2026 PLENARY SESSIONS

Jeff Cown, Director

Georgia Environmental Protection Division

Jeff Cown was appointed Director of the Environmental Protection Division (EPD) of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources effective August 2023. Georgia EPD protects Georgia’s air, land, and water resources through the authority of state statutes and major parts of five federal environmental statutes. These laws regulate air quality, water quality, hazardous waste, water supply, solid waste, surface mining, underground storage tanks, and other areas.

Jeff first began his career with the DNR’s Environmental Protection Division in August of 1990. He started as a permit reviewer for solid waste handling facilities. In 1995, Jeff was promoted to lead the Municipal Solid Waste Handling and the Surface Mining Units.

In 2005, Jeff became the lead of the Solid Waste Management Program which handled permitting, closure, and reclamation, technical assistance for all solid waste handling facilities, and surface mining facilities for the state. In 2012, Jeff was promoted to Assistant Land Branch Chief and then to the Land Branch Chief in 2013. In his Branch Chief role, he led all land-based programs within the EPD. was also responsible for overseeing the Underground Storage Tank, Solid Waste, and Hazardous Waste Trust Funds.

In September of 2018, Jeff was appointed to Director of the State Parks and Historic Sites Division of DNR. The Parks & Historic Sites Division manages 70 properties that preserve the state’s environment and history. From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Colonial Coast, these sites offer an exceptional variety of activities, such as hiking and biking, fishing and boating, picnicking, ranger programs, historic enactments, and golf for nearly 14 million people each year.

Jeff is a 1986 graduate of the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering (Go Dawgs!) and a 2009 graduate of the Institute of Georgia Environmental Leadership (IGEL), Georgia’s environmental leadership program.

Jeff lives in Monroe and has 2 grown sons and 6 grandchildren.

Kevin McOmber, P.E., Regional Administrator

U.S. EPA Region 4

Kevin’s impressive 37-year career is distinguished by his dedication to community service and a deep commitment to environmental and municipal development. As a Professional Engineer (PE), he has led the design and execution of numerous large-scale public works projects across Georgia and the Southeast, focusing on sustainability, quality control, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Notably, Kevin has been a trusted partner to local and state agencies, navigating complex permitting processes and fostering collaborative relationships that drive impactful outcomes. Prior to joining the EPA, Kevin served as Executive Vice President and National Community Practice Leader at CPL Architecture, Engineering, and Planning.

Brig. Gen. Zachary L. Miller, South Atlantic Division Commander

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Brigadier General Zachary L. Miller assumed command of the South Atlantic Division, United States Army Corps of Engineers on 8 July 2025, after most recently serving as the Commanding General, United States Army Joint Modernization Command, Futures Concept Center, United States Army Futures Command. Brigadier General Miller graduated from the United States Military Academy and was commissioned in 1997.

Brigadier General Miller’s command assignments include command of a combat engineer company in the First Cavalry Division; the 21st Engineer Battalion, 101st Airborne Division; 5th Battalion, 1st Security Force Assistance Brigade; the Memphis District of the United States Army Corps of Engineers; 3rd Security Force Assistance Brigade, and the Joint Modernization Command, Fort Bliss, Texas. Brigadier General Miller’s key staff assignments include S3 for the 20th Engineer Brigade, Executive Officer for the 27th Engineer Battalion, J5 planner for US Forces-Iraq, HQDA G-3/5/7 Strategist at the Pentagon, and staff officer for Eighth Army in the Republic of Korea. His initial assignment was in the 92nd Engineer Battalion where he served as Platoon Leader, Company Executive Officer, and Battalion Construction Officer. Additionally, he has had multiple deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and across the broader Middle East.

His military education includes the Engineer Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, The Command and General Staff College, and the School of Advanced Military Studies. He completed Senior Service College as a 2017 Secretary of Defense Executive Fellow. His civilian education includes a Bachelor of Science degree from USMA, Master of Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, and a Master of Public Policy from the University of Missouri.

Brigadier General Miller’s military awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Iraq and Afghan Campaign Medals, Korea Defense Service Medal, Military, NATO Service Medal, Army Staff Identification Badge, Combat Action Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, and the Air Assault Badge.