environmental Council of the States. An alumnus of Lawrence University and Northwestern University School of Law, he is also the elected village president of Lake Bluff, Ill.

As the governor's senior advisor, Cipriano assisted in launching several initiatives, including Green Illinois, the Open Lands Trust program, and Illinois Tomorrow - the state's balanced growth initiative. She also chaired the Governor's Environment and Natural Resources Leadership Cabinet and the Balanced Growth Cabinet, and co-chaired the Energy Cabinet.

"I'm honored to take this new position in Governor Ryan's Cabinet," Cipriano said. "Illinois has made great strides in balancing the needs of industry and the environment, and with the leadership of Governor Ryan, we will continue to work for a cleaner and greener Illinois."

Besides her state government service, Cipriano was also a partner in the Chicago law firm of Schiff Hardin & Waite Environmental Group. She earned her BA and JD degrees from Loyola University in Chicago.