The Texas Alliance of Groundwater Districts (TAGD) is pleased to announce that Adam Foster is the organization’s new Executive Director. Adam Foster joined the team in late February and is looking forward to a bright future with the organization.
Adam Foster brings to the role over 15 years of groundwater experience as both a scientist and a regulator. Most members of TAGD and the groundwater community will know Adam from his work as a hydrologist for the Water Well Program at the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation (TDLR), where he has worked closely with districts on a wide range of issues. Prior to his time at TDLR, Adam was a hydrologist at the United States Geological Survey where he studied contaminant transport in karst aquifers, groundwater-surface water interactions, and occurrence and fate of emerging contaminants in the environment. Adam is a graduate of Texas State University, where he holds a B.S. in Chemistry, a B.S. in Mathematics, and an M.S. in Chemistry.
“The Executive Committee and I think Adam is a perfect fit to lead TAGD. He has extensive knowledge of groundwater science and policy from his time at TDLR, and already has working relationships with district staff and stakeholders throughout the state,” said David Bailey, President of TAGD and General Manager at Mid-East Texas Groundwater Conservation District.
As Executive Director, Adam looks forward to working with TAGD members in a new capacity and continuing the organization’s legacy of success. When asked about his new role, Adam said “Over the past 10 years, I have seen how vital TAGD is to the groundwater community in Texas and am honored to have been selected by the Executive Committee to be the next Executive Director of this great organization. I am excited for our shared future and look forward to working with all members to further our mission of promoting sound groundwater management in Texas.”
Outgoing Executive Director Leah Martinsson departs from TAGD at the end of this month, after nearly five years of dedicated service to the groundwater community. While her impact on the organization and its members is immeasurable, here are just a few highlights of her time at TAGD, by the numbers:
- Provided testimony on behalf of TAGD members 35 times over three regular legislative sessions and thousands of bills filed, including 57 actionable groundwater bills that would directly impact Chapter 36 or the way GCDs manage groundwater.
- Expanded TAGD’s educational offerings by creating several new programs (GCD Boot Camp series, Cybersecurity Awareness Training, regular webinars) and leading the growth of existing ones – to the tune of a 20% increase in registration numbers for the Texas Groundwater Summit!
- Managed TAGD’s finances to more than quadruple the organization’s savings.
- Grew TAGD’s staff to three full-time employees for the first time ever.
Leah says she is truly grateful for the opportunity to have served as TAGD’s Executive Director. “I appreciate the support and trust placed in me and leave proud of the collective achievements and growth that TAGD has experienced during my tenure,” she explained in her resignation letter.
Adam Foster has hit the ground running, already attending meetings on behalf of TAGD and establishing himself in the Executive Director role. He may be contacted via email at adam@texasgroundwater.org.
The Texas Alliance of Groundwater Districts supports Texas groundwater conservation districts and their efforts to conserve, preserve, and protect groundwater. TAGD provides educational and technical assistance to member districts and the public, serves as a resource on groundwater issues with state officials, assists members in keeping current with state law, and is a central point of contact for information on groundwater issues and practices. Visit TAGD online at www.texasgroundwater.org.
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