From Dennis:
All,
As many of you have already heard, I will be retiring from the Corps this fall. My last day in the office is Sep 28. I officially retire at the end of October. Mr. Stu Appelbaum has already been assigned to take over the Everglades Division and assumed these duties effective last Monday. The Corps leadership and I have the utmost confidence in Stu's ability to successfully implement CERP. We are lucky that we have such a talented individual to take over the direction of a program of such critical national significance.
Between now and the end of September, I will assist Stu as he ramps up in his new role. So, though you will notice my continued involvement in Restoration Division activities, please be sure to engage directly with Stu as Chief, Everglades Division, as I have already disqualified myself from all decision-making authority in relation to the Program. I will be taking my lead from Stu and Colonel Grosskruger, in an effort to provide a seamless transition.
In preparation for my second career in public service, I have accepted a position with the South Florida Water Management District as their new Director of Federal Relations. I will be located in Jacksonville and I will be spending time here with Jacksonville District staff dealing with overarching program coordination and implementation as well as serving as an advocate for the Federal role in Everglades Restoration in Washington, throughout Florida and other areas. So, while I will be moving to a new position outside the Corps, I will still be working (now externally) to help get the funding and authorizations needed to move the restoration of America's Everglades forward. I am extremely happy that I will continue to be involved in public service and in Everglades Restoration.
Thank you for all your support and friendship in helping the Jacksonville District become the premier district in the Corps for environmental restoration as well as one of the largest overall Civil
Works districts.
Dennis