"Smith brings a depth of expertise in operations, management and technical advising," said Great Plains Regional Director Mike Ryan. "His skill set, along with his track record of teamwork, coordination and communication skills will help the Wyoming Area continue to be a success in the future."

Prior to accepting the Area Manager position, Smith served as the Deputy Manager, Power Operations and Maintenance, for the Pacific Northwest Region in Boise, Idaho. In that position, Smith coordinated work of the regional power office with other federal agencies, including the Bonneville Power Administration and the US Army Corp of Engineers.

Smith first came to Reclamation in 2007 serving as the Operations, Maintenance and Technical Services Manager for Reclamation facilities in southwest Idaho and eastern Oregon in the Snake River Area Office.

"I'm honored to be selected as the Wyoming Area Manager," said Smith, who is tentatively scheduled to take over April 8. "I look forward to the opportunities and challenges Wyoming faces in managing and developing the water resources of tomorrow."

The Wyoming Area Office (WYAO) is headquartered in Mills, Wyo., with three field offices in Alcova, Torrington and Cody, Wyo. WYAO facilities include twelve hydroelectric power plants with a combined generation capacity of approximately 250 megawatts, and 20 reservoirs, with a collective storage capacity of more than 4.5 million acre-feet, on the North Platte, Wind, Bighorn, and Shoshone Rivers in Wyoming. The WYAO also provides remote operational control for Colorado's Big Thompson Project and Montana's Yellowtail and Canyon Ferry hydropower facilities.