By Barb Satler

EEP Policy & Procedures Manager

As I reflect back on the past two years, I am filled with pride and awe in all that we have accomplished. There are articles in this newsletter touting our program achievements, but I am referring more to the “bricks and mortar” – the planning and organizational design that had to occur in order for us literally to go from 0 to 60 in such a short amount of time.

Two years ago we were working with two distinct types of architects. Organizational-development experts were literally building the structure of the organization, while at the same time building architects were helping us to figure out how to turn an empty print shop at the Parker-Lincoln Building into a home for EEP staff.

We documented around 70 procedures that influenced our core processes in an effort to understand how we would operate, and are continually documenting and improving our procedures. We have worked side by side with private stakeholders, our sister agencies, the state property and construction offices, staff from federal agencies, the state attorney general’s office, the Center for Transportation and the Environment at N.C. State, and others to determine the best possible solutions for creating an EEP that is both efficient and effective

It has literally taken a village to make the EEP a reality. I could write a couple of pages listing all of the folks that I would like to thank – but in the interest of space I will single out a special few:

•All of the EEP staff, who are very dedicated and always remain committed to our environmental goals

•Our NCDENR sister agencies who have helped us and continue to help us along the way, especially the divisions of Water Quality, Coastal Management and Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance, plus Human Resources and Purchase and Services.

•NCDOT for putting their trust, faith, and support into creating this organization.

•The Federal Highway Administration for providing financial support and guidance, along with a full-time staff member.

•All of the members of our Program Assessment and Consistency Group, and the Technical Committee, for providing us with guidance as we travel this new road.

•The Policy and Oversight Group, especially Dempsey Benton and Roger Sheats, who are our true leaders.

•And last but not least, NCDENR’s Chris Russo, for all of his “tough love” in the early days.