Press Release PDF – Dec. 7, 2021
Cullom brings more than 30 years of experience in water resources management and policy. He most recently served as Colorado River Programs Manager for the Central Arizona Project. There, he developed and implemented programs, policies, and partnerships at the interstate and binational levels to address risks and vulnerabilities to the Colorado River water supply and focused on new approaches to improving Colorado River system resiliency. He received his Masters of Science from Northern Arizona University.
“As the Colorado River Basin states get closer to beginning negotiations for operations of Lake Powell and Lake Mead, it is critical that we have committed, strong leadership to guide those tough conversations and ensure that everyone’s voice is heard. Colorado looks forward to working closely with Chuck Cullom in his new role leading the Commission,” said Colorado Commissioner Rebecca Mitchell, who also serves as Director of the Colorado Water Conservation Board.
“I’ve known Chuck for years and am delighted that he will be sharing his talents with us as the Upper Basin and Lower Basin work toward solving the significant challenges we face now and into the future,” said Wyoming Commissioner Patrick Tyrrell.
“With the unprecedented challenges that we face on the Colorado River, having an experienced Executive Director is crucial. Mr. Cullom brings a wealth of knowledge, understanding of the river and its challenges, along with a track record of critical thinking and collaboration. Utah is pleased with his eagerness to roll up his sleeves and tackle the opportunities that lie ahead,” stated Gene Shawcroft, Utah’s Commissioner to the UCRC and Chair of the Colorado River Authority of Utah.
“Chuck will bring a broad and beneficial knowledge of the entire Colorado River Basin. A keen understanding of the issues and challenges facing all Basin States and Mexico will be critical to our long-term success in our fair and effective management of the Colorado River,” said New Mexico Commissioner John D’Antonio.
About the UCRC
The Upper Colorado River Commission (UCRC) is an interstate water administrative agency established by action of five state legislatures and Congress with the enactment of the 1948 Upper Colorado River Basin Compact. The Commission’s role is to ensure the appropriate allocation of water from the Colorado River to the Upper Division States of Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, and New Mexico and to ensure compliance with the 1922 Colorado River Compact to the Lower Division States of Nevada, Arizona, and California and the Republic of Mexico.
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