The Western States Water Council (WSWC) is pleased to announce the appointment of J.D. Strong as its new Executive Director, effective September 1, 2025, following the retirement of longtime Executive Director Tony Willardson.
Willardson retired on August 31 after 46 years of dedicated service to the Council, including 16 years as Executive Director. He was appointed in 2009 after first joining the Council staff in 1979. The Council extends its deepest gratitude for his leadership, expertise, and tireless advocacy for western water resources. His influence will continue to be felt for many years to come.
Strong is no stranger to the WSWC. He represented Oklahoma on the Council from 1999 to 2016, during which time he served as WSWC Secretary/Treasurer, chaired the Water Quality Committee, was an active member of the Executive Committee, and contributed to numerous subcommittees.
“J.D. brings a unique blend of deep experience and energy to this role,” said WSWC Chair Julie Cunningham, who also serves as Executive Director of the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB). “Having started our careers at OWRB around the same time, I have long admired J.D.’s leadership and commitment to advancing sound water policy. The Council is fortunate to welcome him back in this new capacity.”
Strong most recently served as Director of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and previously as Director of the OWRB, giving him decades of leadership experience in natural resources at the state, regional, and national levels.
“I’m honored and excited to step into this role,” said J.D. Strong. “The Council has always been a special organization to me—where states come together to find practical, collaborative solutions to western water challenges. I’m also eager to work alongside the talented and dedicated WSWC staff, who are already doing great work. Together, we’ll build on Tony’s incredible legacy and continue supporting our member states as they protect and manage this most precious resource in the West.”
The WSWC looks forward to this new chapter under Strong’s leadership while celebrating the extraordinary contributions of Willardson to the Council and to western water management.