U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Mike Leavitt Friday named Rich McKeown as his new chief of staff.

McKeown will replace Tom Gibson, who announced last month that he will step down at the end of this week.
"Rich is an extraordinarily able and experienced leader," said Leavitt. "His management abilities, people skills and sound judgment will add leadership talent to an already seasoned team of agency professionals."
McKeown has served as senior counselor to the administrator since joining the Agency in November 2003. In the past eight months, McKeown has provided guidance to Leavitt, direction to EPA’s assistant and regional administrators and helped craft the administrator’s 500-day plan.
McKeown served as Gov. Leavitt’s chief of staff in Utah from 1999 to 2003. He also served on the Utah State Tax Commission from 1996 to 1999. Prior to his public service, McKeown practiced law in Salt Lake City, Utah.