For Immediate Release: 04/11/19
Contact:
John Hodgson | jhodgson@hrbrrd.ny.gov | (518) 661-5535
HUDSON RIVER-BLACK RIVER REGULATING DISTRICT
BOARD VOTES TO APPOINT NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
JOHN C. CALLAGHAN TO LEAD CENTURY-OLD WATER REGULATION & FLOOD
PROTECTION ORGANIZATION
WATERTOWN – The Board of the Hudson River-Black River Regulating District (HRBRRD) has voted unanimously to appoint John C. Callaghan as its new executive director, it announced today.
Callaghan, a U.S. Coast Guard veteran, comes to the position from a career at the New York State Canal Corporation spanning two decades, where he served in various roles including tugboat captain, canal traffic agent, director of policy implementation and planning, acting director of the Canal Corporation and – most recently over the last eight years – as deputy director and acting executive deputy director. He was appointed at the HRBRRD Board’s April 9th meeting in Watertown, and will begin in the new role on April 15th.
Chairman Mark M. Finkle said, “After a thorough search and interviews with several qualified candidates, Mr. Callaghan emerged as having the skill set, level of experience and leadership ability perfect for this position. We found him to be uniquely qualified for the inherent challenges of the job, and could not be happier to have him lead our team of dedicated and professional employees.”
John C. Callaghan said, “This is an amazing organization that has been doing extremely important work for the people of New York State, often with little notice or acclaim, for the better part of a century. I know I will be able to help the District accomplish its important mission and provide strong leadership for its dedicated staff. I am grateful for the opportunity and excited to be joining this exceptional team.”
Chairman Mark M. Finkle praised the performance of John Hodgson, who had been serving as interim executive director, and will return to his duties as administrator for the District’s Hudson River and Black River areas.
“The Board commends John Hodgson for his leadership, professionalism and exemplary performance while serving as interim executive director, while continuing his duties as administrator and leading the search for a new executive director,” Finkle said.
About the Hudson River-Black River Regulating District
The mission of the HRBRRD – which traces its roots to the formation of the Black River Regulating District 100 years ago this year – is to protect public health and safety by regulating the flow of waters in the upper Hudson River and the Black River. The Black River and Hudson River Regulating Districts were formed by the New York State Legislature in 1919 and 1922, respectively, to regulate water flows within those river basins and reduce flooding. The two districts were combined in 1959. As part of its mission, the HRBRRD maintains five reservoirs in upstate New York, including the Great Sacandaga Lake, New York State’s largest reservoir.