Water Warriors,
It’s hard to write it: I am going to be departing as executive director in late spring. I am leaving to attend law school and hope to develop a public-interest practice that remains inspired by this organization. The Waters of the West run through me in so many ways. And that won’t stop as I take this next step.
But, of course, I have an ask to make of you: We need help finding our next executive director.
Through weal and woe, we have endured as an organization. And your support in offering recommendations of capable candidates will go a long way. We need a new leader who can persist through the good times (big snowpacks) and the bad (drought). We need someone who sees the highways, two-tracks, and dusty roads as opportunities to connect with unlikely allies. We need someone who wants to read bills, monitor the courts, track regulatory filings, and communicate the implications to you all — in the name of the public good.
The world is not the same as it was when I joined GBWN in late 2018. At the time, we were still litigating to stop the Las Vegas Pipeline. We still had our dear friend and counselor, Simeon Herskovits, with us on earth. We weren’t even yet fighting the Cedar City Water Grab. The Colorado River and its reservoirs hadn’t cratered to the levels we see today. The Great Salt Lake hadn’t hit historic lows. There were fewer water conservation laws in place for places like Vegas. There were fewer subdivisions, shopping plazas, mines, data centers and thirsty developments in the nation’s driest places than there are today. But there would be even more if GBWN hadn’t been able to do the work you all allowed us to do.
I don’t want to leave this job. But I must. I have an obligation and privilege to do things that others cannot. The genesis of my next academic pursuit stems from my love for folks like Simeon, the GBWN board, and our allies.
For decades, we’ve partnered with tribal leaders, local governments, water users, and other private citizens who desperately need more affordable access to courts, legal analysis, and steadfast advocacy. Many of you bust your butts to defend water. And you uphold the very foundations of our democracy in the process. I want to go further to do my part for you.
In this role, I get to stand on the shoulders of the GBWN giants. Can you help us find someone else who wants to see the view from up high. I will be following up and, we hope, introducing you to the next executive director very soon.
The right candidate doesn’t have to walk on water. The person just needs to respect the life it brings.
Kyle
Here is the link to the job listing. But feel free to contact us directly or have someone else contact us. We are flexible on negotiating location, benefits, and salary.
kyleroerink@greatbasinwater.org
info@greatbasinwater.org
board@greatbasinwater.org
