Toby Baker named new TCEQ Executive Director

Lissa Gregg

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has named Toby Baker as its new executive director.

Baker replaces Richard Hyde, PE, who retired at the end of March. Baker was appointed as a commissioner in April 2012 by then-Gov. Rick Perry.

“I am looking forward to bringing a unique perspective to the role of executive director,” Baker said in a press release. “My goal is to provide the commission with the best information, so they have what they need to make their often tough decisions. I am grateful for the honor of continuing to serve the state of Texas in this new capacity.”

Baker is best known for serving under Govs. Perry and Abbott as designee to the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council where he oversees the disbursement of grants in the RESTORE program stemming from the settlement of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

“I have worked with Toby Baker for many years and know him to be a very capable leader,” TCEQ Commissioner Jon Niermann in a press release. “And given his experience, he is well-versed in the array of environmental issues and is well-positioned to guide the agency with confidence from day one in his new role.”

Read the full news release here.

See our previous post here about Richard A. Hyde retiring