PROVIDENCE - Jan H. Reitsma, Director of the Department of Environmental Management, has announced the appointment of Thomas Getz as Ombudsman. In this position, Mr. Getz will conduct independent fact-finding investigations in order to address and resolve customer problems or complaints in a timely, efficient manner. In accordance with one of Director Reitsma's major strategic priorities, the Ombudsman position has been redesigned and vested with broad responsibilities and considerable independence.

As the department's Ombudsman, Mr. Getz will work to strengthen DEM's permitting processes by conducting a prompt investigation of complaints and an independent analysis of operational weaknesses, and by developing recommendations for improvement. He will also work with department staff to develop and implement new mechanisms to streamline DEM's permitting processes, evaluate and track performance, and improve customer assistance strategies.

"The hiring of a new DEM Ombudsman is an important step in the continuing series of administrative reforms being undertaken by the Department," said Governor Lincoln Almond. "I am very pleased to see that, under Director Reitsma, DEM is following through on its commitment to become more efficient, responsive and accountable to the public."

"DEM is committed to serving the public as a results-oriented department that is not afraid to account for its performance," Director Reitsma noted. "In carrying out our critical responsibility of protecting and preserving our state's natural resources, it is vital for DEM to be responsive and accountable to the public. The appointment of our new Ombudsman is a critical step in this process."

The announcement of Mr. Getz's appointment took place in DEM's Office of Technical and Customer Assistance (OTCA). This office serves as the initial point of contact with DEM for many individuals and companies seeking environmental permits from the agency. As Ombudsman, Mr. Getz will work closely with OTCA in helping to resolve customer problems and complaints involving permits. Also during the announcement, Director Reitsma presented a new Customer Assistance Guide that will serve as a handy reference guide to the primary offices and divisions within DEM that the public interacts with. Copies of the free guide are available in OTCA or by calling 222-6822.

A professional engineer, Mr. Getz has more than 25 years of progressive experience in the environmental field. Most recently, he served as the Director of the Environmental Customer Assistance Center at the Colorado Department of Health. In this capacity, he developed a program to promote environmental self-compliance by companies that were regulated by the health department, and developed environmental education materials and training courses. He also served as the health department's point person for resolving problems and coordinating major permit projects. He gained extensive experience in this area by developing programs to increase departmental efficiencies in permitting and inspection systems, and by recommending changes to the health department's environmental data reporting systems.

Prior to joining the Colorado Department of Health, Mr. Getz was employed at DEM for 16 years. From 1985 to 1993, he was chief of DEM's Air and Hazardous Materials division, where he supervised a staff of 50 in the areas of air pollution, emergency response, hazardous and solid waste. He also managed the department's Air Pollution Contral Division for eight years, from 1977 to 1985. Mr. Getz has also held positions at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and at the Federal Power Commission. A graduate of Pratt Institute, Mr. Getz holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. He is a resident of Pawtucket.

Mr. Getz may be reached at 800-222-4595.