Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman announced Gregorio (Greg) Africa as the next director of the Department of Inspections and Permits. Mr. Africa is currently a deputy director in the county Department of Public Works, where he heads the Bureau of Highways.
“We interviewed candidates from across the country for this position, but we found the best candidate right here in Anne Arundel County,” said Pittman. “We are going to bring a new level of environmental stewardship and accountability to inspections, permitting and enforcement decisions and Greg has the perfect background to lead that effort.”
Mr. Africa has thirty-six years of experience in management, operations, engineering, and construction. He has been deputy director at DPW since 2004 and before that was a division director for the Maryland Environmental Service. He has an undergraduate degree in civil engineering a graduate degree in environmental management and an MBA.
“I am excited for this new opportunity and look forward to using my experience in management and environmental protection to help the department thrive,” said Africa. “I have worked closely with many of the inspections and permits staff in my role at DPW, and I look forward to jumping right in on ‘day one’.”
County Executive Pittman has called for a more aggressive role from the department on enforcing environmental standards.
“Stormwater management and sediment control compliance must improve in our county. I look forward to working with Greg and the dedicated staff at Inspections and Permits to enforce existing laws and improve legislation where necessary,” said Pittman. “At the same time, we will work to make the department more user-friendly for residents and businesses.”
Mr. Africa started his new position on March 14.
