Susquehanna River Basin Commission Chairman Dr. Robert Summers Thursday announced that Executive Director Paul Swartz is retiring this November.

“I join my fellow commissioners in congratulating Paul and thanking him for his untiring and passionate dedication to the Commission these past 21 years,” said Chairman Summers. “Under his leadership, the Commission grew into a very effective agency that balances the competing uses of the Susquehanna basin’s water resources for healthy ecosystems and a vibrant economy.”

“Over the years, Paul has done an exceptional job leading the agency’s staff in its mission to manage water resources responsibly and equitably, without regard to sectors and political boundaries. He has inspired and promoted the Commission’s values of ‘Teamwork, Professionalism, and Quality’ and has assembled a very strong team that is driven by those values everyday as they serve the public.”

Swartz has served as SRBC’s executive director since 1992.

Among his varied responsibilities, Swartz oversaw the progressive and responsible growth in SRBC’s regulatory, planning, water quality monitoring, information technology and public information programs.

“Because of Paul’s hands-on and decisive management skills, he will leave the Commission in an excellent position both fiscally and programmatically. In today’s tough financial climate, no one can take those qualities for granted, and we commend him for that,” said Chairman Summers.

Prior to joining SRBC, Swartz directed the Bureau of Soil and Water Conservation in the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources. He also served as the Executive Secretary to the Pennsylvania Conservation Commission.

Swartz, a 1970 graduate of Gettysburg College, and his wife, Patsy, have three sons and a grandson.

Until Swartz retires in November, the SRBC commissioners will actively seek his replacement. SRBC released the Executive Director job announcement this week, including posting it on SRBC’s website.

4/1/2013