Annette Switzer: Annette led AQD’s Permit Section for seven years prior to being named director in early 2023. As Section Manger she improved public participation by pioneering innovative enhancements to the engagement process and creating the map by which all AQD program areas engage with the public. She also was heavily involved in an air permit lean process improvement that streamlined air permitting in Michigan. Annette began her civil service career as an air permit engineer where she used her education to work on the most complicated air permit applications.
She is a proud graduate of Michigan Technological University with a bachelor's degree in environmental engineering. She maintains her professional engineers license and believes continuing to learn is an important part of leading her staff and other stakeholders through the highly technical world of air quality rules and regulations. After graduating from the State of Michigan's Quality of Life Leadership Academy, she continues to lead through her work as a mentor and a steering committee member. She chairs the AQD's Air Advisory Council and is a member of the National Association of Clean Air Agencies and the Lake Michigan Air Director's Consortium.
When she is not working, she and her husband enjoy spending time with their three children, skiing, running, traveling, and relaxing with a good book.
Other changes to key AQD leadership roles also have taken place in the last few months. Chris Ethridge joins Jay Olaguer as an additional Assistant Division Director. Chris will oversee enforcement, field, and permitting sections. Jay will continue his oversight of the air monitoring and evaluations sections. Brad Myott has been named Field Operations Supervisor as Chris vacated the position to assume his new role. Brad will continue to manage inspection, stack testing, dry cleaning and asbestos staff. Cindy Smith has been named Permit Section Manager. Cindy will manage all the AQD’s permit engineers. Other adjustments and additions have been made to AQD staff to help the Division progress on its goals.
“We are really looking toward the future of the Division. The staffing changes we have made will help us effectively launch the rest of AQD’s MIEnviro Portal modules, continue to work to engage with our stakeholders, move toward ozone attainment, and meet the rest of the challenges head on,” Switzer said.
If you have any questions about the AQD or the staffing changes detailed here, please send them to Karen Garcia at GarciaK1@Michigan.gov.
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