David Palumbo
WASHINGTON - The Bureau of Reclamation proudly announces that Deputy Commissioner David M. Palumbo has received the 2024 Presidential Rank Award for Distinguished Service (OPM Announcement). Established by the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978, this prestigious honor is awarded to a select group of career civil servants to recognize those with a record of scientific, technical or professional achievement. Only one percent of the career Senior Executive Service, Senior-Level and Scientific and Professional corps are selected for the Distinguished Rank Award.
“David’s relentless commitment to collaboration, service, and the public good has built trust fostered collaboration, and solidified Reclamation's role in solving complex water resource problems and serving as a vital partner in water resource management,” stated Reclamation Commissioner Camille Calimlim Touton.
With more than two decades of federal service, Deputy Commissioner Palumbo oversees several thousand operations group employees and manages critical water and power infrastructure. Reclamations operational portfolio includes 492 dams and 76 hydropower facilities, which together serve approximately 40 million people and irrigate 10 million acres across 17 Western states.
Under his stewardship, Reclamation is implementing new programs and taking new actions to assure the ability of western water infrastructure to deliver benefits in the face of drought, invasive species, climate change and other stressors, particularly in the Colorado River Basin. Specifically, he led drought mitigation efforts in collaboration with the seven Basin states as well as with the Country of Mexico, producing innovative solutions to address the effects of prolonged drought.
"Receiving the Presidential Rank Award is a tremendous honor, but it truly reflects the hard work and dedication of Reclamation’s employees and our partners across the West,” remarked Deputy Commissioner Palumbo. “We are committed to ensuring that Reclamation continues to deliver water and power to the American West while effectively managing the complexities of prolonged drought, aridification, and water scarcity."
During this critical period for the Colorado River, Deputy Commissioner Palumbo has successfully fostered partnerships across federal, state, and tribal governments, facilitating essential agreements on water shortages and environmental conservation for fish and wildlife. A notable achievement includes overseeing 86 Water Conservation Implementation Agreements on the Colorado River, which will generate more than 1.5 million acre-feet of system conservation water by 2026 and preserve the ability of that system to deliver benefits. His innovative approach has enabled Reclamation to achieve greater water conservation in Lake Mead over the past year than in the previous three decades, while cultivating lasting partnerships with other drought-affected regions.
Deputy Commissioner Palumbo’s work on the Rio Grande has fostered collaboration among Texas, New Mexico, and Colorado, putting new resources to work through a strategic approach that ensures reliable water deliveries that are essential for local economies and agriculture.
As a certified Project Management Professional, Deputy Commissioner Palumbo established the Project Management Advisory Team, enhancing project management practices agency-wide to boost efficiency and service delivery. His strategic vision has revitalized the hydropower program, contributing approximately 15 percent of the nation’s hydropower capacity, ensuring reliable energy solutions for Western states.
Additionally, Deputy Commissioner Palumbo champions initiatives under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, which have allocated nearly $13 billion for water reliability and climate resilience. These funds support critical infrastructure projects like the Arkansas Valley Conduit and the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project, which are on track to improve water supply and quality for rural communities.
Deputy Commissioner Palumbo regularly presents and leads discussions on the core values of public service, prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion. He actively fosters a proactive workforce and strengthens relationships with historically marginalized communities, ensuring their voices are integral to Reclamation's mission.
The Presidential Rank Award for Distinguished Service recognizes Mr. Palumbo’s extraordinary dedication, visionary leadership, and sustained accomplishments. His work not only enhances the daily lives of millions but also paves the way for a sustainable future in water resource management across the American West.
