Seebode Named NJDEP Deputy Commissioner 

On Feb 4, 2026

Joseph J. Seebode, an environmental engineer with a four-decade career in engineering program management, has been appointed Deputy Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection by acting Commissioner Ed Potosnack. 

Seebode most recently worked at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the New York District, where he was the Deputy District Engineer and Chief of Project Management and oversaw major civil works and military construction programs in New York, New Jersey and Greenland. This is Seebode’s second stint at NJDEP; he was an assistant commissioner from 2003-2006. 

In Seebode’s new role as second in command at the DEP, he will be responsible for developing and implementing policies that protect air and water quality, advance climate resilience, preserve natural resources, provide quality open space for the public, and ensure environmental justice, among many other roles. 

“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,” Potosnak said. “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.” 

While at the Army Corps, Seebode’s leadership helped guide post-Hurricane Sandy recovery efforts such as the removal of water from flooded tunnels, emergency dredging, coastline repair work, and debris removal. He also oversaw other major initiatives, including a $2.1 billion deepening project for the Port of New York and New Jersey and a comprehensive environmental restoration strategy for the New York/New Jersey Harbor Estuary.  

Seebode’s post-Sandy efforts and the port-deepening project earned him the prestigious Richard J. Sullivan Award in December 2025 for his dedication to advancing coastal resilience, environmental restoration and sustainable water management. The award is part of the DEP’s annual Governor’s Environmental Excellence Awards program. 

Seebode earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Manhattan College. 

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