JAMES EVANS APPOINTED CITY OF SANIBEL DIRECTOR OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Today, Sanibel City Manager Judith Zimomra announced James Evans has been appointed to the position of Director of Natural Resources.
News Release – For Immediate Release
June 29, 2012
City of Sanibel, FL Contact:
City Manager’s Office (239) 472-3700
JAMES EVANS APPOINTED CITY OF SANIBEL DIRECTOR OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Today, Sanibel City Manager Judith Zimomra announced James Evans has been appointed to the position of Director of Natural Resources. Upon his appointment to Director of Natural Resources Evans stated “Sanibel is a very special place and as a biologist it is a very fulfilling place to work. I am looking forward to the opportunity to serve as the Director of Natural Resources.”
Evans has been employed by the City of Sanibel since January, 2000, when he started as a Conservation Officer. Evans was promoted to Environmental Planner in 2003 and in 2006 to Environmental Biologist on Health and Water Quality. Evans earned his Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies in 1999 and his Master of Science in Environmental Science, both from Florida Gulf Coast University, where he was an Honor Graduate. Evans’ 2011 graduate degree thesis topic was on the “Influence of Environmental Factors on the Spatial and Temporal Distributions and Abundances of Ichthyoplankton and Gelatinous Predators in Estero Bay, with Inferences on Estuarine Trophodynamics.”
Evans has worked on several key habitat restoration projects during his tenure with the City, including Sanibel Gardens Preserve, Bowman’s Beach Park, Lighthouse Beach Park, Pond Apple Park, and Sea Oats Preserve. Evans is also the City’s prescribed burn manager and has extensive experience in wildlife habitat management.
Evans currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Southwest Florida Watershed Council, where he previously served two terms as Chairman of the Board. Evans also serves as an appointee to the Lee County Coastal Advisory Council.
Prior to joining the City, Evans served in the United States Army on Active Duty from 1992 to 1995; the Ohio Army National Guard from 1995 to 1997 and the Florida Army National Guard from 1997 to 2001. In 1995, Evans was awarded “Soldier of the Year,” 1-107th Armor Battalion and 38th Infantry Brigade. Evans ended his military career with the rank Sergeant.
Holly Downing has been appointed to Evans’ previous position of Environmental Health and Water Quality Specialist. As Environmental Health and Water Quality Specialist, Downing will be responsible for delivering educational programs, technical assistance and public involvement activities on water quality and quantity issues affecting the City of Sanibel and the San Carlos Bay Estuary and to plan and coordinate conservation projects for the natural resources within the City.
Downing has been employed by the City of Sanibel since May, 2006 when she started as an Environmental Specialist. Downing earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Furman University, Greenville South Carolina in 1997 and her Master of Science in Marine Biology from the University of Charleston, South Carolina in 2001.
Downing has held membership with the National Marine Educator’s Association and the Florida Marine Science Educators Association and the office of Vice-President, Marine Biology Graduate Student Association. She is currently a member of the Southwest Florida CISMA (Cooperative Invasive Species Management Association) Steering Committee.
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