Congratulations, Russ!

Coldwater Consulting is proud to recognize the retirement of Russ Gibson, whose distinguished career reflects a lifelong commitment to protecting and restoring Ohio’s waterways. Russ brought decades of experience to Coldwater following impactful service with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency as the Nonpoint Source Program Manager for the Division of Surface Water, with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources in a variety of positions including manager of permitting, hydrology and bonding for the Division of Mineral Resources Management, in Northwest as the Ohio Scenic River Coordinator with the Division of Natural Areas & Preserves, and as a Community Grants Administrator with the Division of Recycling. In 2018, Russ retired from the OEPA after 40+ years of public service. He joined Coldwater Consulting and contributed to projects that improved over 3,000 linear feet of stream and 73 acres of wetlands, and played a key role in securing at least $3.2 million in grant funding, ensuring that critical restoration efforts could move from planning to implementation.

Russ was recently awarded the 2026 Olentangy River Conservation Award for Lifetime Achievement, presented by the City of Delaware during the 13th Annual Olentangy River Festival. The award celebrates Russ’s lasting impact on water quality, habitat restoration, public access, and environmental stewardship within the Olentangy River watershed.

Russ leaves behind a legacy of tangible environmental improvements and a stronger foundation for future conservation efforts. Coldwater Consulting thanks him for his dedication, expertise, and lasting contributions, and wishes him all the best in his well-earned retirement.