New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton today announced four key appointments to leadership positions at the agency. 

“I am excited to announce several key additions to DEC’s talented leadership team as we continue to carry out our critical mission to protect New York’s natural resources and the communities that depend on them,” Commissioner Lefton said. “DEC welcomes proven leaders Michelle Marchello, Tony Luisi, Matt Franklin, and Sean Mahar to serve in these important leadership roles and looks forward to seeing these exceptional professionals bring their extensive knowledge and experience to the Department.”  

Michelle Marchello is joining DEC to serve as Executive Deputy Commissioner starting Sept. 8, 2025. Marchello worked in the New York State Executive Chamber for over seven years, serving in several roles before becoming Deputy Director for Federal Affairs. Marchello then became Senior Advisor for State and Local Governments for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and most recently served as the Director of Federal Affairs to New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. Marchello has a Master of Public Administration and Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from American University in Washington, D.C.  

Anthony Luisi was appointed to serve as DEC’s General Counsel. Luisi rejoined DEC after serving as Regional Director for Region 4 for several years. He also previously served as Regional Attorney for DEC’s Region 4, managing legal affairs for the nine-county Capital Region and working closely with the Office of General Counsel team. Most recently, Luisi was Senior Counsel at Harris Beach Murtha Cullina PLLC in Albany, where he led the firm’s Environmental Law Practice Group and was a member of the firm’s Commercial Real Estate, Government Compliance and Investigations, and Business Litigation Practice groups. Prior to his work at DEC, Luisi was an attorney with law firms in Albany and White Plains. Luisi holds a Juris Doctor degree from Fordham University School of Law.  

Matt Franklin was appointed DEC's Deputy Commissioner for Public Protection. Franklin rejoined DEC after working for the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES), completing his time there as the Director of the Office Emergency Management. Prior to working at DHSES, Franklin served a combined approximately 25 years with the DEC Region 4’s Spill Response Section and as the Director of Emergency Management. Franklin is a New York State Licensed Engineer and holds a Master’s Degree in Environmental Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a Bachelor of Science in Resource Management and Environmental Forest Biology from the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry.   

Sean Mahar was appointed as Regional Director for DEC’s Region 4, which includes Albany, Columbia, Delaware, Greene, Montgomery, Otsego, Rensselaer, Schenectady and Schoharie counties. Mahar has more than 10 years of executive leadership experience with DEC, most recently serving as Interim Commissioner prior to Commissioner Lefton’s appointment, and Executive Deputy Commissioner for more than four years. Mahar also served as the agency’s Chief of Staff and Assistant Commissioner of Public Affairs. Before joining DEC, Mahar was the Director of Government Relations and Communications for Audubon New York and an adjunct professor at Siena College. Mahar has a Bachelor Degree in Environmental Studies from Siena College.  

In addition, Adriana Espinoza will serve as DEC’s Acting Chief of Staff following the September departure of long-time Chief of Staff Erica Ringewald. Espinoza currently serves as Deputy Commissioner for Equity and Justice, overseeing the Offices of Environmental Justice, Indian Nation Affairs, and Diversity, Inclusion, and Civil Rights.  

“I want to extend a special thanks to former General Counsel Thomas Berkman and outgoing Chief of Staff Erica Ringewald for their many years of exemplary service to DEC and all New Yorkers,” Lefton said. “Their dedication and contributions were instrumental to the success of New York's environmental protection policies, programs, and operations statewide, and we wish them the very best in their new endeavors. I also am grateful for Adriana for accepting the Acting Chief of Staff position during this transition and for the critical leadership she continues to provide our team.”