David Paylor, new DEQ Director

DEQ Director David K. Paylor

David K. Paylor is the new director of DEQ, following the retirement of Robert G. Burnley. Governor Tim Kaine appointed Paylor effective January 16.

"I’m very excited to be back at DEQ," Paylor said, "and I’m looking forward to working with everyone."

Paylor said he expects most of the next several weeks to be occupied with the General Assembly, but he is planning to visit each DEQ office as soon as possible to meet with the staff around the state.

Since 2002, Paylor was deputy secretary of natural resources for Governor Mark Warner, overseeing all the natural resource agencies of the Commonwealth. 

Paylor's career began in 1973 with the State Water Control Board and continued with DEQ. He began as a field biologist and held a variety of positions after that as an aquatic ecologist, water resources manager, director of petroleum programs, and director of operations. Paylor currently is secretary/treasurer of the Environmental Council of the States.

Paylor graduated from Duke University with a bachelor’s degree in zoology and received his master’s degree from Oregon State University in fisheries science. He and his wife Lesa have two children, Kelsey and Grant.  His hobbies include camping, canoeing and woodworking.