EDF Welcomes Michael Myatt to Help Lead Water Work in California

(SAN FRANCISCO, CA—Sept. 8, 2022) Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) welcomed Michael Myatt today as a Senior Director, Climate Resilient Water Systems, to help lead its California water work. Myatt brings extensive expertise in sustainable groundwater management, water data transparency and integration, healthy rivers and business outreach to the position.

Before joining EDF, Myatt was a program officer at the Water Foundation for 10 years, creating and leading coalition-building efforts among various environmental organizations, including EDF, with an emphasis on multibenefit solutions and cross-sector collaboration. His broad experience also includes nearly three years serving as board chair of the California Water Consortium, six years working at the California Department of Water Resources and eight years as a policy and finance analyst with the CALFED Bay-Delta Program.

"I am excited to work closely with Mike to advance California’s water and land resilience by expanding use of our water accounting and trading platform, supporting implementation of California’s new Multibenefit Land Repurposing Program, and advancing holistic governance and science programs in the Sacramento Valley.” said Ann Hayden, EDF’s Associate Vice President, Climate Resilient Water Systems. “Mike brings a wealth of experience that will help us apply lessons learned in California to other U.S. and international geographies.”  

“Mike was a leader and innovator on behalf of the Water Foundation for more than a decade,” said Allison Harvey Turner, CEO of the Water Foundation. “Mike’s efforts were integral to the passage and implementation of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, the Open and Transparent Water Data Act and more. We’re thrilled to see Mike continuing his passion for climate resilience for Environmental Defense Fund.”

“I’m honored to join the talented team at EDF to advance solutions for our most pressing water challenges. Long-term resilience of our water systems requires immediate and bold action, in collaboration with the larger community,” said Myatt. “I am excited to be part of an organization that is committed to solving complex environmental issues with creative approaches and inclusive partnerships.”

Myatt will play a leading role in the development and execution of replicable strategies and tools to create more resilient water and land systems across California, with a focus on the Central Valley. He will advance EDF’s work on implementation of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act and expand EDF’s collaborative relationships with agricultural, environmental justice, conservation and other partners.