Joseph J. Seebode has been appointed Deputy Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) by acting Commissioner Ed Potosnak. Seebode brings nearly 40 years of experience in engineering program management to the role.
Before this appointment, Seebode worked for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the New York District as Deputy District Engineer and Chief of Project Management. In that position, he managed significant civil works and military construction programs across New York, New Jersey, and Greenland. He previously served at NJDEP as an assistant commissioner from 2003 to 2006.
As Deputy Commissioner, Seebode will help develop and implement policies focused on protecting air and water quality, advancing climate resilience, preserving natural resources, increasing public access to open spaces, and ensuring environmental justice.
Acting Commissioner Ed Potosnak said: “Joe’s on-the-ground experience advancing projects with the Army Corps will be a major asset in accomplishing the Sherrill administration’s mission to deliver for the people of New Jersey by reducing permitting times while protecting health, safety and environment. In particular, his wealth of knowledge in building and growing partnerships will be critical to ensuring the protection of our air, land, water and natural resources.”
During his time with the Army Corps, Seebode played a key role in post-Hurricane Sandy recovery efforts such as tunnel dewatering after flooding, emergency dredging operations, repairing coastlines, and removing debris. He also led major initiatives like a $2.1 billion deepening project for the Port of New York and New Jersey as well as an environmental restoration strategy for the harbor estuary shared by both states.
In recognition of these efforts—including his leadership following Hurricane Sandy and overseeing port improvements—Seebode received the Richard J. Sullivan Award in December 2025. This honor is given through NJDEP’s annual Governor’s Environmental Excellence Awards program for work advancing coastal resilience and sustainable water management.
Seebode holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Manhattan College.
