Schantz named to head PWSRCAC

Donna Schantz has been named executive director of the Prince William Sound Regional Citizens’ Advisory Council. Schantz, who has been director of programs for the RCAC, replaces Mark Swanson who retired in November. She has been acting executive director since Swanson’s retirement.

“The council is very fortunate to have someone with Donna’s organizational knowledge and history to lead us into the future,” said Amanda Bauer, president of the council board. “I am confident her commitment to our mission and her positive attitude will significantly strengthen relationships within the council, as well as with our industry and regulatory partners, as these relationships are a critical component to achieving our mission.”

Schantz joined the council staff in 1999 and has been director of programs since 2001. She holds a B.A. in fine arts from Providence College in Rhode Island.

Schantz was also acting executive director in 2009 after the departure of John Devens.

“I have a tremendous amount of respect for those who devote so much time to our mission of promoting the safe transportation of oil,” Schantz said. “I am excited to serve in this leadership role, and to work with the staff and volunteers, as well as our regulatory and industry partners, to protect Prince William Sound and its downstream communities from another oil spill.”

She was recognized in 2015 by the U.S. Coast Guard for her work in support of the Prince William Sound Subsea Committee; in 2010 she worked for passage of legislation for dual escorts in Prince William Sound.

Schantz is a resident of Valdez and with her children, Timothy, 12, and Ellie, 10, enjoys boating in Prince William Sound, skiing and hiking in the Chugach Mountains, and spending time in Jack Bay at the cabin she built with her late husband, Tom, on a parcel they won through the Alaska State Land Lottery.

- Petroleum News