LIVE OAK, FLA., March 13, 2018 – The Suwannee River Water Management District (District) Governing Board voted to appoint Virginia Johns as the new District Governing Board chairwoman at Tuesday’s board meeting.
Johns, a resident of Alachua County, replaces Don Quincey, Jr. who served as chairman for nine years. She has served on the board since March 2012 after being appointed by the Governor.
“I am very excited to chair this board, and work with the other governing board members and our District staff,” said Johns. “It is one of the best boards I have ever served on and I have some big shoes to fill.”
Johns represents the District as an at-large member. Before her new role, Johns held the position of Secretary/Treasurer, which was voted to be filled by Richard Schwab, of Taylor County, at Tuesday’s board meeting.
Johns grew up recreating along the Ichetucknee River and as a great passion for the resource, the District’s mission and its staff.
“Our staff are truly the heartbeat of the District,” said John. “I look forward to spending more time with them in my role as chairwoman.”
Johns is a licensed underground and excavation contractor and qualified stormwater inspector. She has been president of John C. Hipp Construction since 1978, and has a background in agriculture and real estate rentals.
“The District looks forward to serving and supporting Ms. Johns in her new role as chairwoman,” said Hugh Thomas, executive director for the District. “Ms. Johns is an advocate for our natural resources and a great supporter of the District. We are lucky to have such phenomenal continued leadership at the District.”
Johns’ term is set to expire in 2021.
The mission of the Suwannee River Water Management District is to protect and manage water resources using science-based solutions to support natural systems and the needs of the public. The District holds true to the belief of water for nature, water for people. Headquartered in Live Oak, Florida, the District serves 15 surrounding north-central Florida counties.
For more information about the District, visit www.mysuwanneeriver.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter, search @SRWMD.
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