Natural Resources Director Ann Bleed Retires

(Lincoln, Neb.) Gov. Dave Heineman today announced the retirement of Ann Bleed of Lincoln as the Director of the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources (DNR) effective today.

Gov. Heineman said, “I deeply appreciate the 20 years of service Ann has given to our state. Her expertise in water management has been critical in helping our state face our many water challenges. Ann is not only an intelligent and capable engineer, but also a good director who understands the science of water administration and water use, and the people who play a central role in these issues.”

Bleed was appointed director in 2007 after serving as acting director since August 2005. Prior to that, she was the deputy director of the department for more than four years. She joined DNR in 1988 as State Hydrologist; a position she held for 12 years.

Bleed said, “Working with Nebraskans across the state was very rewarding, and I will remember the people I worked with very fondly. I have also deeply enjoyed working with the Department of Natural Resources staff. They are capable, hardworking and very dedicated to achieving a sustainable future for the use of Nebraska’s water resources and to implementing the water laws of the state in a manner that is fair to all water users.”

Gov. Heineman has named DNR Deputy Director Brian Dunnigan as Acting Director of the department. Bleed named Dunnigan deputy in 2007.

Previously, he had been Acting Deputy, supervising DNR’s Dam Safety, Flood Plain Management and Photogrammetry divisions. State law requires the DNR director to be a professional engineer with at least five years experience in irrigation-related work. Dunnigan is a registered professional engineer and a certified flood plain manager, and has spent more than 20 years with DNR.