Valdez watchdog group seeks new chief

A Valdez-based oil industry watchdog group is advertising for a new leader.

The Prince William Sound Regional Citizens’ Advisory Council lost its executive director when John Devens resigned in May.

Devens had begun a medical leave of absence in February. He had been the council’s executive director since 1997 and was mayor of Valdez at the time of the Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989.

The spill spawned the congressionally mandated, nonprofit council to act as a watchdog over the Alyeska Pipeline Service Co. terminal and tanker operations at Valdez.

The oil industry provides most of the funding for the council, which has an annual budget of more than $3 million and a staff of 18 in Valdez and Anchorage.

Hunt on for new director

Donna Schantz, a Valdez resident and the council’s director of programs, is serving as acting executive director.

The council has 18 member organizations. Board members represent communities as well as aquaculture, commercial fishing, environmental, Native, recreation and tourism groups.

At times, the council and its staff have been sharply critical of the oil industry. The council has pushed for initiatives such as reduced air pollution at the Alyeska terminal, radar to detect icebergs that can damage tankers, and continued industry support for tanker tug escorts.

The council also monitors oil spill response capability and engages in research such as safeguarding Prince William Sound from aquatic nuisance species.

—Wesley Loy