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J. William (Bill) McDonald
Pacific Northwest Regional Director

Bill started his water resources management career in 1972 in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' civil works program. He then worked in Colorado state government for 14 years, serving from 1979 to 1990 as the Director of the Colorado Water Conservation Board, which is the state's water resources policy and planning agency. During his tenure, he represented Colorado on several interstate compact commissions and other interstate organizations, including two years as the chairman of the Western States Water Council.

In 1990, Bill was appointed the Assistant Commissioner for Resources Management in the Bureau of Reclamation. In 1999, he became the Regional Director for Reclamation's Pacific Northwest Region. In 2001 and 2009, Bill served as the Acting Commissioner of Reclamation during the transitions between the Administrations of Presidents Clinton, Bush, and Obama. In 2003, he received the Presidential Rank Award of Meritorious Federal Executive.

Bill has an undergraduate degree in chemistry from The Colorado College, an M.S. degree in natural resources management from the University of Michigan, and a J.D. degree from the University of Chicago Law School. He was admitted to the Colorado Bar in 1971.

Bill and his wife have eight children, six of whom are adopted and of various national and racial heritages.

Last Reviewed: August 4, 2009