Gwen Keyes Fleming’s career trajectory is a testament to her dedication to public service, environmental advocacy, and legal excellence. Here’s a detailed overview of her distinguished achievements:
Early Life and Education
- Education: Gwen Keyes Fleming pursued her academic journey with determination, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Rutgers University (Douglass College) with honors. She furthered her education by obtaining a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Emory University School of Law, where she distinguished herself as a James D. Carr University Scholar.
Career Highlights
Public Sector
- District Attorney: She served as the District Attorney for the Stone Mountain Judicial Circuit in Decatur, GA, from 2005 to 2010. In this role, she led the district attorney’s office, overseeing criminal prosecution and policy development.
- Solicitor General: Prior to her role as District Attorney, she held the position of Solicitor General at the DeKalb County Solicitor General’s Office in Decatur, GA, from 1999 to 2004. As the county’s chief prosecutor for misdemeanor crimes, she played a pivotal role in upholding justice within the community.
Obama Administration
- Chief of Staff, U.S. EPA: From 2013 to 2015, Gwen Keyes Fleming served as the Chief of Staff at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In this senior advisory role, she worked closely with Administrator Gina McCarthy, overseeing the agency’s operations and priorities.
- Regional Administrator, EPA Region 4: Prior to her role as Chief of Staff, she served as the Regional Administrator for EPA Region 4 (Southeastern Region) from 2010 to 2013. She led the EPA’s efforts across eight southeastern states and six federally recognized tribes, with a strong emphasis on environmental justice initiatives.
- Principal Legal Advisor, ICE: In her capacity as the Principal Legal Advisor (General Counsel) at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from 2015 to 2017, she provided legal oversight on matters related to immigration enforcement activities.
Private Sector
- Partner, DLA Piper: Currently, Gwen Keyes Fleming serves as a strategic partner at DLA Piper, a global law firm. In this role, she offers counsel to multinational clients on environmental compliance, enforcement, and policy matters, with a focus on Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues and climate change impact mitigation.
Additional Accomplishments and Leadership Roles
- Board Memberships: Gwen Keyes Fleming actively contributes to several organizations, including serving on the Board of Directors of the Environmental Law Institute and as Co-Chair of the American Bar Association’s Environmental Justice Task Force. She also holds positions on the boards of the Georgia Center for Child Advocacy and The Honorable Clarence Cooper (formerly Lamar) Inn of Court.
- Legacy: Throughout her career, Gwen Keyes Fleming has left a lasting impact as a dedicated advocate for environmental justice and legal integrity. Her leadership, expertise, and commitment to public service continue to inspire positive change within communities and organizations.
Gwen Keyes Fleming’s remarkable journey exemplifies the profound impact that individuals can make through their dedication to excellence, service, and advocacy for a better world.