News Release Archive

James Hess Named Reclamation's Chief of Staff

Media Contact: Dan DuBray, 202-513-0574

For Release: May 10, 2016

James HessWASHINGTON - Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Estevan López has announced that he has selected James Hess as the Chief of Staff for the Bureau of Reclamation. In this position he will oversee the management of the Commissioner’s office and serve as a liaison with the Department of the Interior and other bureaus to ensure priority tasks are addressed. He will also work with Reclamation customers, stakeholders and the public on a variety of issues.

"James has a long history with Reclamation, having served in a variety of positions which has provided him valuable experience about our mission and the Commissioner's Office," López said. "I am thrilled to have him in this vital role for Reclamation."

Hess joined Reclamation in 1995. Since then he has held a number of positions in the Commissioner’s office including serving as the acting Chief of Congressional and Legislative Affairs, Associate Deputy Commissioner for Operations and Deputy Chief of Staff. While in these positions he has worked on important programs, such as title transfer and the rural water program.

He has a Masters Degree from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University and graduated Cum Laude with Distinction from Connecticut College. Hess is from the District of Columbia, and currently resides in Virginia, with his wife, his son, Nate, a high school senior and daughter, Rachel, a high school junior.

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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.