After seven years with the University of Washington Climate Impacts Group, Harriet Morgan is leaving to start a new chapter as the Climate Coordinator for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). In her new role, Harriet will be collaborating with internal and external partners to facilitate the development and implementation of a coordinated agency response to the impacts of climate change. This includes building off the agency’s recently developed report ‘Preparing Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife for a Changing Climate: Assessing Risks and Opportunities for Action.’

As a Research Scientist with the Climate Impacts Group, Harriet has been involved in many facets of climate resiliency across the region—from planning to implementation. She has initiated, scoped and completed over a dozen climate change vulnerability assessments and adaptation plans. A few of Harriet’s major projects include the NOAA-funded Washington Coastal Resilience Project, where she worked to develop an updated set of sea level rise projections for Washington state; leading the Nooksack Indian Tribe’s Natural and Cultural Resources Department climate change adaptation work for key species and habitats; and working with local jurisdictions in Oregon to develop heavy precipitation projections for use in stormwater planning. In the picture at left, Harriet holds up a cake baked and designed by Laura Davis of EarthLab. The cake celebrated the release of the 2018 Sea Level Rise Projections developed as part of the Washington Coastal Resilience Project.

We extend our gratitude to Harriet for her dedication and contributions to the Climate Impacts Group and wider Pacific Northwest community. Harriet’s last day in the office was December 1. She will start her role with WDFW on January 3, 2022. Please join us in sending a hearty congratulations to Harriet as she steps into her role at WDFW.