August 6, 2026

A 33-year Veteran of the Agency, Georgelis Will Lead Efforts to Optimize Performance Across DEP’s Operational Bureaus

NEW YORK, NY — Today, New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Lisa Garcia appointed of Anastasios “Tasos” Georgelis, P.E., as the agency’s Chief Operating Officer (COO). Georgelis has served as Acting COO since January 2025 and brings more than 33 years of experience at DEP to the role. As COO, he oversees the daily operations of New York City’s water and wastewater utility functions, managing more than 4,600 employees across 10 bureaus and guiding over $3 billion in annual capital investments.

“Tasos has been an invaluable member of DEP’s team for decades,” said DEP Commissioner Lisa F. Garcia. “His deep operational knowledge, thoughtful decision‑making, and steady leadership have guided our agency through complex challenges and positioned us for long-term success. I am confident that as Chief Operating Officer, Tasos will continue to advance our mission with integrity, expertise, and a strong commitment to serving all New Yorkers.”

“After serving as Acting COO, I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue leading our incredible teams who keep New York City’s water, wastewater and stormwater systems running every day,” said DEP Chief Operating Officer Anastasios Georgelis. “Thank you to my colleagues and partners across the agency for your support. I’m proud of our mission and focused on driving efficiency, and strengthening operations, and building what’s next together!”

Georgelis is widely recognized for his commitment to public service, operational excellence, and advancing DEP’s mission to provide high‑quality water and wastewater services to nearly 9 million New Yorkers. A Queens native, Georgelis began his DEP career in 1992 as a civil engineering intern in DEP’s Bureau of Water and Sewer Operations (BWSO). For more than three decades, he worked his way through the bureau’s ranks, serving in various engineering and leadership roles and ultimately becoming Deputy Commissioner of BWSO. His deep, understanding of New York City’s water and sewer systems and of DEP’s broader operational needs has made him a vital member of the agency’s leadership team. He is a New York State‑licensed Professional Engineer and holds a Bachelor of Engineering from The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art.

As COO, Georgelis will continue leading efforts to optimize performance across DEP’s operational bureaus through data‑driven management, strategic planning, and continuous improvement. He partners closely with bureau leadership to uphold regulatory compliance, ensure customer service excellence, and support the reliable delivery of critical infrastructure and services citywide. Georgelis also plays a key role in interagency coordination, representing DEP in citywide initiatives and working with partner agencies to streamline permitting, align operational priorities, and strengthen cross‑agency collaboration.

About DEP:

DEP manages New York City’s water supply, providing approximately 1 billion gallons of high-quality drinking water each day to nearly 10 million residents, including 8.3 million in New York City. The water is delivered from a watershed that extends more than 125 miles from the city, comprising 19 reservoirs and three controlled lakes. Approximately 7,000 miles of water mains, tunnels and aqueducts bring water to homes and businesses throughout the five boroughs, and 7,500 miles of sewer lines and 96 pump stations take wastewater to 14 in-city treatment plants. DEP also protects the health and safety of New Yorkers by enforcing the Air and Noise Codes and asbestos rules. For more information, visit nyc.gov/dep, like us on Facebook, or follow us on X.