Matthew Poppen will serve as the Maricopa Association of Governments environmental director, moving from the interim director role he has held since January.

“This decision reflects Matt’s leadership abilities and his dedication to the environment and public health,” MAG Executive Director Ed Zuercher said.

“Matt brings extensive experience and expertise to the position. During his time as interim director, he has fostered collaboration and addressed head-on the environmental challenges facing our region, notably in air quality.”

Poppen began his career at MAG in 2010. As a senior air quality expert, he has prepared regional air quality plans for the attainment and maintenance of the federal National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ozone and particulate matter in consultation with federal, state and local agencies, according to a MAG release.

He also has “extensive experience in analyses of air-quality modeling, control measures, transportation conformity and emission inventories," the release stated.

Poppen previously served in the Maricopa County Air Quality Department as an air quality inspector and planner. He has a bachelor’s degree from Fresno Pacific University and a master’s degree in urban and environmental planning from Arizona State University.