Alan Mikkelsen, who served as DOI Secretary Ryan Zinke's campaign manager, will become the Bureau of Reclamation's (BoR) Deputy Commissioner.  "Alan Mikkelsen is a westerner who has decades of experience in all things water issues to include irrigation projects, Tribal water compacts, conservation, and even a long-term fishing guide," Zinke said in a statement.  The announcement came last week as Secretary Zinke was touring the Western States.  Mr. Mikkelsen is not well-known by most California water interests, however, given the key role of this position to operations related to the BoR’s operations in the State, his appointment was welcomed.

Michelle Banonis, 40, of Sacramento, has been appointed Assistant Chief Deputy Director at the California Department of Water Resources.  Banonis has been area manager for the Bay Delta Office at the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation since 2016, where she has served in several positions since 2009, including, special assistant to the regional director, California WaterFix program manager, restoration goal supervisor for the San Joaquin River Restoration Program and natural resources specialist.  Banonis served in several positions at the Pierce County Department of Public Works and Utilities from 2000 to 2009, including environmental permitting supervisor, environmental biologist and engineering technician.  She earned a Juris Doctor degree from the Humphreys College Laurence Drivon School of Law.