MEADVILLE — Erin Wells has been named the regional director of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Northwest Regional Office.

Wells replaced James Miller, who was named regional director of the DEP’s Southwest Regional Office. Wells, who previously worked for DEP for 11 years as the region’s local government liaison, serving as the primary point of contact for all federal, state, and local elected officials in the 14-county region. Wells will manage field operations for Armstrong, Butler, Clarion, Crawford, Elk, Erie, Forest, Indiana, Jefferson, Lawrence, McKean, Mercer, Venango, Warren counties.

Prior to being named regional director for DEP’s Northwest Regional Office, Wells held positions as the northwest regional director at Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development Governor’s Action Team and mostly recently led the northwest Governor’s Office as regional director. Wells holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in environmental studies/geography from Edinboro University.

John Holden, who served as acting regional director from Jan. 4, 2021 to May 1, 2021, will resume his previous role as clean water program manager in DEP’s Northwest Regional Office.