2022 Articles

David Palumbo – Deputy Commissioner, Operations, Bureau of Reclamation

David Palumbo

Say hello to David Palumbo. He was appointed as Deputy Commissioner in 2015 and is responsible for operations in the 17 western states, including Reclamation’s five regions, the Native American and International Affairs, and Technical Services, Hydropower, Dam Safety and Infrastructure Office, and Research & Development.

David joined Reclamation in 2005 and has held a variety of leadership positions. Prior to joining Reclamation, David worked in the private sector managing engineering and operations for manufacturing, water, energy, and research and development programs.

He has received two of the Department of the Interior’s highest honors for career employees, as well as Presidential Rank Award, and was selected as Reclamation’s Engineer of the Year in 2008.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, a Master of Science in Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics from Columbia University, a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from the University of Notre Dame and a Master of Arts in English Literature from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He is a licensed professional civil engineer in California and a certified project management professional.