Center for Inland Bays names Christophe Tulou executive director

Environmental and natural resources conservation leader Christophe Tulou has been named executive director of the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays.

The center’s board of directors voted unanimously on this decision at their Dec. 9 meeting.

Throughout his career, Tulou has developed strategies to reduce or eliminate harm to communities, the environment and natural resources by bridging science, policy, law and politics to address challenges such as climate change resilience, community sustainability, coastal development, watershed management and ocean resource protection.

He brings extensive executive and legislative experience at all levels of government, having served for 10 years in various capacities in the U.S. House of Representatives, as cabinet secretary of the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control under then-Gov. Tom Carper, and as director of the District of Columbia Department of the Environment in Washington, D.C.

“I am thrilled to make this announcement on behalf of the board,” said Susie Ball, board chair. “Christophe’s extensive leadership experience in environmental conservation, coalition-building and science-based policy will be a great asset to the center and the entire Inland Bays watershed.”

Most recently, Tulou was Democratic senior counsel and policy director for the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, and he previously served as senior advisor on the Chesapeake Bay to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy.

During his long career dedicated to environmental and natural resources conservation, he has also served as executive director of the Pew Oceans Commission, director of the Resilient Coasts Initiative for the H. John Heinz III Center, and acting director of the Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council, operating under the umbrella of the Environmental Council of the States.

“Delaware’s Inland Bays watershed is a treasure – an ecological and economic gem – home to a truly inspiring diversity of life, humans included,” said Tulou. “Caring for this ecosystem is an all-hands opportunity and personal privilege. I’m excited to work alongside the center’s dedicated staff and all communities to protect and restore this wonder of the First State."

Tulou’s leadership comes at a time of tremendous growth for the center, due in part to funds awarded by the Environmental Protection Agency via the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The center is poised to receive more than $4.5 million over five years.

BIL funds will be directed toward projects that accelerate the achievement of environmental and community restoration goals within the Inland Bays Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan, with special focus on tackling the climate crisis and taking decisive action to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, environmental justice, accessibility and civil rights.

Tulou is the author of numerous published articles and presentations on urban climate resilience and adaptation, coastal resilience, green power purchasing, green infrastructure/stormwater management, ocean and coastal management policy, and state/EPA partnerships for environmental enforcement. He and his wife Debi have a home in the Inland Bays watershed in Rehoboth Beach.

He earned his bachelor of science degree in biology at the College of William and Mary, two master’s degrees in zoology and marine affairs from the University of Rhode Island, and a law degree from Georgetown University.

Tulou will assume his responsibilities as Delaware Center for the Inland Bays executive director Monday, Jan. 9.

To conduct the search for its new executive director, the center engaged Kittleman & Associates, a national executive search firm that specializes in recruitment of CEOs for tax-exempt nonprofit organizations, public charities and philanthropic organizations. Kittleman recruits leaders for the entire nonprofit sector including conservation, environmental education, public gardens, foundations and historic sites.

A nonprofit organization established in 1994, the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays is one of 28 National Estuary Programs. With its many partners, the center works to preserve, protect and restore Delaware’s Inland Bays and their watershed.

For more information, go to inlandbays.org.