Water Institute teams up with NRLI to expand stakeholder’s capacity to collaboratively solve water problems

The Water Institute has teamed up with the Natural Resources Leadership Institute (NRLI) to strengthen the network of professionals and stakeholders with the skills to foster collaborative solutions for urgent (and often contentious) water challenges in Florida. Through a partial scholarship the Water Institute is supporting the participation of Daniel Roberts, an Environmental Specialist with the Peace River Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority, in the NRLI Class XXII (2022-2023).

The NRLI curriculum focuses on skills, tools, and strategies related to conflict management and effective leadership. The program seeks to impact decision making in Florida by creating a network of professionals who can effectively address natural resource issues through collaborative leadership and conflict management.

“Many of Florida’s most contentious natural resource issues relate to water.  Not surprisingly, we notice an increase in the number of NRLI alumni who are affiliated with the Water Institute.  This new scholarship presents a unique opportunity to formally align our networks.  By strategically strengthening linkages among water-related professionals, we expand our statewide capacity to collaboratively solve water problems.  We expect to learn with Daniel about just how much water connects us all.” (Dr. Bartels Interim NRLI Director)

Daniel is an Environmental Specialist III with the Peace River Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority (the Authority), a member of the Florida Water and Climate Alliance Steering Committee, and a member of several technical advisory groups and committees including the Coastal and Heartland National Estuary Program. In his current role with the Authority, Daniel manages the planning, design, construction, and repair of environmental projects; monitors hydrologic and environmental compliance and permits; and coordinates project activities with contractors, local government representatives, and state regulatory and environmental agencies.

The Water Institute’s Scholarship is supporting my career in water resources by allowing me the opportunity to learn effective leadership skills and strategies in changing environments with a diverse group of professionals. With the resources and tools gained at NRLI, I hope to be able to lead my organization and the projects I’m involved with to solve complex water resource planning, water quality, and water quantity issues into the future.  

July 18, 2022