Profiles of Hispanics at EPA: Gilberto “Tito” Irizarry
Gilberto “Tito” Irizarry
Director, Preparedness & Response Operations Division (PROD)
Office of Land and Emergency Management (OLEM)
Washington, DC
Where were you born?
Santurce, Puerto Rico
What brought you to EPA?
After graduating from college I started my professional career as a staff engineer with the Department of Defense for 6 years and from there I moved to EPA in 1998 when I took a position as On-Scene Coordinator (OSC) in Region 1 – New England.
What type of work do you do at EPA?
I work in the area of environmental/emergency management serving as a Division Director within EPA’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) in OLEM. The Office of Emergency Management is the backbone of the federal government’s response to, preparation for and prevention of environmental emergencies, Among our many tasks, we work with our partners at the federal, state, local levels and with tribal governments to respond quickly to chemical and hazardous substance releases and oil spills.
What is your highest level of education? What was your major?
I have a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.
What message would you like to send other Hispanics who are considering college or a career in environmental protection?
In short, yes to both. I very much believe in the importance of pursuing a college education and in working in the area of environmental protection. There are many career opportunities to make valuable and personally rewarding contributions by working in environmental protection.