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NEWS RELEASE
November 13, 2006
Contacts:
Kevin Brown, (801) 536-4188
Director of Division of Drinking Water,
Dianne Nielson, (801) 536-4404
Executive Director of DEQ,
Anne Erickson, (801) 942-4880
Drinking Water Board Chair
(Salt Lake City, Utah) – Kevin Brown, a 13-year director of the Division of Drinking Water for the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), will be leaving his post on Dec. 1 to become a senior member of Sunrise Engineering.
Ken Bousfield, Division of Drinking Water Compliance Section Manager, will serve as interim director until a permanent replacement is named, said Dianne Nielson, executive director of DEQ.
Brown, who has served as director for the Division of Drinking Water since 1993, is recognized nationally for his outstanding leadership in implementing the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) in Utah. During his tenure, he has tackled tough projects, such as implementation of many elements of the 1996 SDWA amendments, overseeing a complex database conversion, and working with the water industry to make sure residents and visitors to Utah receive good-quality drinking water. Brown also is known for his ability to work cooperatively with local water systems, and took a flexible approach to helping rural water systems meet tighter EPA regulations for arsenic levels.
“Kevin is truly an exceptional leader,” said Nielson. “His commitment to providing safe and ample drinking water is reflected in the health of our citizens and quality of life in Utah. Kevin’s leadership and technical expertise have enabled the Division to facilitate compliance with existing safe drinking water rules, implement new rules efficiently and effectively, and manage loan programs to provide infrastructure for quality drinking water systems.”
Drinking Water Board Chairwoman Anne Erickson agreed.
“Kevin is recognized nationally as one of the best Division directors. He is a very talented leader and has an unusual ability to bring people together. He is very knowledgeable and a fine engineer. He has a philosophy of working to help water districts improve rather than take a punitive stance,” said Erickson. “Personally, working with him has been a great joy. I am going to miss him enormously.”
Brown credits his success to the great staff in the Division of Drinking Water, and others he has worked side by side with at DEQ. He, however, said he looks forward to new challenges with Sunrise Engineering, a regional consulting engineering firm.
“I have enjoyed my time here at DEQ and will miss the many people I have had the pleasure to work and become friends with. The Division has a solid leadership core and great people. They will continue to serve the citizens and water industry of Utah with utmost character.”
Nielson plans to advertise the position in local, regional and national publications. She hopes to name a permanent replacement as soon as possible.
Brown worked in private enterprise prior to his career with DEQ. He served as the director of Public Works for Dugway Proving Ground. He has served in many leadership roles, such as the 2002 president of the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators, the National Drinking Water Advisory Capacity Development Committee, American Water Works Association National QualServe Committee, and the Tooele City Planning Commission.
Brown was born and raised in Cheyenne, Wyo. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from South Dakota School on Mines and Technology and is a graduate of the Army Management Staff College. He is a licensed professional engineer and certified distribution system operator in Utah. He and his wife, Doreen, live in Centerville and have nine children and seven grandchildren.
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