SS/dep.pr                           Contact: Jerry Pasternak, 301-217-2500

DUNCAN NAMES APPOINTEE FOR
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION POST       For Immediate Release: Dec. 14, 1995


      Montgomery County Executive Douglas M. Duncan today named James A.
Caldwell as his nominee for the post of Director of the Department of
Environmental Protection.
      Caldwell, 41, who is currently chief of the department's Office of
Environmental Policy and Compliance, will immediately assume the role of
acting director. Robert Merryman, who has been serving as acting director of
the department for the past year, will return to his permanent position as
Deputy Director of the Department of Transportation.
      "As I said recently when I announced my proposal to restructure the role
of Environmental Protection, I want to strengthen the department's emphasis on
protecting the environment -- as opposed to some of its current functions,
such as construction permitting. I believe that Jim -- with his tremendous
background in environmental management and planning, and nearly 15 years of
County experience -- is ideally suited to lead the department in its new
mission. He is well respected in the field and I believe would be an
outstanding addition to our management team." 
      Duncan added, "I also want to thank Bob Merryman for doing an
outstanding job this year in guiding the department through a major transition
period, and for the leadership he provided on some very critical issues."
      Caldwell has served as chief of Environmental Policy and Compliance
since 1992. He began with the County in 1981 as an environmental planner and
was promoted to environmental protection manager in 1988. Caldwell holds a
M.S. degree in environmental management/engineering from American University
and a B.S. in wildlife zoology from Ohio State University. Since 1987, he has
also served as a member of the Howard County Board of Appeals. 
      Prior to coming to the County government in 1981, Caldwell worked as an
environmental scientist/engineer for Enviro Control, Inc. of Rockville and as
a staff scientist with Rockville-based Tracor Jitco, Inc.
      Caldwell's appointment to the director's post is subject to confirmation
by the County Council.