Edward “Eddy” C. Bouza II has been named Florida’s new chief resilience officer, a role that involves leading statewide efforts to coordinate strategies and investments aimed at reducing the impacts of hurricanes and flooding.
Bouza’s appointment has received support from several environmental leaders and organizations across the state. Alexis A. Lambert, Secretary of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, said, “Eddy Bouza has been a driving force in advancing Florida’s resilience strategy, helping communities better prepare for flooding and hurricanes. Through the Resilient Florida Program, he has positioned Florida as a national leader in resilience, and his appointment as chief resilience officer will further strengthen efforts to protect our environment, economy and communities.”
Florida’s Chief Science Officer Dr. Mark Rains commented on Bouza’s contributions to key initiatives: “Eddy Bouza’s vision and technical expertise have been central to landmark efforts like Florida’s Comprehensive Statewide Flood Vulnerability and Sea Level Rise Assessment, providing state and local leaders with the data they need to identify risks and make informed decisions that strengthen infrastructure and protect communities. I look forward to continuing this important work with him to build a more resilient Florida.”
Dr. Tom Frazer, Dean of the College of Marine Science at the University of South Florida and former Chief Science Officer, noted Bouza’s experience: “As the director of the Resilient Florida Program and a certified Floodplain Manager, Eddy Bouza brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the position of chief resilience officer. The Florida Flood Hub has had a productive relationship with Eddy, and we look forward to further collaboration that increases Florida’s resilience and protects its people and their assets.”
Greg Knecht, Executive Director for The Nature Conservancy in Florida, stated: “Congratulations to Eddy Bouza on his appointment as Florida’s chief resilience officer. Eddy has been a champion for Florida’s environmental resilience for years, and so many of us have worked with him to protect our state’s natural resources. He is a top-notch addition to Governor DeSantis’s team, and all Floridians will benefit from Eddy’s knowledge, passion and experience. The Nature Conservancy is eager to see what we can accomplish together.”
Kate Wesner from the American Flood Coalition emphasized both leadership continuity and investment: “With the appointment of Eddy Bouza as Florida’s new chief resilience officer, Governor DeSantis continues to demonstrate strong leadership in addressing the growing risks of flooding. The chief resilience officer serves a crucial role in protecting Florida’s economy and communities, and I’m thrilled to see Eddy Bouza, who has dedicated his career to supporting communities through the Resilient Florida Program, take on this role. This leadership role, paired with significant investments through the Resilient Florida Grant Program, positions the state to continue to lead on resilience and ensure communities are better prepared for the future. We congratulate the Governor on this important appointment and applaud the state’s continued investment in protecting Florida’s communities.”
Jim McDuffie from Bonefish & Tarpon Trust added: “Bonefish and Tarpon Trust applauds the ongoing efforts of Governor DeSantis and the Florida Legislature to ensure that Florida is resilient for our people, communities, natural resources and fisheries. The Governor’s appointment of Eddy Bouzato be the next chief resilience officer builds upon that commitment and secures Florida’s position as a leader in impactful resiliency response.”
Dawn Shirreffs from Environmental Defense Fund highlighted nature-based solutions: “The Environmental Defense Fund applauds Governor DeSantis’ appointment of Eddy Bouza as Florida’s chief resilience officer. As Florida’s Resilient Grant Trust enters its fifth year, Bouza’s leadership and experience will be essential to operationalize nature-based resilience solutions and scale critical efforts to protect Florida’s families and businesses from the risks of flooding and hurricanes.”
Jessica Beach from St. Augustine reflected on past collaboration: “On behalf of the city of St. Augustine, we are very excited to welcome Eddy Bouza as the state of Florida’s next chief resilience officer. The city of St. Augustine has worked with Eddy and his team through the Resilience Florida Program over the past four years in advancing the needs and advocating the urgency for resilience efforts for the state of Florida. We look forward to continued collaboration with Eddy and his team in his new role. Having a state-appointed chief resilience officer is a testament to the state’s continued commitment to resilience, support for our communities and leadership in this critical area – we are proud to partner with the state chief resilience officer to advance resilience planning, programs and projects that protect our state.”
Pepper Uchino from The Shore & Beach Preservation Association stated: “The Florida Shore & Beach Preservation Association is thrilled at the appointment of Eddy Bouza as Florida’s next chief resilience officer. Having worked closely with Eddy in the Resilient Florida Program, we know he brings a proven track record of collaborative leadership and a deep understanding of the challenges facing Florida’s coasts. As the next chief resilience officer, his commitment to long-term resilience planning will be instrumental to protecting our shores, communities and natural resources for generations. We look forward to our continued collaboration to advance Florida’s beach and coastal resilience strategies.”
The Resilient Florida Program focuses on strengthening community infrastructure against severe weather by investing not only in physical structures but also coastal management methods such as wetland restoration or vegetative barriers.
