Basil Seggos has been unanimously confirmed by the state Senate as the 15th Commissioner of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). Seggos previously served as both Deputy Secretary for the Environment and Assistant Secretary for the Environment for Governor Andrew Cuomo.
We had the opportunity to meet with Mr. Seggos and his staff earlier this year in his position as acting commissioner and came away impressed with his knowledge, concern and willingness to learn more about the many issues facing recreational anglers and the industry. He also expressed a desire to maintain open lines of communication on issues relating to our marine resources here on Long Island.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to lead this great agency as we continue to protect and preserve the state’s land, air and water resources for future generations,” said Seggos. “Governor Cuomo has built one of the strongest environmental records in the nation, and I look forward to working with the Senate, Assembly, and all New Yorkers to build on this legacy and tackle the emerging threats facing our natural resources.”
Since 2012, Seggos has advised the Governor on environmental policy and overseeing the operations of the state’s environmental agencies, including DEC, the Office of Parks Recreation & Historic Preservation, the Environmental Facilities Corporation, and the Adirondack Park Agency.
Prior to working in the Governor’s office, Seggos served as Vice President of Business Development at the clean-tech private equity company Hugo Neu Corporation, Chief Investigator and Attorney at Riverkeeper, Associate at the Natural Resources Defense Council, and as a legal clerk at the White House.
Seggos graduated from Pace Law School in 2001, where he received the environmental law award and alumni achievement award, and from Trinity College in 1996 with a Bachelor of Arts. Seggos is a Captain in the U.S. Army Reserve, Judge Advocate General’s Corps.
We congratulate Commissioner Seggos on his appointment and wish him well during his tenure as the new head of New York’s Department of Conservation.
