Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) Executive Director Brian Armstrong has received the 2020 Geology Alumni Society Award from the University of South Florida (USF) Geology Alumni Society (GAS).
This is the most prestigious award given by the GAS and is presented to alumni who have distinguished themselves through achievement and career success. The award was presented at the virtual GAS banquet Jan. 30. Award winners are selected by members of the USF GAS and the USF Program in Geology/School of Geosciences.
Armstrong was appointed as the executive director of the District in June 2016. He brings more than 20 years of water resources experience to his role and his focus is on overseeing the District’s extensive environmental and water resource recovery efforts, promoting a regional approach to water supply planning and development, and guiding efforts to investigate and implement innovative solutions to water resources challenges.
Armstrong previously served as the District’s assistant executive director where he oversaw the day-to-day operations of three divisions and more than 400 staff. He facilitated the development of the District’s first Business Plan, which outlines the people, funding and assets needed to carry out the District’s Strategic Plan. Armstrong also served as the District’s negotiator for the historic development of the Polk County Regional Water Cooperative, involving Polk County and 15 separate municipalities.
Previously, Armstrong served as the assistant director for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Southwest District, which oversees environmental protection for eight counties. Before working at DEP, he served as the Water Supply and Resource Development manager for the District.
Armstrong is a licensed professional geologist, who earned his bachelor’s degree in geology and his master’s degree in hydrogeology from the University of South Florida.