Noah Valenstein, J.D.

Expert in water policy and politics | Florida Gulf Coast University

Fort Myers, FL, UNITED STATES

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

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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 (8)

Environmental Policy and Politics

Water Policy

Environmental Policy

Everglades

Agricultural Policy

Environmental Policy and Law

State Government

Coral Reef Conservation

Accomplishments (3)

Florida Chief Resiliency Officer (professional)

2020-03-10

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

Secretary of Florida Department of Environmental Protection (professional)

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 (professional)

2015-10-13

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

Education (2)

Florida State University: J.D. 2008

University of Florida: B.A., Environmental Policy 1999

Affiliations (6)

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
Biscayne Bay Commission : Commissioner, appointed by Gov. DeSantis