New Director Picked for USGS California Water Science Center

July 6, 2009
For Immediate Release

Pdf version of press release

Contact:
Jim Nickles, USGS 916/278-3016

Eric Reichard is senior USGS scientist, groundwater researcher

Eric Reichard, a scientist with a long history in California water issues, has been selected as the new director of the U.S. Geological Survey’s California Water Science Center.

Reichard, who has been acting director of the Center since October 2008, replaces Michael V. Shulters, who served as Director from 1993-2008 and now serves as the Regional Executive of the USGS Pacific Southwest Area. Reichard takes over his new post effective today.
 
“I am very pleased to announce that Eric has been selected as the Director of the California Water Science Center,” Shulters said. “Eric has led projects addressing a variety of hydrologic issues such as groundwater management, conjunctive use and seawater intrusion, and he has a long history of working with scientists throughout the USGS. He has been a leader in the USGS in developing and implementing interdisciplinary projects, and he has worked with numerous water agencies throughout California.”

Reichard began working for the USGS as a student in 1980, and has been with the California Water Science Center since 1987.  He has served as a research hydrologist and as chief of the Coastal Projects program.

Other recent professional activities include serving as a Director of the Groundwater Resources Association of California and a Board Member of the California Water Resources Center Archives.  Reichard received a B.A. in Economics from the University of Rochester, N.Y., and an M.S. and a Ph.D. in Hydrogeology from Stanford University.

The U.S. Geological Survey's California Water Science Center operates project offices in Sacramento and San Diego and nine field offices where more than 200 scientists and technicians bring a broad range of disciplines to modern water-management issues.

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