The Great Basin Water Network’s board of directors announced this week that it has hired Kyle Roerink as the organization’s first executive director. The hiring comes as the organization continues to fight the Southern Nevada Water Authority’s 300-mile, $15 billion pipeline.
Roerink, who worked for Rep. Dina Titus and the YES on Question 6 energy campaign, will lead the nonprofit as it fights legal battles in state and federal courts.
The group said that it defends the integrity of Nevada water law. Roerink will continue the organization’s advocacy for smart conservation practices.
“For 13 years, the Water Network has been fueled by a volunteer army that has unflinchingly worked to defeat a project that will harm SNWA ratepayers, destroy our natural resources, and decimate local communities,” said Abby Johnson, president of the Board. “We’ve worked to secure major victories in courts, the Legislature and in regulatory bodies. But, thanks to the ratepayer-funded war chest of SNWA, the battle is far from finished. The board and countless members of our community who have selflessly invested time, money and effort will remain committed, but we believe it’s time to take this fight to the next level and bring on full-time staff.”
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Roerink said he was grateful for the new role.
“For years, I have watched the Water Network and its legion of dedicated volunteers do what many thought was impossible: Stop the water grab in its tracks,” he said. “(The Network) has united a coalition like no other in the state to advocate for sound water policies. It is a privilege to stand with the organization on the front lines as it continues to fight this costly boondoggle.”
