Chris French Named Director of Stormwater Programs

Chris French, Director of Stormwater Programs at the Water Environment Federation

On Oct. 31, Chris French took up the job of director of Stormwater Programs at the Water Environment Federation (WEF; Alexandria, Va.).

French will use his more than 15 years of water sector experience to expand this core competency area for WEF. He also will guide the efforts of the WEF Stormwater Institute, a recently launched center of excellence that provides national leadership for sustainable stormwater management.

“As a volunteer and member, I have always admired and respected the expertise and impactful contributions that WEF makes to the water sector,” French said. “I have seen first-hand the organization’s unique ability to pull together thought leaders and mobilize conversations about the value of water and the need for broad-based stormwater solutions. I’m honored to have this new opportunity and look forward helping WEF develop and guide its national and international stormwater initiatives.”

French has extensive background in both the public and private sectors. Most recently, he served as regional regulatory manager for Contech Engineered Solutions (West Chester, Ohio). But he has held positions with government agencies — the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality — and non-governmental agencies — the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay (Annapolis, Md.). He also has volunteered on committees and advisory boards of several national and community-based organizations, including as the government affairs and regulatory committee chairman for the Stormwater Equipment and Manufacturer’s Association (Roxborough, Colo.).