Gov. Spencer J. Cox has made a decisive move in the realm of environmental stewardship for Utah, appointing Tim Davis as the temporary head honcho of the Utah Department of Environmental Quality. Davis, who currently holds the position of Deputy Great Salt Lake Commissioner, is waiting on the metaphorical thumbs up from the Utah State Senate to seal the deal on his new title.
Understanding the intricacies of water and land has been Davis's game for over a quarter-century, honing his expertise through leadership roles within four distinct state water agencies across Utah and Montana. His ability to manage crucial programs concerning water quality, right to water, and potable water, are considered beneficial in battling for resilience in Utah's water systems, particularly for storied bodies like the Great Salt Lake. Gov. Cox said, “Tim’s leadership in water policy and environmental management will be invaluable as we work to develop resiliency in Utah’s water systems, including the Great Salt Lake,” according to the Utah Governor's Office.
Before his work with the Great Salt Lake Commissioner’s Office, Davis directed Utah's Division of Drinking Water, where he championed enhancing drinking water safety and coordinated a multi-agency initiative aimed at water conservation and growth planning. Moreover, Davis brings to the table his experience in Montana, where he was a key player in strategic planning and policy reforms within natural resource and environmental agencies.
It's not every day one gets to be an interim executive director, and Davis expresses gratitude for such an opportunity, saying, "It’s an honor to step into this role and serve the people of Utah,” as obtained by the Utah Governor's Office. Additionally, he's eager to join forces with DEQ's skilled squad to promote policies that are as smart as they are effective for the state's natural resources, air, land, and water while at the same time nurturing Utah's future. Davis, a graduate of Willamette University with a Bachelor of Science in History, has sat on various regional and national boards, including serving as Chair of the Western States Water Council, and he once represented six states on the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators Board of Directors.
