Sacramento, CA – The California Water Data Consortium is excited to welcome Robyn Grimm, PhD, as its new chief executive officer, effective August 1. Dr. Grimm brings her extensive experience in water research, policy, and data infrastructure to the role, aiming to drive innovative solutions for California’s pressing water data challenges.
“We are thrilled to welcome Robyn and her visionary leadership to our team,” says Kristine Johnson, a member of the Consortium’s Board of Directors and Chair of the CEO Search Committee. “Robyn’s dynamic energy, innovative spirit, and collaborative approach are needed to advance the Consortium’s impact uniting people and institutions to ensure all Californians have access to the best water data. With Robyn at the helm, supported by our dedicated and talented team, the Consortium is poised to spearhead new water data infrastructure investments and solutions necessary for faster response to water and climate emergencies, improved access to safe, affordable drinking water, and adapting water management for climate change.”
Dr. Grimm joins the Consortium from the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), where she served as Senior Director of Applied Research and Innovation for Climate Resilient Water Systems and the interim director of OpenET, a nonprofit collaborative supporting an online platform for water use data. With EDF’s critical support, Dr. Grimm partnered with leading experts at NASA, the Desert Research Institute, Google Earth Engine, and other national and international organizations to help lead the OpenET project through to its public launch and 501(c)(3) designation.
Grimm’s expertise in integrating technology with water management strategies will enhance the Consortium’s initiatives to improve water resource sustainability across California. Notable projects include the Groundwater Accounting Platform, co-developed with EDF and other partners, an open-source data-driven tool to track water availability and usage in near-real time, and the Telemetered Water Monitoring Project, aimed at modernizing data collection and transmission for better water resource management. As the new CEO, Grimm will also oversee the release of the Consortium’s reports and research, such as the latest economic brief recommending a multimillion-dollar investment in modernizing California’s water data infrastructure.
Grimm’s career is marked by a commitment to applying science, policy, and technology to environmental challenges. At EDF, she enhanced their climate resiliency efforts in global water and food systems by developing partnerships, data systems, research studies, and decision-making tools that collectively support more resilient communities and ecosystems. Before her tenure at EDF, she collaborated extensively on projects that increased the accessibility and usability of critical water data. “Robyn’s breadth of experience will enable timely and compelling collaborations with leaders from state agencies, research institutions, policymakers, and community organizations across California,” notes Meredith Lee, Vice Chair of the Consortium’s Board of Directors.
Tara Moran, the outgoing President and CEO, stepped down in June after four years of dedicated service. “Tara has been instrumental in building a strong financial foundation for the Consortium, achieving significant successes, and creatively addressing our state’s water data needs. We are very fortunate and grateful to have had Tara as part of our founding team, and we look forward to her continued involvement,” remarks David Orth, Chair of the Consortium’s Board of Directors.
Dr. Grimm is eager to share her vision and support for the Consortium’s mission. Join us for a virtual open house later this year to hear directly from Dr. Grimm and staff about our exciting plans for California’s water data future. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive information about this event and future updates.
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The California Water Data Consortium is an independent, nonprofit organization created by a partnership of state agencies and others to ensure that we have the best possible water and ecological information so that we can make decisions that will allow everyone living and working in California to continue to prosper in the face of unprecedented climate challenges. For more information, visit cawaterdata.org.