Executive
Our executive team brings a wide range of experience and qualifications to the EPA.
- Tony Chappel – Chief Executive Officer
- Evie Madden – Director, Media, Communications and Engagement
- Jacqueleine Moore – Executive Director, Legal and Corporate
- Michael Hood – Director, Governance, Risk and Planning
- Nancy Chang – Executive Director, Regulatory Policy. Initiatives & Advice
- Tony Williams – Acting Executive Director, Regulatory Practice and Environmental Solutions
- Stephen Beaman – Executive Director, Regulatory Operations Metro
- Carmen Dwyer – Executive Director, Regulatory Operations Regional
- Liesbet Spanjaard – Executive Director, Engagement, Education and Programs
Tony Chappel
Chief Executive Officer
Leading the EPA since August 2022, Tony is a senior executive with extensive experience across the public and private sector, specialising in sustainability, corporate affairs, risk and governance, regulatory strategy, and policy.
His comprehensive experience as a senior leader in highly regulated industries means Tony brings a unique perspective on licensee obligations and the impact industry actions can have on NSW communities.
He is a dedicated advocate for the environment and committed to the task of supporting all stakeholders in their transition to a net-zero economy. Tony has played a critical role in the delivery of the EPA’S Climate Change Policy and Action Plan and is committed to working collaboratively with each sector to reduce emissions while also driving new opportunities.
Tony has a Masters in Environmental Change and Management from University of Oxford and a Masters in Environmental Technology from Imperial College, London.
Evie Madden
Director, Media, Communications and Engagement, Office of the CEO
Evie is a dedicated communications professional with extensive experience in both the private and public sector. She specialises in media, communications, government relations and stakeholder management.
She has worked in broadcast journalism and across key industries in energy, construction, agriculture, water and trade. She has been recognised for her strategic approach to crisis management while also protecting and enhancing organisational reputation.
Evie is committed to mentoring younger communications professionals. As a member of UN Women Australia, she is particularly passionate about helping young women to not just hone their skills but also find their voice in the industry.
She has a Bachelor of Communications and a Bachelor of Journalism and is commencing a Masters in Global Management.
Jacqueleine Moore
Executive Director, Legal and Corporate
As head of the EPA’s Legal and Corporate Division, Jacqueleine is an experienced lawyer and executive who has focused her career on achieving better community outcomes through government.
She has worked in senior roles in NSW Government agencies, including the Department of Premier and Cabinet and many NSW natural resource, environmental and regulatory agencies, as well as legal roles with the Australian Government Solicitor and Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions.
In her current role, Jacqueleine is passionate about addressing environmental challenges, taking a strategic approach to delivering better outcomes, and holding polluters to account. She is proud of the enviable EPA success rate in taking regulatory action.
Jacqueleine holds a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) and Bachelor of Arts.
Michael Hood
Director, Governance, Risk and Planning
Michael has over 30 years leadership, policy and operational experience in environmental regulation, natural resource management, environmental impact assessment and planning, Aboriginal heritage management and protected area establishment and management.
He is recognised for his work on native forestry including leading the 2018 forestry reforms, and the Government’s response to the Riverina Red Gum regional assessment.
Beyond environmental protection and conservation, Michael is inspired by helping people and teams develop and reach their potential. Michael is also a carer for two members of his family and a strong advocate for flexible working to allow people to continue to contribute while balancing other obligations and priorities in their lives.
Michael holds a Bachelor of Science (Physical Geography) (Honours) and an Executive Masters of Public Administration.
Nancy Chang
Executive Director, Regulatory Policy, Initiatives & Advice
Nancy is an experienced executive in the NSW Government. She was Executive Director of Early Childhood Education at the Department of Education and oversaw the NSW Regulatory Authority for Early Childhood Education and Care Services in NSW.
She is recognised for her contributions to the establishment of the National Disability Insurance Scheme, funding for 600 hours of early childhood education in the year before school, and major child protection reforms.
Nancy holds a Bachelor of Economics (Economics and Econometrics) and a Bachelor of Laws.
Tony Williams
Acting Executive Director, Regulatory Practice and Environmental Solutions
Tony has extensive regulatory experience in senior roles overseeing the delivery of frontline regulatory services by SafeWork NSW, NSW Liquor and Gaming and Fair Trading NSW.
He has an in-depth understanding of industry environments and regulatory challenges having worked in both the private and public sectors of forestry, power generation, rail and defence aircraft maintenance industries.
Tony is passionate about workers returning home safely from work and communities being kept safe. He is a Churchill Fellow, having been awarded a fellowship to study internationally innovative safety improvement strategies.
Tony has a Masters in Applied Science and a Graduate Diploma in Public Service Management.
Stephen Beaman
Executive Director, Regulatory Operations Metro
Steve has worked for almost 30 years on developing and implementing policy change and programs, enabling practical solutions to improve the quality of the NSW environment. In 2017 he was awarded a Public Service Medal (PSM) for his outstanding contribution to the environment.
He has worked across a diverse range of policy and program areas, including natural resources management, environmental planning and regulation, resource recovery and community programs. His areas of expertise include evidence-based analysis of complex policy issues and delivering innovative regulation programs to protect the community and environment.
Steve has a strong interest in the power of building and leveraging strategic relationships with stakeholders to achieve aligned responses in sensitive or contentious environments.
He holds a Bachelor of Science and is completing a Master of Emergency Management.
Carmen Dwyer
Executive Director, Regulatory Operations Regional
Carmen has worked across the mining, coal seam gas, waste and agricultural sectors in the areas of policy development and implementation, and behaviour change. She is recognised for her experience in dealing with complex environmental problems, policies and regulation.
Carmen is a strong advocate for regional and remote NSW, having lived in regional communities her entire life. She is passionate about water resources in these communities as well as ensuring they aren’t left behind in the environmental progress required to deliver a transition to a net-zero economy. She is committed to ensuring regional and remote environmental issues are addressed with the same vigour as more metropolitan communities.
Carmen holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (Environmental Science) and a Master of Applied Science (Environmental Restoration, Rehabilitation and Management).
Liesbet Spanjaard
Executive Director, Engagement, Education and Programs
Liesbet has experience as a senior partner in a global professional services firm, with a focus on infrastructure advice, policy and strategy after a successful career in industry.
She has also worked in the NSW Government’s planning portfolio and the Department of Premier and Cabinet, leading the development of strategy and policy.
Liesbet is a believer in the power of open and collaborative relationships, bringing a diverse range of perspectives together to find simple solutions to complex issues. She is passionate about helping her people find balance, both in achieving corporate outcomes and creating harmony between work and personal life.
Liesbet has extensive experience in working with stakeholders and is a strong advocate of a client-centred approach to engagement and service delivery.
She holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Administration and a Master of Business Administration.