Brown Makes Move to Higher Education

Arizona State University's College of Technology and Applied Sciences announces the appointment of Al Brown to director of Environmental Research Initiatives for the Environmental Technology Management program at the Polytechnic campus.

In his new role, Brown will be responsible for developing relationships with government and industry to support the ETM program, secure grants for research and equipment, lecture in classes, present at workshops and seminars, and assist students with research.

"In the classroom, our students will benefit greatly from Al's experience in finding solutions to environmental problems in one of the largest population centers in the country," says Dr. Larry Olson, associate professor in the ETM program. "He will also work directly with faculty, graduate and undergraduate students in analyzing new approaches to environmental management and emergency response for both industry and government."

Brown has more than 29 years of professional experience in the environmental management field, primarily for the state and Maricopa County, where he most recently was the director of the Environmental Services Department. While there he directed air quality, drinking water, food protection and safety, solid waste, vector control, wastewater and swimming pool programs, as well as developed policies, rules, ordinances and codes for the county.

After spending so many years in the regulatory side and developing policies for government agencies, Brown said it was time for a change. "I have been in government for my entire career. Education has been a passion or calling for me and the timing was right," said Brown.

Brown earned a B.S. in Zoology and a Master of Public Administration both from ASU.