GALVESTON,
Texas (April 1, 2014) – Kristine Brown, natural resources
specialist and park ranger for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Galveston
District began her federal career as a staff archaeologist in 1991. Today, she
works at the Houston Project Office (Addicks and Barker dams and reservoirs and
Wallisville Lake Project) to serve the Greater Houston public, communicating
federal laws regarding the preservation and protection of natural resources in
the management, operations and maintenance of government water resource
properties.
In addition to her role as a park ranger, Brown remains instrumental
in the development and execution of the district’s Water Safety Program to
educate those who use Corps facilities and enhance the commitment of community
leaders to promote public safety and reduce water-related fatalities.
“Kris’s extensive knowledge of the Corps Water Safety Program
enabled her to effectively serve as a trusted subject matter expert and key
USACE spokesperson to communicate critical information about the district’s
Water Safety Program and contributed to a zero increase in water related
fatalities in the district,” said Richard Long, Supervisory
Natural Resources Manager.
Brown dedicated more than 500 hours educating Texas visitors and
residents about drowning prevention and water-related fatalities. She assisted
in implementing creative initiatives using existing resources, social media and
the power of partnering to reach a potential audience of more than 1,000,000.
“Our mission is to prevent drowning,” said Brown. “We are dedicated
to advancing, promoting and providing water safety interpretation, outreach and
education as well as working with partners’ water safety initiatives to
increase water safety awareness.”
Throughout 2013, Brown worked
with Safe Kids Greater Houston to form new partnerships with Spanish-language
media outlet Telemundo Houston, Schlitterbahn and Bass Pro Shops. She
co-authored a bill to have the 83rd
Texas Legislature recognize April as Water Safety Awareness
Month in Texas and coordinated more than 30 outreach events across the district
to encourage water safety and teach children how to properly wear lifejackets.
The USACE Galveston District’s
Water Safety Program was recognized at a USACE Best Management Practices
Session, held in conjunction with the annual International Boating and Water
Safety Summit and received several regional, national and international awards.
“Our water safety program brought
awareness of this growing problem that unnecessarily claims the lives of
thousands annually and now serves as a model for other offices to emulate,”
said Brown. “It’s about saving lives and I’m happy to be a part of this
program.”
A native of Michigan City, Ind., Brown earned bachelor’s and
master’s degrees in Anthropology from the University of Houston. When not at
work she enjoys cooking, gardening, reading and family time.
Learn about the district’s Water
Safety Program at http://www.swg.usace.army.mil/Missions/CorpsintheClassroom/WaterSafetyProgram.aspx or for the Houston Project Office’s mission
visit http://www.swg.usace.army.mil/Missions/DamSafetyProgram.aspx. For news
and information, visit www.swg.usace.army.mil. Find us on Facebook, www.facebook.com/GalvestonDistrict or
follow us on Twitter, www.twitter.com/USACEgalveston.
Release no. 14-012