Using Integrated Modeling Tools to Find Water<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/h3>\nConsensus on the Verde River<\/span><\/em><\/h3>\nJoin us for an inspiring plenary session exploring a groundbreaking collaboration between the Yavapai-Apache Nation and The Nature Conservancy. This historic partnership is using cutting-edge integrated hydrologic modeling tools to find balance between growing water demands and a healthy, flowing Verde River – a vital cultural and economic resource in Arizona.<\/p>\n
This session will showcase how integrated models, co-owned by the Nation and TNC, combine climate, groundwater, and surface water data to simulate the impact of future water scenarios. Discover how shared tools and science-based trust are shaping better water decisions for people, ecosystems, and generations to come.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ make_equal=”on” disabled_on=”on|on|on” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”1254px” custom_padding=”||7px|||” disabled=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#558477″ custom_padding=”0px|30px|30px|30px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”||50px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|20px|30px|20px|false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_main_element=”margin-top:170px;” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/ahssymposium.org\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/susan-sq.jpg” title_text=”susan sq” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”372px” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”-160px||13px||false|false” border_radii=”on|50%|50%|50%|50%” border_width_all=”13px” border_color_all=”#558477″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_class=”speackerscont” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_font_size=”24px” text_line_height=”1.2em” header_2_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_2_font_size=”43px” header_3_font=”|300|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_3_font_size=”33px” text_font_size_tablet=”21px” text_font_size_phone=”19px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_2_font_size_tablet=”41px” header_2_font_size_phone=”33px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” header_3_font_size_tablet=”31px” header_3_font_size_phone=”26px” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_css_free_form=”.speackerscont h3 {|| margin-bottom:15px;||}” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Susan B. Montgomery, Esq.<\/h2>\nMontgomery & Interpreter, PLC.<\/h3>\n
Susan Montgomery is a founding partner of the Phoenix based Law Firm, Montgomery & Interpreter, PLC.<\/p>\n
For more than two decades, Susan has provided legal representation and strategic policy advice to Tribal governments, Tribal enterprises, and private business on water law and water resources, federal Indian law, and environmental law.Susan also represents several federally recognized Indian Tribes in Arizona\u2019s \u201cGeneral Stream Adjudication,\u201d which is the legal proceeding charged with determining the surface water rights for state and federal water rights claimants in Arizona.<\/p>\n
In addition to her work for Tribes in Arizona, Susan has been a board member for Arizona\u2019s Water Infrastructure Finance Authority of Arizona.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#558477″ custom_padding=”0px|30px|30px|30px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”||50px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|20px|30px|20px|false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_css_main_element=”margin-top:170px;” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_main_element_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_css_main_element_tablet=”margin-top:170px;” custom_css_main_element_phone=”margin-top:170px;”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/ahssymposium.org\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/Laurel-sq.png” title_text=”Laurel sq” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”372px” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”-160px||13px||false|false” border_radii=”on|50%|50%|50%|50%” border_width_all=”13px” border_color_all=”#558477″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_class=”speackerscont” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_font_size=”24px” text_line_height=”1.2em” header_2_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_2_font_size=”43px” header_3_font=”|300|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_3_font_size=”33px” text_font_size_tablet=”21px” text_font_size_phone=”19px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_2_font_size_tablet=”41px” header_2_font_size_phone=”33px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” header_3_font_size_tablet=”31px” header_3_font_size_phone=”26px” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_free_form=”.speackerscont h3 {|| margin-bottom:15px;||}” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Laurel J. Lacher, PhD, RG<\/h2>\nLacher Hydrological Consulting<\/h3>\n
