PCL Announces New Executive Director: Bruce Reznik Takes Helm of 45 Year Old Advocacy Organization

Sacramento — The Board of the Planning and Conservation League (PCL) and its sister organization the PCL Foundation have announced that effective May 1, 2011 Bruce Reznik takes the lead as the new Executive Director of the two environmental non-profits.  The League just celebrated its 45th anniversary and was the first organization to lobby on behalf of the environment with the California Legislature.  Having written and helped passed some of California’s most important and foundational environmental protections, the League’s efforts have been instrumental in protecting the environment and quality of life for all Californians.  Some of its most important achievements include creating the Coastal Act and writing and now protecting the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). 

Bruce Reznik is the former Executive Director of successful San Diego Coastkeeper, one of nearly 200 Waterkeepers safeguarding waterways across the globe.  A licensed attorney and environmental advocate for over 20 years, while at Coastkeeper Reznik elevated coastal protection policies throughout San Diego that dramatically reduced contamination and improved the health of local waters.  More recently, he led Sustainable San Diego—a collaborative dedicated to ensuring the long-term vitality of the San Diego/Tijuana region’s communities, environment, and economy by strengthening and integrating regional planning.  He replaces Traci Sheehan, who will transition into specific project work at the League.

“Bruce is a powerhouse in San Diego.  His leadership and energy is just what’s needed in Sacramento to unite and collaborate, educate and inform,” comments Senator Christine Kehoe (D – San Diego).  “I am excited to work with him in this new capacity.”

Reznik takes the reins during a critical time in California’s environmental history. As the State moves forward implementing California’s historic climate change (AB 32) and integrated regional planning (SB 375) laws while developing a long range water-plan for California, the Legislature is simultaneously struggling to deal with its precarious financial situation. The League, with its decades-long record of enacting environmental legislation, is poised to lead a 100+ member coalition working to protect and strengthen our environmental laws at this critical juncture as California begins the transition to a thriving ‘green collar’ economy.

“Bruce has proven that he can work with organizations and people of all political stripes.  He understands both the law and how to effectively convey concerns of the conservation community,” said Assembly member Toni Atkins (D – San Diego).   “With his extensive skill set he is an asset to the League and Foundation.”

“I am thrilled to come to an organization with the League’s legacy of crafting the laws that have made California the world-wide leader in environmental stewardship,” added Reznik. “I am excited to build upon these successes as we advocate for policies that will reshape California into a model for sustainability, prosperity, and vibrant communities.”     

Bruce Reznik Biography

With experience as an environmental lawyer, Bruce Reznik served as Coastkeeper’s Executive Director from August 1999 through November 2010. Under his direction, the organization grew into the region’s largest clean water advocacy organization, and played a key role in strengthening water quality regulations, and educating and engaging tens of thousands of San Diegans in clean water efforts. Since February, he has led Sustainable San Diego—a collaborative dedicated to ensuring the long-term vitality of the San Diego/Tijuana region’s communities, environment, and economy by strengthening and integrating regional planning. Reznik previously worked to promote alternative fuels and clean air projects at a Los Angeles based consulting firm.  He holds an undergraduate degree from the UC Berkeley, a law degree from the University of San Diego, and completed environmental law coursework at George Washington University in Washington D.C. He has served on numerous Boards and has been appointed to many local and state commissions.