(September 19, 2017, Manchester, NH) – Sheehan Phinney Bass & Green Shareholder Thomas S. Burack received the 2017 Founders Award from The Environmental Council of States (ECOS). The award was presented at the ECOS Fall Meeting on September 12, 2017 in Jackson, Wyoming.
The purpose of ECOS is to improve the capability of state environmental agencies and their leaders to protect and improve human health and the environment of the United States of America. At the ceremony ECOS President, John Stine, Director of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, stated “ECOS’ premier award is the Founders Award, which recognizes ECOS alumni who have substantially contributed to ECOS’ mission, results, and reputation…This year we recognize Tom Burack, former Commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services. We honor you Tom, for your significant and impactful service with ECOS on E-Enterprise for the Environment, service as an Officer, and much more, during your decade long tenure as Commissioner. Tom was active in ECOS work to the day he left for his new position at a major law firm in New Hampshire, Sheehan Phinney. Tom, your involvement in ECOS was always heartfelt, sincere, and enthusiastic.”
In January 2017, Burack returned to Sheehan Phinney after serving for over ten years as the Commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services. He is a nationally recognized strategic leader in the fields of environmental, public health and energy regulation, as well as organizational management and governance. Burack’s thirty years of experience working in all three branches of government as well as the private sector enable him to provide clients with an in-depth understanding of how the federal, state and local governments operate, and how the public and private sectors can constructively collaborate to solve problems and resolve disputes.
Burack spearheaded the creation of E-Enterprise for the Environment, a shared governance approach among the US Environmental Protection Agency, states and tribal governments to modernize and streamline the business of environmental protection and regulation in the United States. He served as the first state co-chair of the E-Enterprise Leadership Council, which provides strategic direction for the overall initiative and oversight of dozens of E-Enterprise projects. Among other roles, he now serves as an executive advisor and consultant to the initiative.
About the Firm
Sheehan Phinney is a full service business law firm representing local, national and international clients with innovative approaches and practical solutions. Founded in 1937, Sheehan Phinney has grown to over 60 attorneys with four offices throughout New Hampshire and Massachusetts and is known for professional excellence, practical counsel and commitment to both its clients and the communities it serves. Sheehan Phinney is the exclusive member in New Hampshire of Lex Mundi, the world’s leading association of premier independent law firms.