Dr. Laurel Lacher has owned and operated her own consulting firm, Lacher Hydrological Consulting (LHC), since 2002. LHC specializes in the assessment and modeling of groundwater-surface water interactions, including the effects of pumping, irrigation, and artificial recharge on streams in Arizona and New Mexico. \u00a0Dr. Lacher has a long history of working with Native American and other rural communities on water supply and water rights issues. Since 2019, she has worked closely Integrated Hydro Systems, LLC in Colorado to develop and use MIKE SHE integrated hydrologic models. Her recent clients include the Yavapai-Apache Nation, The Nature Conservancy, the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission, the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District, and the Western Water Applications Office at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#558477″ custom_padding=”0px|30px|30px|30px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”||50px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|20px|30px|20px|false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_css_main_element=”margin-top:170px;” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_main_element_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_css_main_element_tablet=”margin-top:170px;” custom_css_main_element_phone=”margin-top:170px;”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/ahssymposium.org\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/Kim-2.png” title_text=”Kim 2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”372px” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”-160px||13px||false|false” border_radii=”on|50%|50%|50%|50%” border_width_all=”13px” border_color_all=”#558477″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_class=”speackerscont” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_font_size=”24px” text_line_height=”1.2em” header_2_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_2_font_size=”43px” header_3_font=”|300|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_3_font_size=”33px” text_font_size_tablet=”21px” text_font_size_phone=”19px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_2_font_size_tablet=”41px” header_2_font_size_phone=”33px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” header_3_font_size_tablet=”31px” header_3_font_size_phone=”26px” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_free_form=”.speackerscont h3 {|| margin-bottom:15px;||}” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Kimberly Schonek<\/h2>\nThe Nature Conservancy<\/h3>\n
Kimberly Schonek is the Water Program Director for the Nature Conservancy in Arizona and has been with the Conservancy for more than fifteen years. Currently she oversees statewide water policy development and project work in Arizona’s most sensitive freshwater ecosystems. Previously, Schonek worked for the Oregon Water Trust as a project manager where she designed and implemented a statewide flow monitoring program and various flow restoration projects. Schonek has also worked for the US Forest Service, US National Park Service and City of Portland Water Bureau. She holds a Master’s in Environmental Management from Portland State University with an emphasis in Hydrology and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies also from Portland State University.<\/p>\n
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[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”1254px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text content_tablet=”<\/p>\n
Lunch Speaker<\/h2>\n
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Lunch Speaker<\/h2>\n
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Lunch Speaker<\/h2>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_text_color=”#7fabcb” header_3_font=”|600|||||||” header_3_text_align=”center” header_3_text_color=”#7fabcb” header_3_font_size=”29px” custom_margin=”||9px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Our Thursday lunch speaker will be discussing:<\/h3>\nThirty Days Below the Rim: A Grand Canyon Whitewater Rafting Adventure<\/h3>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Thirty Days Below the Rim<\/span><\/i>\u00a0is Arizona author Jon Fuller’s sixth book. Written in the style of a daily trip log and based on Jon’s journals from his own nine Grand Canyon trips, Jon’s talk will describe exactly what’s it’s like to row your own raft through Grand Canyon. The author joins a crew of fourteen adventurers on a month-long whitewater rafting trip. Both poignant and humorous, the story describes the rapids, the wilderness, and the unique characters he encounters along the way. On a deeper level, the journey is a quest for peace in a world mired in political and social turmoil. If a Grand Canyon rafting trip is on your bucket list, this talk and book is for you.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/ahssymposium.org\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/speackers_10.jpg” title_text=”speackers_10″ align=”center” disabled_on=”on|on|on” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”42px|||||” disabled=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ make_equal=”on” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” width=”73%” width_tablet=”75%” width_phone=”83%” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” max_width=”2560px” custom_padding=”42px|||8px||” custom_padding_tablet=”42px|||8px||” custom_padding_phone=”0px||0px|0px|false|false” border_radii=”on|30px|30px|30px|30px” border_width_all=”11px” border_color_all=”#184d68″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” custom_padding=”30px|30px|30px|30px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”||50px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”20px|20px|30px|20px|false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” border_radii=”on|30px|30px|30px|30px” border_color_all=”#7fabcb” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/ahssymposium.org\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/Jon-Fuller-bio-pic-1-rotated.jpg” alt=”Dr. Marty Ralph” title_text=”Jon Fuller bio pic (1)” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” width=”94.1%” module_alignment=”left” custom_margin=”0px|700px|0px||false|false” custom_padding=”|0px|||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” custom_padding=”30px|30px|30px|30px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”||50px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”20px|20px|30px|20px|false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” border_radii=”on|30px|30px|30px|30px” border_color_all=”#7fabcb” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_class=”speackerscont” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”24px” text_line_height=”1.3em” header_line_height=”1.2em” header_2_font_size=”43px” header_2_line_height=”1.1em” header_3_font=”|300|||||||” header_3_font_size=”33px” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” custom_margin=”0px|||0px|false|false” custom_padding=”|||0px||” text_font_size_tablet=”21px” text_font_size_phone=”19px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_2_font_size_tablet=”41px” header_2_font_size_phone=”33px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_3_font_size_tablet=”31px” header_3_font_size_phone=”26px” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_css_free_form=”.speackerscont h3 {|| margin-bottom:15px;||}” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Jon Fuller <\/strong><\/h2>\nFounder of JE Fuller\/ Hydrology & Geomorphology, Inc<\/h3>\n
