Maurice Hall Joins EDF to Lead Water Program

NEWS RELEASE

Contact:

Julie Benson, (415) 293-6069, jbenson@edf.org

Maurice Hall Joins EDF to Lead Water Program

(SAN FRANCISCO – May 31, 2016) Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) announced today the hiring of Maurice Hall as Associate Vice President, Ecosystems – Water. In this newly created position, Hall will oversee EDF’s work to develop collaborative solutions for managing water scarcity in the American West.

“Climate change and population growth are placing enormous demands on water management systems throughout the west,” said David Festa, EDF Senior Vice President. “With his deep expertise in science, engineering and water policy, Maurice is well positioned to engage stakeholders in collaborative solutions that benefit all water users in the region, including the environment. We’re very excited to have Maurice on board.”

EDF recently revamped its water program to focus on three key goals: reversing groundwater depletion, getting water markets right to ensure benefits for the environment and disadvantaged communities, and developing incentives that reward farmers and ranchers for practices that return water to rivers.

For the past year, Hall has served as the science and engineering lead for the Water Funders Initiative, a cooperative effort to identify and activate promising water solutions through strategic philanthropic investments, starting in the American West. Previously, he managed complex water programs and provided technical and policy leadership for The Nature Conservancy, the California Department of Water Resources and CH2M Hill. A registered civil engineer, Hall holds a Ph.D. in Earth Resources, Watershed Sciences from Colorado State University.

“It’s a pivotal time in western water. Across the water community, we’re all looking at the current conditions and recognizing that we need to be bold and creative if we’re going to shape a resilient future for people and the environment,” said Hall. “I’m really excited to join the talented team at EDF and bring their collaborative solutions more fully to bear on the urgent task of rebalancing our water systems.”

A wide range of stakeholders hailed Hall’s appointment.

Timothy Quinn, Executive Director of the Association of California Water Agencies, welcomed Hall’s appointment as “a sign of EDF’s return to the western water debate. I’ve had the pleasure of working effectively with Maurice for nearly a decade,” said Quinn. “He brings considerable on-the-ground knowledge to this new position leading EDF’s western water program.”

“Maurice has developed an uncommon blend of strong technical skills and knowledge and a deep understanding of public policy and politics,” said Lester Snow, Executive Director of the Water Foundation. “His expertise will greatly enhance EDF’s program, but his continued involvement in water policy will benefit the entire west.”

“Over the past decade, Maurice has effectively integrated his scientific and collaborative skills to develop and then foster practical solutions that improve the environment, the economy and special communities in different parts of California,” said David Guy, President of the Northern California Water Association and former Executive Director of the Yosemite Association. “We are very excited to continue our longstanding partnerships with EDF, and we look forward to working with Maurice and his team on innovative programs to manage our precious water resources.”