In a move signaling a stronger emphasis on water conservation amidst climate change concerns, Governor Tina Kotek has put forward new heads for Oregon's water agencies. She has appointed Ivan Gall to lead the Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) and Sara O’Brien to head the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB). These appointments will be reviewed by the Oregon Senate later this month, as per the Governor's office announcement.

Governor Kotek underscored the urgency of equipping Oregon with a robust strategy to deal with water resource management, against a backdrop of a rapidly changing climate. "Oregonians deserve leaders who can chart a proactive path to protect and improve management of our state’s limited water resources for the benefit of healthy ecosystems, thriving communities, and a strong economy," she stated, according to a government press release.

Ivan Gall, who slots into the OWRD director's chair, has nearly 30 years of experience within the department, having served in various leadership roles including the interim deputy director. The Governor's office notes that Gall was instrumental in shifting OWRD's focus from water allocation to balancing instream and out-of-stream uses.

Sara O’Brien ascends to the directorship of OWEB with a rich background in conservation efforts. She has previously honed her expertise as executive director at Willamette Partnership and has worked on natural resource policy, particularly in the context of climate effects on the US/Mexico borderlands. Her approach to collaborative conservation is expected to bolster OWEB's mission to enhance the health of Oregon's waterways and surrounding ecosystems.

Their confirmations are set to be deliberated during the upcoming Oregon Senate legislative days, running from May 29 through May 31, 2024. Both Gall and O'Brien possess extensive backgrounds relevant to their new roles, signifying a potentially significant shift in Oregon's water resource management in the years to come.