PERSONNEL--Chief, Office of Water Quality Date: Tue, 30 Dec 1997 16:05:30 -0500 To: "E - All WRD Employees" From: "Robert M. Hirsch, Chief Hydrologist, USGS" (by way of Joanne Taylor) Subject: PERSONNEL--Chief, Office of Water Quality Cc: "Mark Schaefer Reston, VA" , "Bonnie Mcgregor Reston, VA" , "Barbara J Ryan Reston, VA" , "Richard E Witmer Reston, VA" , "P. Patrick Leahy, Chief Geologist, Reston, VA" , "Dennis B Fenn, Chief Biologist, Reston, VA" , "Pamela R Malam Washington, DC" , "Robert M Hirsch, Chief Hydrologist, Reston, VA" , "William F Gossman Jr. Reston, VA" , "Katherine F Lins, Regional Director, Eastern Region, Reston, VA" , "Douglas R Posson Denver, CO" , "Thomas J Casadevall Menlo Park, CA" , " , WRD Archive File, Reston, VA" In Reply Refer To: Mail Stop 409 MEMORANDUM December 30, 1997 To: All Water Resources Division Employees From: Robert M. Hirsch (signed) Chief Hydrologist Subject: PERSONNEL--Chief, Office of Water Quality David Rickert is retiring today, December 30, 1997, after 28 years of service to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Throughout his career, Dave has played a leading role in the development of USGS water-quality science. He did so as the Chief of the Willamette River Quality Assessment, as national coordinator of the River Quality Assessment Program, and since 1984, as Chief, Office of Water Quality. In his role as Chief, he had responsibility for the pilot National Water Quality Assessment Program, creation of the Laboratory Methods Development group, modernization of the Nation Water Quality Laboratory, including development of new pesticide and trace element protocols, redesign of the National Stream Quality Accounting Network Program, oversight of the Toxics Program, and development and testing of new clean protocols for water-quality sampling. These developments have all been crucial to our becoming what we are today: the recognized leaders in the Federal Government in monitoring, interpretation, and research in water quality. Dave will be missed, but I am pleased to report that he has agreed to stay on our roles as a WAE employee for special assignments. With Dave's departure, I am asking Janice Ward to serve as Acting Chief of the Office of Water Quality, until such time as we are able to advertise and fill the position on a permanent basis. Janice has been Assistant Chief of the Office for 2 years and, thus, is well prepared for the duties she assumes. Her first assignments were in the Pennsylvania District from 1971 to 1986, where she worked on issues of acid mine drainage and agricultural non-point source pollution. She then moved to the New Jersey District where she served as Chief of the Environmental Studies Section, then Assistant District Chief, and in 1991, District Chief, before coming to headquarters at the beginning of 1996. Her experience in project work and management gives Janice an excellent background for providing the leadership, assistance, management, and quality assurance that the Division expects from the Office of Water Quality. Please join me in thanking Dave for his service and in welcoming Janice to her role as Acting Chief of the Office of Water Quality. Copy to : Policy Council Regional Directors