Lee M. Thomas facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Lee Thomas
6th Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency
In office January 4, 1985 – January 20, 1989 Acting: January 4, 1985 – February 8, 1985
President	Ronald Reagan
Preceded by	William Ruckelshaus
Succeeded by	William K. Reilly
Personal details
Born	Lee Muller Thomas (1944-06-13) June 13, 1944 (age 81) Ridgeway, South Carolina, U.S.
Political party	Republican
Spouse	Dorothy Thomas
Children	4
Education	University of the South (BA) University of South Carolina, Columbia (MEd)

Lee Muller Thomas (born June 13, 1944) is an American government official. He is best known for leading the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from 1985 to 1989. He served during the presidency of Ronald Reagan.

About Lee Thomas

Lee Thomas was born on June 13, 1944. He grew up in the United States. He went to the Virginia Episcopal School. Later, he studied at the University of the South in Tennessee. There, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology. He also received a Master of Education degree from the University of South Carolina. He continued his studies in psychology there.

Leading the EPA

The EPA is a government agency that works to protect human health and the environment. It sets rules and standards to keep our air and water clean. It also helps manage waste and prevent pollution.

Lee Thomas became the Administrator of the EPA in 1985. This was a very important job. He was in charge of all the EPA's efforts. During his time, a special report was released. It was called Unfinished Business: A Comparative Assessment of Environmental Problems. This report looked at different environmental issues. It helped the EPA decide which problems needed the most attention.

Thomas worked to improve environmental protection. He focused on making sure the EPA did its job well. He served as Administrator until 1989.

After the EPA

After leaving the EPA, Lee Thomas continued to work in important roles. He became a leader in the business world. In 2005, he was the president and chief operating officer of Georgia-Pacific Corporation. This is a large company that makes paper and building products.

In 2007, he became the president and chief executive officer of Rayonier, Inc.. This company works with forests and makes special wood products. He also became the chairman of Rayonier later that year.

Lee Thomas has also served on the boards of directors for several organizations. These include groups focused on resources and industry. Since 2015, he has been an advisor for Angeleno Group. This company invests in clean and sustainable energy.

External links

• Interview with Lee M. Thomas regarding his career at EPA—EPA Alumni Association