The Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District (District) is pleased to announce the hiring of Victor Engel, Ph.D., as its new Planning Administrator and Manager. He will serve under Danny Johnson, Managing Director of Natural Resources at the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC), and oversee planning, administration, and stakeholder engagement for District programs and initiatives. These include regional water resources planning, water efficiency, climate resilience, and water quality protection throughout the 15-county metro Atlanta area.

With more than two decades of leadership across federal science agencies, Engel brings deep technical expertise and policy experience to the District. He most recently served as Director of the U.S. Geological Survey’s South Atlantic Water Science Center, where he led a staff of more than 170 professionals across three states focused on hydrologic monitoring, data analysis, and investigative studies supporting water resource planning and management. His prior roles include serving as the National Hydropower and Instream Flow Program Manager for the U.S. Forest Service, as a Branch Chief at the USGS Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, and as a Research Hydrologist for the National Park Service.

“Vic brings us a powerful mix of technical expertise and leadership experience,” said Danny Johnson. “He’s worked across agencies and regions to influence water policy and planning, and we’re excited for him to help advance our successful partnerships and continue our legacy of safeguarding metro Atlanta’s vital water resources.”

Engel holds a doctorate in Earth and Environmental Science from Columbia University, a master’s degree in Environmental Engineering Sciences from the University of Florida, and a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies. He has published more than 50 peer-reviewed papers and technical reports on topics such as hydrology, ecological processes, and climate impacts on water systems. His research and leadership have helped secure millions in funding for scientific research and data analysis, and he has represented multiple federal agencies in high-level stakeholder negotiations and national policy initiatives.