Gov. Deal names Dunn, Curry, new environmental directors

Gov. Nathan Deal announced that Richard Dunn, deputy director of the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget (OPB), will transition to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) as director of the Environmental Protection Division (EPD) effective June 15.

Lauren Curry, chief of staff for the Georgia Emergency Management/Homeland Security Agency (GEMHSA), will become the deputy director of EPD. Deal will recommend Dunn and Curry to the DNR board for approval at its scheduled meeting in June.

“Rick and Lauren are highly skilled and qualified for these positions at EPD,” said Deal. “They bring with them a broad range of experience working on the state’s behalf in their previous positions with OPB and GEMHSA. I am confident that Dunn and Curry will continue advancing Georgian’s interests in a new capacity as they manage and protect Georgia’s most valuable resources.”

Dunn previously served as director of the Health and Human Services division where he worked closely on the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, the behavioral health settlement agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice, state health care programs and child welfare.He earned a bachelor’s degree from Emory University and a master’s degree from the University of Georgia. Curry has served as chief of staff for GEMHSA since May of 2014.   She earned a bachelor’s degree in Government and Business Economics from Wofford College and a master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Georgia.

DNR Deputy Commissioner Walter Rabon will serve as the interim director of EPD from June 1-15. Mary Walker will become the director of the Water Resources Division for the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority and will head up the Governor’s Water Supply Program for the state.