Date
Wednesday, December 21, 2022
The Air District Board today confirmed the appointment of Dr. Philip Fine, an internationally recognized expert in air quality science and policy, as the new executive officer, effective February 21.
Dr. Fine joins the Air District from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency where he has served as principal deputy associate administrator for policy, a presidentially appointed position. As EPA’s Environmental Justice Officer, he led the Office of Environmental Justice through a period of unprecedented attention, action and growth, including the implementation of President Biden’s Justice40 initiative.
“Dr. Fine brings broad air quality experience and a proven track record of building consensus across a myriad of stakeholders including community and environmental organizations, elected officials, government organizations, and industry,” said Air District Board Chair John Bauters. “His focus and commitment to diversity, inclusion and environmental justice will enhance the agency’s ability to engage communities disproportionately impacted by air pollution to improve air quality and public health in the Bay Area.”
“I am honored to join such an innovative, leading-edge agency with the opportunity to build upon its impressive air quality and public health accomplishments,” said Dr. Philip Fine, incoming executive officer of the Air District. “I look forward to working with the many communities throughout the region to reduce harmful air pollution and improve the health of Bay Area residents. I am especially mindful of righting the environmental injustices suffered by those living in communities that have been disproportionately impacted by air pollution.”
As executive officer for the Air District, Dr. Fine will manage the agency’s overall functions and activities, including policy development, administration, enforcement, permitting, technology development, planning, grant allocation and engaging communities disproportionately impacted by air pollution to address environmental justice concerns.
Prior to the EPA, Dr. Fine served 15 years at the South Coast Air Quality Management District in Southern California. He most recently served as the deputy executive officer for the Planning, Rule Development & Area Sources Division. Prior to this role, Dr. Fine’s previous responsibilities at South Coast Air Quality Management District included oversight of ambient air monitoring, laboratory services, quality assurance and source testing.
Before joining the South Coast Air Quality Management District, Dr. Fine was a research assistant professor at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles where he taught courses and conducted extensive research on particulate pollution, air monitoring technologies and exposure assessment. He received his Ph.D. from the California Institute of Technology in Environmental Science & Engineering, and his bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science & Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley.
View press release
.
Last Updated: 12/21/2022