About me
Sean Mahar, a graduate of Siena College, is the Interim Commissioner for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation where he works to manage an agency of over 3,000 employees engaged in all areas of environmental protection and management of the natural resources of the state of New York. Prior to becoming the Interim Commissioner, Sean was the Executive Deputy Commissioner where he worked to oversee internal and external agency operations, and guided implementation of key agency priorities. Sean previously served as Chief of Staff, and the Assistant Commissioner of Public Affairs for the Agency. Before joining DEC, Sean was the Director of Government Relations and Communications for Audubon New York where he led efforts to advance state and federal conservation policies and build support for wildlife conservation initiatives in the state, including climate change adaptation strategies. Sean was also an adjunct professor at Siena College teaching Environmental Policy and Management. He currently lives in Niskayuna, NY with his wife Jessica and daughter Stefanie.