J.D. Strong

J.D. Strong
Executive Director of theOklahoma Water Resources Board
Incumbent
Assumed office October 12, 2010
Governor	Brad Henry Mary Fallin
Preceded by	Duane Smith
Oklahoma Secretary of the Environment
In office August 20, 2008 – January 14, 2011
Governor	Brad Henry
Preceded by	Miles Tolbert
Succeeded by	Gary Sherrer
Personal details
Born	April 16, 1971 Weatherford, Oklahoma
Spouse	Kalli
Children	Edyn
Residence	Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Website	Oklahoma Water Resources Board

J.D. Strong(born 1971) is acivil servantfrom theU.S. stateofOklahomaand the current executive director of theOklahoma Water Resources Board(OWRB). As executive director of the OWRB, Strong is responsible for carrying out the agency's mission to protect and enhance the quality of life for Oklahomans by managing and improving the state's water resources to ensure clean and reliable water supplies, a strong economy, and a safe and healthy environment. Under Strong's leadership, the OWRB updated the Oklahoma Comprehensive Water Plan, a 50-year water supply assessment and policy strategy to meet Oklahoma's future water needs. Strong also oversees administration of Oklahoma's AAA-rated $3 billion Financial Assistance Program, which assists more than two-thirds of Oklahoma communities and rural water districts in financing water infrastructure projects. Other significant programs under Strong's direction include the administration of almost 13,000 water rights permits allocating some 6 million acre-feet of stream and groundwater, hydrologic studies, licensure of water well drillers, floodplain management, dam safety, and a water quality management program that includes establishment of standards and statewide monitoring of lakes and streams. Strong represents Oklahoma on the Western States Water Council and Chairs its Water Quality Committee, and also serves as Oklahoma's Commissioner on four congressionally approved interstate water Compact Commissions.

Strong has served threegovernors of Oklahomain various capacities since 1996: RepublicanFrank Keating,DemocratBrad Henry,and RepublicanMary Fallin.Under the Henry Administration, Strong served as Henry'sSecretary of the Environment.As Secretary, Strong oversaw alsoenvironmental protectionandwildlife conservationprograms of the State.

Education and early career

A fifth generation Oklahoman, Strong graduated asvaledictorianfrom Weatherford High School inWeatherford, Oklahoma.He earned a bachelor's degree fromOklahoma State Universityin Wildlife Ecology with a minor inAgronomyin 1993. While finishing his degree at OSU, Strong began working at theOklahoma Water Resources Board,where he worked as an environmental scientist for several years. In 1996, Strong was appointed a special assistant to the Secretary of the Environment.

In his twelve years at the Office of the Secretary of the Environment, Strong served as the lead advisor to three different Environmental Secretaries for two Governors. In this capacity, he coordinated both the Governor's Tar Creek Superfund Task Force and the Governor's Animal Waste and Water Quality Protection Task Force under then GovernorFrank Keating.Strong was also actively involved in efforts to address interstate water pollution concerns, particularly regarding excess phosphorus pollution in watersheds shared with the state ofArkansas.Strong has worked with northernOttawa Countyofficials on a massive buyout assistance program to relocate families and businesses from the nation's most hazardous Superfund Site—the Tar Creek Superfund Site inPicher, Oklahoma.

Prior to his serving as Environmental Secretary, Strong served as the Office of the Secretary of the Environment's chief liaison to theOklahoma Legislaturebefore becoming thechief of staffto former Secretary of the EnvironmentMiles Tolbertin 2003.

Secretary of the Environment

Strong was appointed byGovernor of OklahomaBrad Henryas his secondSecretary of the Environment.Strong succeedMiles Tolbert,who resigned to take a position in the private sector. In addition to serving as Governor Henry's lead advisor on environmental matters, Strong coordinated the activities of the Environmental Subcabinet, as well as oversaw theOklahoma Department of Environmental Quality,theOklahoma Water Resources Board,and theOklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.

Executive director of the Oklahoma Water Resources Board

Strong was appointed by theOklahoma Water Resources Boardas its executive director in October 2010 while serving asSecretary of the Environment.Upon the election of Republican governorMary Fallin,Strong was replaced as secretary by Fallin appointeeGary Sherrer.Strong retained his position as OWRB executive director, however, despite the election of a new governor.

Personal life

Strong, his wife, Kalli, and their daughter, Edyn, live in southwestOklahoma Citywhere they are active in theYukon, Oklahoma,public school system, their neighborhood association, their daughter's pom squad, and their local church.

External links

• Oklahoma Water Resources Board