Great Lakes Coalition Director Todd Ambs Headed to Wisconsin DNR

ANN ARBOR, MICH. (January 30, 2019)—Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition Director Todd Ambs will be leaving the Coalition to serve as the assistant deputy secretary at the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the Coalition announced today. A search for a replacement will be launched soon.

During Amb’s five-year tenure, the Coalition secured more than $1.5 billion in federal funding to protect and restore the Great Lakes and worked with Democrats and Republicans in the U.S. Congress to beat back attempts to cut Great Lakes investments. Under his leadership, the Coalition has elevated the importance of boosting investments in water infrastructure to make sure people have access to clean, safe, and affordable drinking water.

“We are tremendously grateful for Todd’s service and leadership,” said Coalition co-chairs Mike Shriberg, Lynn McClure, Katie Rousseau, and Gildo Tori. “Todd has fought tirelessly for the Great Lakes and the millions of people who depend on them for their drinking water, jobs, and way of life. Todd leaves big shoes to fill. We wish Todd much success and know that he will be a strong champion for Wisconsin’s natural resources. Moving forward, we are committed to ensuring a smooth transition for the Coalition so that we can continue this important work.”

Ambs will remain as Coalition director through the beginning of March. Then Mike Shriberg, executive director for the National Wildlife Federation’s Great Lakes Regional Center, will serve as interim director as the Coalition searches for a replacement.

Prior to his tenure with the Coalition, Ambs served as Wisconsin DNR Water Division administrator from 2003 until 2010. The appointment of Ambs to assistant deputy secretary comes after new Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers mentioned in his State of the State address last week that he was dubbing 2019 the year of clean drinking water in Wisconsin.

“I am very grateful for the opportunity to return to public service in my home state of Wisconsin, working to help protect and restore the wonderful natural resources there,” said Ambs. “I am also extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to work with the amazing people associated with the HOW Coalition. This Coalition has enjoyed tremendous success because it has maintained a laser focus on building bipartisan support for federal programs and policies that can benefit the Great Lakes. The Coalition has done that work while striving to see the true potential of this water advocacy work through an equity lens and continuing to build a more diverse and inclusive group.  I know that they will continue to do great work in the future.”