WGA Executive Director Announces Retirement

on 28 February 2012.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 28, 2012

DENVER -- Govs. Chris Gregoire (Wash.) and Gary Herbert (Utah), the Chair and Vice Chair of the Western Governors’ Association, announced today that long-time executive director, Pam Inmann, will retire July 1.

“Pam will be greatly missed by all of those who have had the good fortune to work with her over the past eight years,” Gregoire said. “As WGA’s Chair, it has been my great pleasure to work closely with Pam on a diverse set of Western issues that are so important to our region.”

Gov. Herbert commended Inmann for her leadership in overseeing key initiatives during her tenure.

“Western governors have been working together for more than a century on issues important to our region,” Herbert said. “With Pam’s leadership, we’ve continued to develop bipartisan, innovative strategies and implement programs to address our energy and transmission needs, wildlife management across borders, water needs and forest health.”

Prior to becoming WGA’s Executive Director in 2004, Inmann worked as the District Director in State Government Affairs at Altria Corporate Services. She also worked 10 years for the Rocky Mountain Oil and Gas Association as its Director of Special Projects and Director of the Committee on Oil Shale.

Under Pam’s leadership, the WGA:

Identified that new transmission in the West is necessary to the future of the Western economy and, in cooperation with the DOE and other stakeholders, is working to identify and break down barriers to siting new energy and transmissions lines.
Established the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS), a congressionally-authorized effort where federal agencies work with states, farmers and water resource managers to develop and deliver drought forecasts, early warnings, impacts, and management strategies to prepare for and respond to drought in the West.
Created the Western Governors’ Wildlife Council to identify and conserve crucial wildlife habitat and corridors and promote economic development.
Launched the “Get Out West!” initiative, aimed at highlighting the connection of outdoor recreation and tourism to the health of local economies as well as citizens.
Tripled the number of sponsors who support WGA’s work.

“It has been a tremendous honor for me to be able to work on behalf of the Western Governors these past eight years,” Inmann said. “Their ability to work through their differences on tough issues important to the region is impressive, and I will miss being a part of future efforts that benefit the West.”

Govs. Gregoire and Herbert said they will begin the search for a new executive director immediately. Information on qualifications for the position is available on the WGA Web site at www.westgov.org.

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