Brad Avy appointed Oregon's State Geologist

PORTLAND, Ore. -- The Governing Board of the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) has appointed Brad Avy as the State Geologist and Agency Executive Director.

"Mr. Avy brings a rare combination of state agency leadership, public policy and research experience, and geologic understanding to the Agency," says Governing Board Chairman Larry Givens. "He is uniquely qualified to lead DOGAMI in increasing Oregon's understanding of geologic resources and hazards through science and stewardship."

Avy is a registered engineering geologist, hydrogeologist, and geologist. He earned a bachelor's degree in geological sciences from the University of Washington and a master's degree in geology from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. He comes to DOGAMI from the Washington State Department of Agriculture, where he served as the assistant director of the commodity inspection division. Before joining the Department of Agriculture, he was a senior research analyst with the Washington House of Representatives. He previously held management positions with the Washington State Department of Health and the Washington State Department of Ecology.

Avy began his career performing geotechnical field studies as an engineering geologist in Alaska, co-founded the Eureka Drilling Company, and worked as a hydrogeologist in Washington on toxics site cleanup investigations.

As the State Geologist and Agency Executive Director, Avy will lead a staff of 41 in providing earth science information and regulation to make Oregon safe and prosperous. The Agency's Mineral Land Reclamation & Regulation program oversees the state's mineral production, and works to minimize impacts of natural resource extraction and maximize opportunities for land reclamation. The Agency's Geological Survey & Services program develops maps, reports and data to help Oregon manage natural resources and prepare for natural hazards.

Avy will join DOGAMI December 1.

[News release from Oregon Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries]