Michael Connor, assistant secretary of the Army-Civil Works, announced on October 24 that he would step down from his position after three years of service. His announcement came before the election that returned Donald Trump to the presidency. Connor was nominated by President Joe Biden to serve in this role on April 27, 2021.
Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth said in a statement, “As secretary of the Army, I have benefited greatly from Michael’s expertise and wise counsel. The Army is fortunate to have had a leader of his caliber to oversee Civil Works, and we wish him all the best in his next professional chapter.”
Tracy Zea, president and CEO of Waterways Council Inc., told The Waterways Journal, “WCI has been gratified by the partnership we—and the inland waterways industry—have enjoyed under Secretary Connor’s tenure as ASA CW. He has been not only a great listener but also an effective, proactive leader in moving the inland waterways construction program forward. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”
During his tenure, Connor was instrumental in overseeing billions of dollars of infrastructure investments to advance all facets of the Corps of Engineers’ mission, including navigation improvements, flood and storm damage reduction and aquatic ecosystem restoration. He led efforts to modernize policies, processes and tools to serve marginalized communities and tribal nations. He worked closely with the Corps on disaster relief efforts and supported efforts to reopen Baltimore Harbor after the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge when it was struck by a vessel.
During the Obama administration, Connor served as deputy secretary of the interior, where he was the chief operating officer. Connor was the first person of Native American descent to serve in that position.
Connor previously served as commissioner of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, where he led the agency’s mission to manage, develop and protect water and related resources. He served as counsel to the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. He began his career with the Department of the Interior in 1993, serving in the Solicitor’s Office, and as the director of the Indian Water Rights Office. Connor has a law degree from the University of Colorado Law School and a Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering from New Mexico State University.
With Connor’s departure, longtime Corps staffer Jaime Pinkham has stepped into the role of acting Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works. After announcing his resignation, Connor sent a letter to his team, offering his thanks. Connor said he has no immediate plans, “but whatever it is, I guarantee I will be a strong and vocal supporter for the Corps.”
