Larry Larson spent 30 years with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources where he managed the Floodplain Management and Dam Safety Section. He holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Wisconsin and is a registered professional engineer in Wisconsin and California. Larry played a very active role in the formation of the Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM) in the mid-70s, serving as Chair from 1979-1982 and then volunteer Executive Director until his retirement from the Wisconsin DNR in 1997. At this time, he came on staff as Executive Director for ASFPM. As such, he coordinates policy development and advancement and oversees the Association’s finances, contracts, conferences, membership, publications, and communication with other organizations. As the Executive Director he promotes the Association’s mission to reduce flood losses in the nation and to preserve and enhance the natural and beneficial functions of floodplains. He represents the Association’s 10,000 members and 26 Chapters throughout the nation. Larson’s entire career has been devoted to flood hazard management. He has authored numerous white papers and articles, and frequently provides expert testimony and speaks to scores of floodplain managers and related groups. For decades, he has been a leader in developing the nation’s policy on the wise use of floodplains.

Reprinted with Permission from http://www.floods.org