SAFFORD — After four years of leading the Gila Watershed Partnership to new heights, executive director Melanie Tluczek is moving on to new opportunities.
“It’s been a wonderful, wonderful experience working for and with the Gila Watershed Partnership, and getting to know people in Graham and Greenlee counties and the surrounding areas,” Tluczek said. “I’ve learned a ton from this community, and I will be taking all of that with me.”
Tluczek’s resignation is effective Sept. 7; however, she has agreed to assist the organization through Jan. 1, 2022.
Tluczek’s resignation was announced in a press release issued Friday afternoon by GWP Board Chairman Danny Smith.
“With Melanie’s dedication, we have furthered our mission to improve the water quantity and water quality in the watershed through projects (that) build strong relationships that benefit the people of our watershed,” Smith wrote.
The search for a new director has started and Smith said the board hopes to have someone in place “ASAP.”
Under Tlczuk’s guidance, GWP has conducted a number of native plant sales, in an effort to help residents reduce water use in landscaping; replaced invasive species with native plants along the Gila River; and the group is working to develop a multi-use trail along the Gila River, connecting Thatcher and Safford.
Editor’s note: This story was updated at 11:19 a.m. Monday, July 26, 2021, with comments from Tluczek.
