Cottonwood AZ (June 26, 2014) – The Verde River Basin Partnership (Partnership) welcomes new Chair Dr. Edward “Ed” Wolfe. Dr. Wolfe is a retired geologist who spent his career with the U.S. Geological Survey. Upon retirement, he recognized that his geologic experience in Northern Arizona could have application in interpreting and explaining the area’s water-resources.
Over many years, Dr. Wolfe has volunteered thousands of hours in writing educational articles and giving presentations on water within the Verde River Watershed. He is the main author of the Partnership’s Water-Resource Notes and Water-Resource Primer chapters, which provide the public with information about the science of water and how it applies within the Verde River Watershed.
Dr. Wolfe has previously served as the Partnership’s Chair from July 2009 through December 2010. He has held other positions in the organization including Chair of the Technical Advisory Group and Board Member of the Board of Directors. Additionally, Dr. Wolfe was Chair of the Verde Watershed Association and is a Board Member of the Northern Arizona University Water Research and Education Program.
Welcoming a new Chair also means thanking the exiting Chair, Tom O’Halleran, for his service. As Chairman, Tom O’Halleran gave 3½ years of leadership and hard work to the Partnership and led the organization though an educational outreach expansion to inform people about the unique, sensitive, and related nature of groundwater and surface water throughout the Verde River Watershed.
Mr. O’Halleran will remain on the Partnership’s Board of Directors, while seeking the State Senate seat for Legislative District 6 as an Independent. Previously, Mr. O’Halleran served in the Arizona legislature for 8 years as a Republican from 2001 until 2009, first in the House, then in the Senate. After his last term in the legislature, Mr. O’Halleran not only devoted much time and energy to the Partnership, but also served as President at Keep Sedona Beautiful, an organization that works to protect and sustain the unique scenic beauty and natural environment of the Greater Sedona area.
The Partnership is a scientific and educational resource raising awareness among citizens and community leaders about the workings of Verde River Basin’s interconnected groundwater and surface water systems, and the life they support. To learn more about the Partnership, read about its events, and to find educational materials, please visit www.vrbp.org.