Interior Department Announces New Biden-Harris Appointees

Date: Friday, February 9, 2024
Contact: Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov

WASHINGTON — The Department of the Interior today announced the latest Biden-Harris administration appointees who will help advance the clean energy economy, steward America’s public lands and waters, pursue environmental justice and honor our nation-to-nation relationship with Tribes. 

“I’m thrilled to welcome a new group of leaders to the Department of the Interior who will help carry out our mission across the nation,” said Chief of Staff Rachael S. Taylor. “These leaders will play an important role as the Department continues to implement President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, which has provided once-in-a-generation investments to prepare communities for the impacts of the climate crisis and create healthier outdoor spaces and habitats for people and wildlife.”

The new appointees are listed below in alphabetical order:

• Maryam Hassanein, Special Assistant, Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management
• Manuokalani “Manu” Tupper, Advisor, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
• John Watts, Senior Counselor, Bureau of Reclamation

Maryam Hassanein, Special Assistant, Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management

Maryam Hassanein joins the Department after a year of working in the U.S. House of Representatives for Maryland Congressman Glenn Ivey. Maryam grew up in Arizona and graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in justice studies and a minor in social welfare. After graduating, Maryam completed various internships, gaining experience working on a campaign for the Arizona State House of Representatives, in the U.S. Congress and with the League of Conservation Voters.

Manuokalani “Manu” Tupper, Advisor, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management

Manu Tupper joins the Department after more than five years with the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, where he worked for Chairman Brian Schatz and Vice Chairman Tom Udall. Prior to his Senate service, Manu worked in the United States House of Representatives for Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa and in the Hawaiʻi State Legislature. Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, Manu earned his Bachelor of Arts in environmental analysis and sociocultural anthropology from Pitzer College in Claremont, California.

John Watts, Senior Counselor, Bureau of Reclamation

John Watts joins the Department after 21 years advising Senator Dianne Feinstein in her multiple successful negotiations on California water supply and the environment. John had a significant role in drafting the Reclamation provisions of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and drought provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act. John served as lead staff in Senator Feinstein’s negotiation of the San Joaquin River Restoration Settlement Act, Tribal water settlements and other Tribal bills, and CALFED legislation for water supply and environmental restoration. John also advised Senator Feinstein in her role as Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development.

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