Noah Valenstein, J.D.

Expert in water policy and politics Florida Gulf Coast University

  • Fort Myers FL

Noah Valenstein is the former chief resiliency officer and head of the Department of Environmental Protection for the State of Florida.

Contact

Florida Gulf Coast University

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Noah Valenstein
Noah Valenstein
Noah Valenstein

Biography

Noah Valenstein, J.D., is the first Presidential Fellow in Water Policy for The Water School at Florida Gulf Coast University. Before he joined The Water School, Valenstein served as secretary for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and as the state’s chief resilience officer. Appointed in 2017, he was the first DEP secretary to serve two consecutive governors.

As secretary, Valenstein focused on water quality, Everglades and springs restoration, coastal resiliency and conservation. As only the second chief resiliency officer in Florida’s history, he created the Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection at DEP, developed the agency’s resilience grant program, and secured funding for climate change and resilience initiatives in Florida. He has more than 10 years of combined government experience.

Areas of Expertise

Environmental Policy and Politics
Water Policy
Environmental Policy
Everglades
Agricultural Policy
Environmental Policy and Law
State Government
Coral Reef Conservation

Accomplishments

Florida Chief Resiliency Officer

2020-03-10

Valenstein was appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis. He held the position through May 2021.

Secretary of Florida Department of Environmental Protection

2017-05-23

Valenstein was appointed to the position by Gov. Rick Scott. Valenstein remained in the role during the first two years of DeSantis' administration.

Suwannee River Water Management District Executive Director

2015-10-13

Valenstein was appointed by Gov. Rick Scott. He held the position until his appointment as DEP secretary in 2017.

Education

Florida State University

J.D.

2008

University of Florida

B.A.

Environmental Policy

1999

Affiliations

  • Florida Bar : Member
  • Florida Chapter of The Nature Conservancy : Trustee
  • Florida Communities Trust : Board Member
  • Fairchild Botanic Garden : Trustee
  • Bonefish and Tarpon Trust : Board Member
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Selected Media Appearances

Former DEP Secretary Noah Valenstein joins The Water School at FGCU

Spotlight News Magazine  online

2021-10-01

Noah Valenstein joins The Water School at FGCU.

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Former Florida DEP leader joins FGCU's Water School Program

Fox 4  tv

2021-08-31

Noah Valenstein joins The Water School at FGCU.

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Former state official named presidential fellow at university

Business Observer  online

2021-08-27

Noah Valenstein joins The Water School at FGCU.

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Selected Event Appearances

Panelist: Is rapid growth compatible with resilience in Southwest Florida?

American Water Resources Association Conference  Virtual

2021-11-09

Businesses

Brightwater Strategies Group

Managing Partner

American Flood Coalition

Senior Advisor

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