The Maricopa Association of Governments has announced that Matthew Poppen will serve as the agency’s permanent environmental director, moving from the interim director role he has held since January.
“This decision reflects Matt’s leadership abilities and his dedication to the environment and public health,” said MAG Executive Director Ed Zuercher. “Matt brings extensive experience and expertise to the position. During his time as interim director, he has fostered collaboration and addressed head-on the environmental challenges facing our region, notably in air quality.”
Poppen began his career at MAG in 2010. As a senior air quality expert, he has prepared regional air quality plans for the attainment and maintenance of the federal National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ozone and particulate matter in consultation with federal, state and local agencies. He also has extensive experience in analyses of air quality modeling, control measures, transportation conformity, and emission inventories. Poppen previously served in the Maricopa County Air Quality Department as an air quality inspector and planner. He has a bachelor’s degree from Fresno Pacific University and a master’s degree in urban and environmental planning from ASU.
Poppen said he looks forward to continuing serving MAG in his new role.
“For the last 14 years, I have truly enjoyed working with and learning from my talented and professional colleagues at MAG and throughout the region,” said Poppen. “MAG’s decades-long dedication to tackling tough environmental challenges while supporting the vibrant growth of our region is inspiring. It is an honor to carry that tradition forward in this new role as environmental director.”
The region currently faces several air quality challenges, including timely attainment of EPA’s 2015 8-hour ozone standard and the new fine particulate (PM-2.5) standard. MAG is in the process of developing air quality plans that will address both challenges.
