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James Jennings was appointed Director of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency on September 13, 2024. He leads an approximately 800-person agency responsible for protecting Illinois’ air, land, and water while advancing major initiatives in infrastructure investment, climate and energy programs, and operational modernization. In his executive roles, he has overseen cross-cutting policy and operational priorities across the Agency’s core programs, helping drive improvements in permitting efficiency, compliance strategy, and public transparency, while expanding the Agency’s environmental and economic impact through significant investments in water infrastructure and sustainability programs. Prior to his appointment, James served the Agency in numerous capacities, including as Deputy Director, Materials Management and Compliance Section Manager, and Assistant Legal Counsel.
James represents Illinois on numerous national and international environmental Boards and Commissions. James is Chair of the Association of State and Territorial Solid Waste Management Officials Materials Management Subcommittee, Vice Chair of the Great Lakes Commission, Vice Chair of the Environmental Council of States Budget and Management Committee, and is the Illinois delegation lead to the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission. In addition, James is a member of the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center Advisory Board. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Kentucky and his undergraduate degree from the University of Cincinnati.