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Kira Finkler Named Reclamation's Deputy Commissioner for External and Intergovernmental Affairs
Media Contact:
Kip White, 202-513-0684, cwhite@usbr.gov
For Release: September 08, 2009
Kira Finkler is the latest member to join the Bureau of Reclamation's executive leadership team after being appointed to the position of Deputy Commissioner, External and Intergovernmental Affairs by President Barack Obama.
She was appointed on August 24, 2009, to oversee Reclamation's Congressional, Legislative and Public Affairs activities. She is also the executive responsible for the bureau's national relationships with federal, state and local governments, as well as citizen and other nongovernmental groups.
"We are very fortunate to have Kira join our team. Her extensive experience in working with Congress, various levels of government, and her successful track record with public and private sector organizations will prove invaluable," said Reclamation Commissioner Michael L. Connor. "I look forward to working with her as we address the many water challenges that face the Western United States."
Prior to joining Reclamation, Finkler served as Counsel to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources in the United States Senate where she provided advice and analysis regarding natural resources policy and legislation. She also served as Counsel to the Committee from 1996-2003 and 1993-1994.
From 2004 to 2007, Finkler was the Senior Policy Advisor and Government Affairs Director for Trout Unlimited. In this capacity she developed and implemented strategies to secure federal funding and support for several restoration projects nationwide.
She also served as Environmental Legislative Assistant in the Office of Senator Dale Bumpers from 1995 to 1996 and Special Assistant to the Director of the Bureau of Land Management in 1995.
Finkler received her Juris Doctorate degree from the Washington College of Law at American University in Washington, DC. She previously received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Arizona.
She resides in the Washington DC area with her husband, David Garman, and three children where they enjoy fishing, hiking, and reading.
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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.
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