In the News

Michael Connor, assistant secretary of the Army-Civil Works, announced on October 24 that he would step down from his position after three years of service. His announcement came before the election that returned Donald Trump to the presidency. Connor was nominated by President Joe Biden to serve in this role on April 27, 2021.

Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth said in a statement, “As secretary of the Army, I have benefited greatly from Michael’s expertise and wise counsel. The Army is fortunate to have had a leader of his caliber to oversee Civil Works, and we wish him all the best in his next professional chapter.”

Tracy Zea, president and CEO of Waterways Council Inc., told The Waterways Journal, “WCI has been gratified by the partnership we—and the inland waterways industry—have enjoyed under Secretary Connor’s tenure as ASA CW. He has been not only a great listener but also an effective, proactive leader in moving the inland waterways construction program forward. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”

During his tenure, Connor was instrumental in overseeing billions of dollars of infrastructure investments to advance all facets of the Corps of Engineers’ mission, including navigation improvements, flood and storm damage reduction and aquatic ecosystem restoration. He led efforts to modernize policies, processes and tools to serve marginalized communities and tribal nations. He worked closely with the Corps on disaster relief efforts and supported efforts to reopen Baltimore Harbor after the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge when it was struck by a vessel.