Noah Valenstein will take over as Florida Department of Environmental Protection secretary beginning next month after the Florida Cabinet unanimously confirmed him to the job Tuesday morning.
Valenstein, who currently works as the executive director of the Suwanee River Water Management District, will receive a six-figure salary of $150,000 a year to take the job.
Prior to his job at the SRWMD, Valenstein served as the Policy Coordinator for Energy, Agriculture and Environment in the Executive Office of the Governor from 2012 through 2015.
He also worked as Director of Legislative Affairs for the Everglades Foundation and had a brief stint working as a lobbyist in the Legislative Affairs Office for the DEP.
Valenstein grew up in Alachua County and received his undergraduate degree in environmental policy from the University of Florida. He received his law degree from Florida State University.
Valenstein beat out 142 other applicants and was the only one to nab an interview for the position. He’ll replace former Secretary Jon Steverson, who left the post in February for a job with lobbying firm Foley & Lardner.
The DEP Secretary reports directly to Scott and the Cabinet.
The governor had strong praise for Valenstein and his qualifications, lauding him for protecting the environment and the state’s “natural treasures” throughout his career.
“ As a native Floridian, Noah knows firsthand how important our natural resources are to our families and visitors, and he understands that we must work each day to protect our environment on behalf of our future generations,” Scott said.
“Noah has worked hard to manage and oversee a range of environmental issues over his more than 15 years of public service, and I know he will use this invaluable experience in his new role as DEP Secretary,” the governor continued. “I am confident that Noah will continue to be a strong leader and advocate for preserving the future of our state’s beautiful and pristine environment.”
The Cabinet unanimously confirmed Valenstein, who will begin the new gig June 5.
Reach reporter Allison Nielsen by email at allison@sunshinestatenews.com or follow her on Twitter: @AllisonNielsen.
READ MORE FROM SUNSHINE STATE NEWS
Florida Voices React to Manchester Terrorist Attack
Ron DeSantis' Bill Targeting Child Predators Passes the House
