News Release Archive

Reclamation Commissioner Names David Murillo as Deputy Commissioner, Operations

Media Contact: Dan DuBray, 202-513-0574, psoeth@usbr.gov

For Release: September 23, 2010

Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Michael L. Connor announced today that he has named David Murillo as the Deputy Commissioner, Operations. He will assume his new position in November of this year.

As Deputy Commissioner for Operations, Murillo will oversee operations in the Bureau of Reclamation's five regions, the Native American and International Affairs Office, and Technical Resources which includes the Technical Service Center, Research and Development Office, Power Liaison, and Dam Safety Officer/Design, Estimating, Construction.

"Dave's experience in working collaboratively with states, Tribes, water and power customers, and others to seek creative and collaborative solutions to western water and power issues will be a tremendous asset to Reclamation's Washington office staff," said Commissioner Connor. "I look forward to working closely with him and having the benefit of his experience as we implement our aggressive agenda on water and energy issues."

Since 2006, Murillo has served as the Power Manager for the Grand Coulee Power Office, the largest hydroelectric facility in the United States. In this position he managed the Grand Coulee and Hungry Horse dams and powerplants. Grand Coulee Dam is the key feature of Reclamation's Columbia Basin Project in central Washington, a multi-purpose project which provides flood control, irrigation, hydropower production, recreation, and fish and wildlife benefits. As Power Manager he managed an annual budget of $90 million and approximately 400 employees.

He joined Reclamation in 2000 as the manager of Reclamation's Yakima Field Office, where he supervised a staff of about 60 employees. In that capacity he was responsible for the operation and maintenance of storage reservoirs, fish facilities, diversion dams and hydropower plants. He worked collaboratively to address the needs of irrigators, power interests, and the Yakama Indian Nation. Prior to joining Reclamation he worked for the Departments of Defense and Energy on Nuclear Controlled Pure Water and Waste Tanks as well as Steam Plants.

Murillo graduated from Washington State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering in 1984.

He and his wife Terri Murillo have three children, Joshua, Brittany, and Taylor.

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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.