Lester Snow

Klamath River Renewal Corporation, President, Board of Directors

Lester Snow was the founding director of the Water Foundation, where he continues to provide strategic counsel on programs, projects, and initiatives. His career has focused on innovation, collaboration and results while working on complex natural resource management matters. In 2016 he was appointed to the board of directors for the Klamath River Renewal Corporation, which will oversee various aspects of the dam decommissioning project on the Klamath. Prior to the Water Foundation, he served as Secretary of the California Natural Resources Agency and chief advisor on issues related to the state’s natural, historic, and cultural resources. He also directed the California Department of Water Resources, including operation of the California State Water Project. He has also served as executive director of CALFED, regional director for the Bureau of Reclamation, and general manager of the San Diego County Water Authority. He spent six years with the Arizona Department of Water Resources implementing Arizona’s first comprehensive groundwater management efforts. He brings this experience and expertise to the PPIC Water Policy Center Advisory Council. He holds a master’s degree in water resources administration from the University of Arizona and a bachelor’s degree from Pennsylvania State University, where he majored in in earth sciences.