Gray, with over 35 years of federal service, served as Deputy Area Manager for Reclamation's Ephrata Field Office for 11 years. He first joined the Ephrata Field Office in 1980 as a land resource officer, and later as a supervisor of the Water and Land Operation Division in 1990.

He replaces Jerry Kelso who retired in the summer of 2009, and most recently Dawn Wiedmeier, Deputy Area Manager, who served as Acting Area Manager for several months until this selection was made.

"I am very pleased to announce the selection of Bill Gray as the new Area Manager for the Columbia-Cascades Area Office," said McDonald. "Bill brings a wealth of Reclamation experience to his new duties. He is well respected by employees and the public we serve."

As Area Manager he will provide leadership and direction over the activities of the Columbia-Cascades Area Office, which is comprised of four field offices in Yakima, Wash.; Ephrata, Wash.; Hermiston, Ore.; and Bend, Ore. The office also includes additional operating facilities such as Elwha Restoration Project Office and Green Springs Powerplant.