Roy Picked To Be State's Parks and Recreation Commissioner

BOSTON, MA -- Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton announced that Leo Roy will serve as Commissioner of the Department of Conservation and Recreation.

Roy will replace Carol sanchez, a Framingham resident, who resigned last month. Sanchez was appointed to the position in April.

“Leo brings a substantial amount of experience, dedication and knowledge to the Department of Conservation and Recreation,” said EEA Secretary Matthew Beaton, in a press release. “His qualifications and skill set will ensure that the public will continue to benefit and enjoy additional recreational opportunities, while simultaneously laying the groundwork to conserve and preserve the state’s natural resources for future generations to come.”

“I am honored to join the Baker-Polito Administration and am excited for the opportunity to work with Secretary Beaton and the dedicated staff within the Department of Conservation and Recreation,” said Leo Roy, in a statement.

“The Department’s parks, pools, rinks, beaches, forests, watersheds, and historic properties are enjoyed by so many Massachusetts residents, and their stewardship is a significant responsibility,” said Roy.

Roy returns to public service after 15 years in the private sector, most recently as a Principal at VHB - an infrastructure planning, design, engineering, and environmental firm. Leo brings to the Department of Conservation and Recreation his experience in natural and cultural resource management, sustainability, ecological restoration, and agency management.

As an environmental consultant Roy worked for state and municipal governments, colleges and universities, airport and port authorities, and private corporations and developers. He was named a LEED Fellow by the US Green Building Council for over a decade’s work in promoting sustainable building design, construction, and operation, and was certified as an Envision Sustainability Professional by the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure in 2012.

Previously, Roy served as Massachusetts Undersecretary of Environmental Affairs from 1992 to 1997, under former Gov. William Weld. He has been an active supporter of numerous non-profit environmental organizations, serving on the Board of the Environmental Business Council of New England (EBC), and as Chair of the Corporate Wetlands Restoration Partnership.