WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Department of the Interior has announced the latest Biden-Harris administration appointees.
“I’m thrilled to welcome a new group of leaders to the Department of the Interior who will help carry out our mission across the nation,” said Chief of Staff Rachael S. Taylor. “These leaders will play an important role as the Department continues to implement President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, which has provided once-in-a-generation investments to prepare communities for the impacts of the climate crisis and create healthier outdoor spaces and habitats for people and wildlife.”
The new appointees are:
- Maryam Hassanein, Special Assistant, Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management
- Manuokalani “Manu” Tupper, Advisor, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
- John Watts, Senior Counselor, Bureau of Reclamation
Maryam Hassanein, Special Assistant, Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management
Maryam Hassanein joins the Department after a year of working in the U.S. House of Representatives for Maryland Congressman Glenn Ivey. Hassanein also completed various internships, gaining experience working on a campaign for the Arizona State House of Representatives, in the U.S. Congress and with the League of Conservation Voters.
Manuokalani “Manu” Tupper, Advisor, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
Manu Tupper joins the Department after more than five years with the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, where he worked for Chairman Brian Schatz and Vice Chairman Tom Udall. Prior to his Senate service, Tupper worked in the United States House of Representatives for Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa and in the Hawai’i State Legislature.
John Watts, Senior Counselor, Bureau of Reclamation
John Watts joins the Department after 21 years advising Senator Dianne Feinstein in her multiple successful negotiations on California water supply and the environment. Watts had a significant role in drafting the Reclamation provisions of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and drought provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act. Watts served as lead staff in Senator Feinstein’s negotiation of the San Joaquin River Restoration Settlement Act, tribal water settlements and other tribal bills, and CALFED legislation for water supply and environmental restoration. He also advised Senator Feinstein in her role as Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development.