Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger today announced the appointment of Andy Bicking as the County’s new Director of the Department of the Environment. Bicking brings more than 25 years of experience in environmental policy, programs, and community engagement, and has been a resident of Ulster County for more than two decades.

“Andy’s deep roots in Ulster County and his decades of environmental policy experience and work with government at local, county, and state levels make him an ideal choice to lead our Department of the Environment,” said County Executive Jen Metzger. “He has a proven track record of working with government and community partners to advance sensible environmental solutions and will make a great asset to the County’s leadership team.” 

Bicking most recently served as Executive Director of the Connecticut Forest & Park Association, where he oversaw statewide conservation programs, public communications, and advocacy efforts. Prior to serving in this position, he spent more than two decades at Scenic Hudson, where he held multiple leadership roles, including Director of Government Relations & Public Policy, and spearheading major legislative campaigns and regional planning initiatives.

Throughout his career, Bicking has worked to develop broad-based coalitions of support for statewide and regional environmental and climate initiatives, including the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, the Hudson Valley Community Preservation Act, and the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Bond Act. He has also developed training programs for municipal leaders, and secured funding for high-impact environmental projects across the Hudson Valley.

A graduate of Oregon State University’s College of Agriculture, Bicking also holds a Certificate in Executive Leadership from Cornell University. He has received multiple awards for his work, including the Land Trust Alliance’s National Ambassadors Award and the EPA Region 2 Environmental Quality Award.

“Ulster County is such a great place to live, work and raise a family, and the environment plays a big role in allowing that to happen,” said Andy Bicking. “I'm excited to be joining the County under the leadership of County Executive Metzger and collaborating with the Legislature, Environmental Management Council, and community partners to advance the policies, programs and projects that make us more resilient and benefit all of our residents." 

Bicking lives in Esopus with his wife and is the father of two grown children who attended local schools. In his spare time, he enjoys bicycling throughout the Mid-Hudson Valley and Catskills.

He succeeds Europa McGovern, who previously served as Director of the Department of the Environment.