Remembering Iwan Choronenko, former Air Division Director
by Reginald Sanford
“He (Iwan) was hired by Roger Stewart in 1981 to take over an understaffed and a loosely configured air department comprised of four people; two engineers and two environmental specialists. As a recently retired military officer, Iwan recognized quickly that his small organization would need considerable attention to become a viable and mission-oriented entity. He proceeded quickly to set up organizational operating procedures, establish better accountability and time management and proceeded to set up functional departmental filing system. Initially his fast paced approach in dealing with the problems, were met with considerable resistance from his small staff, but with Roger’s backing and support, Iwan’s initiatives prevailed and he was able to whip the department into shape. Over the years, his small department grew and matured into a first-class organization comprised of outstanding professionals.
Iwan observed first-hand the degradation of local air quality due in part to automobiles, noise, open burning, and air polluting industries. After that, Iwan became an instrumental force in the clean-up of our local air quality, culminating with the reclassification of Hillsborough County from a ozone nonattainment area to an attainment maintenance area in 1996. Iwan cites his greatest accomplishments in the AMD was to“see the organization grow and become highly productive, efficient and capable entity.”
Iwan attributed much of his success to Roger Stewart for his long-term support stating that in good times and bad, his support was essential to the growth of the Air Management Division. Throughout the years, Iwan’s leadership has undoubtedly provided the citizens of Hillsborough County the benefits of cleaner, healthier air-a legacy.”
Iwan worked for the Agency for 18 years and left an indelible mark on the staff who knew him. We extend our sincerest condolences to Iwan’s family during this difficult time.
