Mary Bridget Neumayr was born on September 18, 1964, in San Jose, California. Having received her BA from Thomas Aquinas College and her JD from University of California, Hastings College of the Law, she currently serves as the chair of the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) and has done so since January 10, 2019. She was appointed to the position by President Donald Trump, the 45th President of the United States.
Preceded by Christy Goldfuss, in her current position, Ms. Neumayr supervises CEQ’s operations and activities, including its core responsibility of overseeing the implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act by Federal agencies. She also supervises the Office of Federal Sustainability, which supports energy and environmental performance across the Federal government.
Specifically, in this role, her work has focused on successfully implementing President Trump’s Executive Order 13807. This Order directs Federal agencies to conduct more timely, coordinated and efficient environmental reviews and permitting processes for major infrastructure projects.
The oldest of seven children, Neumayr grew up in the suburbs of Los Angeles. During her childhood, she spent much of her free time outdoors and most remembers family road trips during the summers[1]. On these trips, she visited many states and saw some of the nation’s most spectacular natural beauty, inspiring her to deeply appreciate the diversity of the country.
Before her work in Government service, Ms. Neumayr worked in a private legal practice from 1989 through 2003 as an Associate in the Litigation and Antitrust Departments for Coudert Brothers in New York and San Francisco. Before being confirmed as Chairman, she spent 15 years working in a variety of roles in the executive and legislative branches on matters involving energy and environmental law and policy.
In March of 2017, she was appointed Chief of Staff of the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ). Prior to this, Ms. Neumayr worked in multiple roles for the Committee on Energy and Commerce in the United States House of Representatives, including Deputy Chief Counsel, Energy and Environment (2017); Senior Energy Counsel (from 2011 to 2017); and Counsel (from 2009 to 2010). She also served as Deputy General Counsel for Environment and Nuclear Programs at the Department of Energy (from 2006 to 2009) and as Counsel to the Assistant Attorney General for the Environment and Natural Resources Division at the Department of Justice (from 2003 to 2006).
Her work in Government and before has shown Ms. Neumayr to be a conscientious and concerned citizen, whose focus on the environment and the role the United States has in keeping it healthy has made significant difference in legislative action.
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-neumayr-9192a112/