Gov. Paul R. LePage announced Monday that Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Patricia Aho is stepping down. After four years serving in the LePage Administration, Aho has accepted a position within the office of Sen. Susan Collins.

Aho, a native of Boothbay Harbor, has led the Department of Environmental Protection since September 2011, having previously served as the agency’s deputy commissioner. At the department, Aho focused on making improvements to assistance, compliance and environmental literacy for all members of the regulated community, maintaining high-level protections for our natural resources.

“Pattie has been a tremendous asset to the Administration by improving efficiency and accountability throughout the Department of Environmental Protection,” said LePage. “We wish her well knowing she will bring value and experience to Sen. Collins’ office.”

“Working with a dedicated staff, it has been my privilege to work to improve regulatory reform, increase accountability and transparency and modernize DEP’s approach to doing business,” said Aho. “It has been my distinct honor to serve the people of Maine as commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection.”

Aho will join Collins’ team as the State Office Representative in Augusta. In this role, Aho will be the senator’s representative in Kennebec, Lincoln and Knox counties. She will also direct constituent service efforts in those areas and manage the Augusta office staff.

“I am delighted that Pattie will be joining our team as a State Office Representative,” said Collins. “Pattie has a wealth of experience and brings a robust understanding of both the state and federal government to the job, as well as a deep knowledge of the area. I have known Pattie for a long time and I’m very happy to have her joining the staff.”

Aho is a graduate of Nasson College and earned a law degree from Western New England College, School of Law. She resides in Newcastle with her husband Ron.

LePage also announced Monday that Avery Day will serve as acting commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection effective Monday, Sept. 7. Day now serves as LePage’s senior policy advisor on environmental protection; agriculture, conservation and forestry; inland fisheries and wildlife; and marine resources-related legislation and regulation. He will remain active in his role within the governor’s Office while serving as acting commissioner.