Our Management
Meet the experienced leadership team driving NEPA's mission to protect Jamaica's environment and ensure sustainable development through strategic vision and innovative solutions
Executive Leadership
NEPA's management team combines decades of experience in environmental science, planning, policy development, and public administration. Our leaders are committed to advancing Jamaica's environmental protection goals while fostering sustainable development practices that benefit present and future generations.
Leonard A. Francis
Leonard A. Francis is the Chief Executive Officer of NEPA, appointed in April 2024. He is a trained environment and planning professional with over 30 years of experience. Mr. Francis has conducted and supervised research in numerous areas including noise, parking, development approval processes, green and open spaces, masterplans, densification of the Kingston Metropolitan Area, Green Development Principles, Development Standards, Urban Development Policy, and Climate Change issues.
He serves as an adjunct lecturer at the University of Technology in the Urban and Regional Planning Programme and is an executive member of the Caribbean Planning Association, representing the organization as Co-chair of the Comprehensive Disaster Management Physical and Environmental Planning Sector Sub-Committee.
Education & Experience
- Master's Degree in Planning, University of Ryerson, Toronto, Canada
- MBA in Public Sector Management, University of the West Indies, Mona
- Over 30 years in environment and planning
- Former Director, Spatial Planning Division, NEPA
- Specialized training in Public Sector Senior Leadership Development
- Training in Green and Innovative Development, Project Management
Ainsworth Carroll
Mr. Ainsworth Carroll, MBA, BSc Hons., joined NEPA in January 2016, initially serving as Director of the Corporate Management Division for two years before being reassigned to his current senior position. He brings over fifteen years of senior-level experience across various sectors.
Experience & Expertise
- MBA, BSc Honours degree
- 15+ years senior management experience
- International Trade sector experience
- Food & Beverage industry background
- Telecommunications sector expertise
- Strong finance background
- Strategic thinking and solution-oriented approach
Mr. McKenzie
With over twenty-five years of experience in environmental management in Jamaica, Mr. McKenzie serves as the national focal point for sustainable consumption and production (SCP) and represents Jamaica on UNESCO-IOCARIBE Regional Seas programme. He is a past member of the Jamaica Defence Force.
Qualifications & Focus Areas
- Masters in Wastewater Treatment and Process Technology
- MBA with specialization in Strategic Planning
- 25+ years environmental management experience
- Coastal resources management specialist
- Climate change impacts research
- National focal point for sustainable consumption and production
- UNESCO-IOCARIBE Regional Seas representative
Gregory Bennett
Mr. Gregory Bennett brings over twenty years of experience in Urban and Regional Planning in Jamaica. His expertise combines traditional planning principles with modern information systems management, providing innovative solutions for Jamaica's development challenges.
Professional Background
- Master of Science in Computer-Based Management Information Systems
- Business Administration specialization
- Information Systems Management expertise
- 20+ years Urban and Regional Planning experience
- Technology integration in planning processes
- Strategic development planning
- Data-driven planning solutions
[Deputy Executive Name]
Supporting the CEO in strategic leadership and operational oversight, ensuring effective coordination across all divisions and maintaining high standards of service delivery throughout the organization.
Leadership Areas
- Strategic planning and implementation
- Operational oversight and coordination
- Policy development and review
- Stakeholder engagement and partnerships
- Performance monitoring and evaluation
- Change management and organizational development
- Quality assurance and compliance
Neidene Robinson
Leading NEPA's legal and enforcement division, Ms. Robinson oversees compliance monitoring, enforcement actions, and legal proceedings. She is currently spearheading a restructuring process to enhance the agency's enforcement capabilities.
Key Responsibilities
- Legal affairs and compliance oversight
- Enforcement operations and strategy
- Legal proceedings and prosecutions
- Regulatory compliance monitoring
- Staff development and training programs
- Restructuring and capacity building initiatives
- Inter-agency legal coordination
[Corporate Director Name]
Overseeing corporate functions including human resources, finance, administration, and information technology to ensure efficient operations and support for NEPA's environmental and planning mandate.
Service Areas
- Human resources management and development
- Financial planning and budget management
- Administrative services and facilities
- Information technology and systems
- Procurement and contract management
- Risk management and internal audit
- Corporate communications and public relations
Management Philosophy
Innovation & Research
Fostering a culture of research-driven solutions and innovative approaches to environmental challenges, utilizing data analytics and predictive modeling for effective decision-making.
Collaborative Partnerships
Building strong partnerships with government agencies, communities, private sector, and international organizations to achieve shared environmental and development goals.
Staff Development
Implementing mentorship and succession planning programs to develop the next generation of environmental and planning professionals within NEPA.
Performance Excellence
Maintaining high standards of service delivery through continuous improvement, performance monitoring, and evidence-based management practices.