James Hanlon

With 40 years of experience with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Jim helps clients achieve extraordinary results by implementing legislation to improve environmental infrastructure.

Previously, Jim served as Director of EPA’s Office of Wastewater Management, where he developed and implemented voluntary and national regulatory programs in collaboration with a wide range of industry, trade, municipal, state, and environmental stakeholders. Among many achievements, he managed the implementation of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit program, the $100 billion Clean Water State Revolving Fund program, the design and launch of the EPA’s WaterSense program, and the first-ever, industry-wide best practice guides for all drinking water and wastewater utilities in the U.S. He has also served as the Acting Deputy Assistant Administrator of EPA’s Office of Water, Deputy Director of EPA’s Office of Science and Technology, and Director of EPA’s Municipal Construction Division.

Jim has received numerous awards in recognition of his service, including the Meritorious Service Award on two occasions (bestowed by Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama), the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Illinois Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, the National Association of Clean Water Agencies’ Environment Award, the Water Environment Federation’s Public Officials Award, and the Elizabeth Jester Fellows Environmental Partnership Award from the Association of State and Interstate Water Pollution Control Administrators.

Jim holds an MBA from the University of Chicago and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois. He is a registered Professional Engineer and a member of both the Water Environment Federation and the American Society of Civil Engineers. As a volunteer, he has held leadership roles with the Knights of Columbus for more than 25 years.

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