The EPA Board

Meet the EPA Board members.

The EPA Board is a skills-based governance board with expertise in areas including environmental law, human health, environmental science, business, environmental engineering, financial and risk management and Aboriginal cultural values.

Carolyn Walsh, Chair of the Board

Term of appointment: 18 February 2026 to 18 February 2031

Carolyn has been a member of the NSW EPA Board for the past five years, providing strong continuity, deep institutional knowledge and a clear understanding of the EPA’s regulatory responsibilities and strategic direction. She is also the Chair of the NSW Asbestos Coordination Committee.

A respected regulator and public sector leader, Carolyn brings more than 40 years’ experience leading effective regulation and policy across Commonwealth and NSW Government agencies, statutory authorities and advisory boards. She has extensive expertise in regulation, governance, risk management and public sector leadership.

She was Acting Chair of the EPA from July 2019 to September 2020 and from 28 September 2025 until February 2026 when she was appointed Chair.

Carolyn holds a Bachelor of Economics. She is qualified in risk management and auditing and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Nancy Chang, Interim Chief Executive Officer

Ex officio member

Leading the EPA as Interim CEO since September 2026, Nancy is a senior executive with extensive experience across the public and private sector, specialising in complex policy reform, regulatory systems, financial strategy and major delivery priorities.

Her comprehensive experience as a senior leader spans environmental regulation, finance, education, disability reform and social policy.

Having previously spent more than 4 years with the EPA, Nancy is passionate about the agency’s mission in protecting the environment and human health.

She has played a critical role in the delivery of the EPA’s climate change, waste and legislative reforms, and establishing the agency’s first statutory Aboriginal People’s Knowledge Group.

Nancy is a dedicated advocate for social and environmental outcomes and committed to driving these through whole-of-system thinking and outcomes-based regulation. She is known for her collaborative and approachable leadership style.

Nancy holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of New South Wales and a Bachelor of Economics in Economics and Econometrics from the University of Sydney.

Professor Bradley Moggridge

Term of appointment: 23 November 2022 to 22 November 2027

Bradley is a proud Murri Man of the Kamilaroi Nation in Northern NSW.

He brings extensive experience in indigenous and water research roles through his work with the CSIRO, NSW Department of Primary Industries, the National Environmental Science Program Threatened Species Recovery Hub and his current work at the University of Canberra Centre for Applied Science.

Bradley feels that being a part of the board brings together the link between protecting the environment and caring for country, which has been the touchstone of his career, research, and personal journey.

Sam Maresh

Term of appointment: 29 May 2024 to 28 May 2029

Sam Maresh, former Chief Executive Officer of GE Australia, has been appointed to the Board of the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) for the next five years.

With a Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) and an Executive Master of Business Administration (MBA), Mr Maresh brings more than 20 years of executive leadership and commercial experience in the resources, power generation, mining (critical minerals) and renewables sectors.

During his tenure at GE Australia (2016-2023), Mr Maresh supported the development and commissioning of onshore wind and power infrastructure projects. This included several wind farm proposals in NSW and Australia’s first dual-fuelled hydrogen power plant.

Mr Maresh serves on the CSIRO Manufacturing Advisory Council, chairs the Business Council of Australia’s Future Industries Committee, and is also a Director of Trinity Indo-Pacific Partners.

Adjunct Professor Mary Haines

Term of appointment: June 2025 to June 2030

Mary brings more than 25 years of executive leadership in health and social policy across government, academic corporate and NGO sectors. She is the Deputy Chair of the Sydney Local Health District and serves on the NSW Government Audit and Risk Committees. Mary is an Adjunct Professor at the Leeder Centre for Health Policy, Economics and Data at the University of Sydney.

She has played a pivotal role in shaping evidence-based approaches to health and is an expert in public health and public sector governance.

Mary holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons Psych), a PhD in Epidemiology and Public Health from University College London, was a Fulbright Scholar and is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Linda Scott

Term of appointment: August 2025 to August 2030

Linda is an experienced board director and local government leader. She chairs the Board of Directors at CareSuper and is Deputy Chair and Director of the Australian Council of Superannuation Investors (ACSI).

Linda is a former long serving City of Sydney Councillor and Deputy Lord Mayor. As former President of the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA), she also represented local government interests on a wide range of subcommittees across National Cabinet, Ministerial Councils, intergovernmental committees and specialist bodies.

Linda holds a Bachelor of Science. Her ongoing work in sustainable development and climate advocacy at both local and national levels will be invaluable to the EPA’s strategic direction. 

Functions of the EPA Board

The EPA Board:

• determines the EPA's policies and long-term strategic plans, including policies and plans relating to organisational governance and risk management
• oversees management of the EPA
• determines when the EPA should prosecute for serious environment protection offences under the Protection of the Environment Administration Act 1991
• produces guidelines about criminal prosecutions and related legal proceedings
• advises the NSW Minister for the Environment on any matter relating to the protection of the environment
• provides the NSW Minister for the Environment with an annual Regulatory Assurance Statement about its performance as the leading NSW environmental regulator

Disclosure of interest

For more information about the EPA’s governance, including rules about disclosure and conduct, see the EPA Annual Report.