From GS-1 to Regional Director - Lorri Gray’s Inspiring Career Path at Reclamation
Lorri Gray’s unprecedented 24 year career with Reclamation made agency history in September of this year when she was appointed Regional Director of the Lower Colorado (LC) Region. She is the first woman to hold the position in the LC Region since its establishment in 1943.
Prior to her appointment as Regional Director, Gray was the Program Manager of the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Program (LCR MSCP). This multi-agency program provides Endangered Species Act compliance on the lower Colorado River, while allowing continued use of the river for water and power.
Gray helped negotiate and launch the implementation of the LCR MSCP when she served as Deputy Regional Director. In that position, which she held from 2004 to 2006, she also managed the Region’s financial and security programs, Salton Sea Restoration study program and the permitting process for lining of the Coachella Canal. With an expertise in facilitation and mediation, Gray has coordinated and collaborated with federal, non-federal and non-government organizations on numerous Colorado River issues and worked on key regulations affecting management of the lower river.
The needs of customers have always been her top priority in carrying out the Reclamation mission.
“Our customers are entitled to know what’s going on,” she says. “We need to make good business decisions, and explain to them why a decision was made. That is where efficiency, transparency and accountability come in. We need to look for opportunities to improve all the time. I think this Region is renowned for its ability to collaborate with our customers, and I think we’ll see even more opportunities to demonstrate this in the future.”
Gray’s 24 years of Federal service are all with Reclamation’s Lower Colorado Region. She is an example of what can be achieved through hard work, education, and a willingness to stretch beyond one’s “comfort zone,” by taking on non-traditional and challenging assignments.
She began her federal career as a GS-1 clerk. As she progressed upward, demonstrating her capabilities and adroit skills, her responsibilities increased while, at the same time, earning a bachelor’s degree in business management while raising a family.
Gray has held several other management positions, including Regional Training Officer and Quality Program Manager. She also served as the LC Regional Liaison in the Office of the Commissioner in Washington, D.C.
She has received numerous awards during her career, including the Superior Service Award and the Meritorious Service Award, two of the Department of the Interior’s highest for career employees.
Last updated: 12/17/07