WASHINGTON, D.C., Oct. 2, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via PRWEB - Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Estevan López announced today that David Palumbo is the new Deputy Commissioner for Operations. He will oversee operations in Reclamation's five regions, the Native American and International Affairs Office, the Technical Service Center, Hydropower Office and Dam Safety Officer/Design, Estimating, Construction office.
"Water delivery and power generation are fundamental to what the Bureau of Reclamation does," López said. "Dave's federal government and private industry experience working on water, power and environmental projects are great assets as we work to meet future water and power demands in the western United States."
Palumbo moves to Washington, D.C., from Reclamation's Lower Colorado Region, where he became the deputy regional director in 2012. In this position, he oversaw complex water and power programs in the region, including Hoover Dam operations. He also managed and led Native American activities, including those related to Navajo Generating Station and implementing Indian water rights settlements. He has built strong, collaborative relationships with customers and stakeholders throughout the Colorado River basin, including those in the country of Mexico.
He joined Reclamation in 2005 as a project manager where he led the construction project of the Brock Reservoir Project in Southern California's Imperial Valley. This $172 million project was completed ahead of schedule and under budget. The facility provides enhanced storage capacity to improve management and conservation of Colorado River water.
In addition to his work for Reclamation in the Southwest, Palumbo worked in the private sector for Kerr-McGee Corporation for ten years. For four of those years he partnered with Canada's Hydro-Quebec, managing engineering and operations for manufacturing, water, energy, and research and development programs.
Palumbo holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature from Notre Dame. He also has master's degrees in both Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics from Columbia University and in English Literature from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He is a licensed civil engineer in California and certified project manager.
He was awarded the Superior Service Award in 2011 and Meritorious Service Award in 2014 from the Department of the Interior. Palumbo was also named Reclamation's Engineer of the Year in 2008.
Palumbo fills the spot vacated by Lowell Pimley, who retires this week after a 35-year career with the Bureau of Reclamation.
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