GBRA Names Chad Norris Deputy Executive Manager of Environmental Science

The Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority (GBRA) has hired Chad Norris as Deputy Executive Director of Environmental Science and Community Affairs. Norris will be responsible for advancing the overall science programs at GBRA, including research prioritization and implementation, providing scientific and technical support to regional stakeholders, and overseeing the Clean Rivers Program. Additionally, he will contribute technical and scientific expertise to the development of GBRA’s Habitat Conservation Plan.

Prior to working for GBRA, Norris worked for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) for 22 years where he served in various roles. For the last seven years, Norris spearheaded the Groundwater Resources Program at TPWD where he was tasked with leading various multidisciplinary teams and was recognized as the state’s expert on springs and associated species. His work included serving on various scientific committees, collaborating on research related to freshwater springs and rare species, providing technical guidance to private landowners, and representing TPWD at various water planning and policy meetings. In addition, he has experience developing, contributing to, and critically reviewing large-scale research proposals and projects.

Norris earned a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science with specializations in geology and biology from the University of Houston–Clear Lake and a master’s degree in aquatic biology from Texas State University.