Theriot named Interagency and International Services Division chief

17 Aug 2005 -- Vicksburg, MS -- Dr. Edwin A. Theriot, director of the Environmental Laboratory at the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) in Vicksburg, Miss., has been reassigned to chief of the Interagency and International Services Division, Directorate of Military Programs, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers headquarters.

In this position, he will be responsible for coordinating issues and strategies with state departments, the U.S. Agency for International Development, and U.S. Army overseas. He will also support the Corps¿ Gulf Region Division and activities involving the war effort. In addition, he will serve as a technical adviser to 91 countries for reconstruction, military and humanitarian assistance efforts.

Theriot recently completed a six-month White House appointment as senior adviser to the Iraqi Minister for Water Resources under the Coalition Provisional Authority. During this assignment, he advised on the reorganization and management of a workforce of 2,000 employees. He also coordinated and negotiated the reconstruction of the Iraqi water resources infrastructure.

Theriot served as programs director for the Corps' Mississippi Valley Division (MVD) from February 2003 to February 2004, where he was responsible for the development and execution of the $1.2 billion civil works program.

During his 27-year research career, Theriot served as manager of environmental research programs dealing with endangered and invasive species and environmental restoration for more than eight years. As a research supervisor, he directed research in aquatic ecology, risk assessment and restoration for more than 13 years. Prior to that, he served as a researcher and team leader on invasive aquatic species. He has served in temporary positions as Natural Resources Division chief; Environmental Laboratory assistant director; and ERDC associate director.

"My value is and will continue to be my ability to reach back to ERDC and the Corps when expertise is needed," Theriot said. "It is an honor to be asked to be a spokesperson for the Corps and to showcase the great capabilities the Corps has."

Theriot holds bachelor's and master's degrees in microbiology from the University of Southwestern Louisiana and a doctorate in molecular biology from the University of Massachusetts. He has received both the Director's Research and Development Award and the Superior Civilian Service Award twice. He is a Vietnam veteran, serving in the U.S. Navy for four years.

He is a member of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, the Society of Wetland Scientists, and the Society of American Military Engineers. He has served as adjunct professor with Purdue University and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, and has authored more than 70 technical papers and reports.

The ERDC is the premier research and development facility for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with more than 2,000 employees, $1.2 billion in facilities, and an annual research program approaching $700 million. It conducts research in both military and civil works mission areas for the Department of Defense and the nation.