Bobbak Talebi is the Southwest Region Director at the Washington State Department of Ecology. In this role, Bobbak serves as an ambassador to Ecology’s director, and represents the agency’s interests while fostering diverse partnerships across the region. This position implements all eleven environmental and natural resource program areas. One of Bobbak’s most important roles is to facilitate collaboration across each Ecology program, coordinate the delivery of agency services, share information with communities on the agency’s direction, resolve regional challenges, and develop consistent operating procedures for the region. This position also manages the operations of the regional office, including the Vancouver Field Office which provides more localized resources and support to address increasing environmental challenges in an area experiencing rapid growth.

Bobbak has more than two decades of experience in land use, environmental planning, natural resources management, environmental policy and conservation. He specializes in climate resilience and addressing disproportionate impacts on vulnerable communities. Talebi earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies and urban planning, and a master’s degree in marine and environmental affairs from the University of Washington.

Prior to becoming the Southwest Region Director, Bobbak was Ecology's Coastal/Shorelands Section Manager. Before moving into that position, Bobbak served as an Ecology coastal planner where he co-managed the Coastal Hazards Resilience Network for many years.