Matrix New World Executive Honored For Public Service Leadership
Newark, NJ: Matrix New World Engineering Vice President, Venetia Lannon, was honored by the Gowanus Canal Conservancy (GCC) at their April 18th Gowanus Spring Gala at Industry City in Sunset Park, 220 36th Street, Brooklyn, NY.
The GCC, which supports the development of a resilient, vibrant, open space network that is centered on the Gowanus Canal through the activation and empowerment of community stewardship, welcomed Lannon as a new Board member, recognized the focus and results of her work as Governor Cuomo's former Deputy Secretary for the Environment for New York State, and lauded her leadership at the Department of Environmental Conservation's New York City office. Other honorees at the gala included Ben Jones, Chairman of Gowanus Canal Conservancy, Langan and Elisa Long Founder and Director of Spoke the Hub Dancing.
According to the GCC, Venetia, through her public service leadership and dedication was instrumental in bringing attention to New York's Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs) and local water quality issues. Additionally, her commitment to working with community groups has advanced CSO awareness through education and grass-roots environmental stewardship, a cornerstone of GCC’s mission. GCC is proud to have Venetia as a partner and to have the opportunity to honor her at the Gowanus Spring Gala.
Beyond her regulatory roles, Venetia has been and will continue to be a champion of community organizations working to improve New York's environment.
“To be honored by the Gowanus Canal Conservancy is both professionally and personally rewarding,” stated Ms. Lannon. “Focusing attention on local water quality issues is a cause very close to my heart. I look forward to partnering with the GCC and supporting the communities that surround the Canal.”
Ms. Lannon has a wide range of waterfront, environmental, and governmental affairs knowledge and experience. As Deputy Secretary for the Environment with the New York State Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, she oversaw all aspects of the State's environmental agencies, including the Department of Environmental Conservation, Office of Parks Recreation & Historic Preservation, Environmental Facilities Corporation, Hudson River Park Trust, and the Adirondack Park Agency. Her expertise and experience continue Matrix’s knowledge and relationship growth, while further propelling Matrix into a leadership role in the region’s environmental projects and planning.
As a member of Governor Cuomo’s cabinet, Ms. Lannon was lauded for her role in passing the $2.5B Clean Water Infrastructure Act, launching the Environmental Justice/Just Transition Working Group, leading the Governor’s Water Quality Rapid Response Team, and overseeing the largest addition to the Forest Preserve in the Adirondack Park’s history.
According to Jayne Warne, PE, President, “We are thrilled Venetia was honored for her important work with the Gowanus Canal Conservancy and applaud her dedication to communities in the tri-state area and beyond.”
In her previous role as Regional Director of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Ms. Lannon oversaw all aspects of the agency’s work in New York City, and as Senior Vice President of the New York City Economic Development Corporation, she led the Maritime Group, where she was instrumental in the development of the East River Ferry service, the reactivation of the South Brooklyn freight rail system, and the barge-served recycling facility at the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal; she was a key contributor to New York City’s Solid Waste Management Plan and the first lead of Mayor Bloomberg’s Waterfront Management Advisory Board.
Matrix New World Engineering is a leading woman-owned full-service engineering and environmental services firm that provides scientific and engineering expertise for a wide range of projects from infrastructure improvement, climate change resiliency, ecological restoration, and contamination studies in the United States and overseas. The Florham Park, NJ-based company has offices in Eatontown, NJ, as well as New York City, Louisiana, Texas, and Arizona.