Jon Fuller is the Founder of JE Fuller\/ Hydrology & Geomorphology, Inc. His specialties include applied fluvial geomorphology, sediment transport, erosion hazard analysis, alluvial fan flooding, and arid land hydrology.\u00a0 Jon earned a B.S. in Geology from Calvin College and a M.S. in Geomorphology from the University of Arizona. He is a Registered Engineer (Civil), and Professional Geologist. After a 44-year career, Jon is (almost) retired, and now spends most of his time long-distance hiking, whitewater rafting, biking, and writing about rivers and Arizona history.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Our Thursday program features a distinguished slate of keynote and lunch speakers.Plenary Talk and Speakers Working Toward a Unified Vision of Water Management in the Verde Basin \u2013 Using Integrated Modeling Tools to Find Water Consensus on the Verde River Join us for an inspiring plenary session exploring a groundbreaking collaboration between the Yavapai-Apache […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":63,"featured_media":0,"parent":590,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"\r\n
Meet Our Speakers<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Our Thursday program features a distinguished slate of keynote and lunch speakers.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Keynote Speakers<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nPatrick J. Adams<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Office of the Governor<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/ahssymposium.org\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/adams.jpg\")
<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nPatrick Adams is dedicated to the mission of ensuring that Arizona has a secure, reliable water future. He joins the Governor\u2019s Office from the Arizona Municipal Water Users Association (AMWUA) where he served as Water Policy Advisor, providing policy expertise on behalf of Arizona\u2019s largest municipal water providers. Patrick was responsible for the legislative and water resource policy programs and represented AMWUA across all levels of government. Before joining AMWUA, Patrick was an environmental scientist at ADEQ, where he administered and enforced the state\u2019s Aquifer Protection Permit Program and Recycled Water regulations. Patrick is a graduate of Utah State University where he received a bachelor\u2019s in environmental studies from the Quinney College of Natural Resources and a bachelor\u2019s degree in Economics from the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
He will be giving an update on key water policy developments and ongoing issues taking place throughout the state of Arizona.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\r\nTheodore C. Cooke<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Water Infrastructure and Finance Authority<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/ahssymposium.org\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/cooke-768x1024.jpg\")
<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTed Cooke is a board member for WIFA, the state agency tasked with helping Arizona secure clean and reliable water supplies into the future. Ted recently retired as general manager of CAP. He worked on Colorado River issues for over two decades with CAP\u2019s neighbors and partners in other states, along with the federal government, to find innovative and collaborative solutions in the face of a millennial megadrought and shortage conditions. Prior to his time at CAP, Ted was involved in the development, financing, operations, maintenance, and management of over 20 commercial-scale solar and geothermal power plants. He has a BS in physics from Loyola Marymount University, an MBA in operations management and management science from UCLA, and a DBA in management from California Coast University.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Ted will be speaking on WIFA\u2019s role in meeting Arizona\u2019s water supply needs \u2014 its background, changes in responsibilities under SB1740, governance, funds, projects, and strategic framework.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Lunch Speakers<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Our Thursday lunch speakers will be discussing atmospheric rivers in California and Arizona.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\r\n\r\nDr. F. Martin (\"Marty\") Ralph<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Director, Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n![\"Dr.](\"https:\/\/ahssymposium.org\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/martyRalph500.jpg\")
<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nDr. Ralph is a meteorologist focused on atmospheric rivers, the origins of floods, and predictions for water management and flood control. After 21 years at NOAA, he created the Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes at UC San Diego. He\u2019s published over 150 peer-reviewed articles and has developed programs on practical applications for new science and technologies. A leading expert on atmospheric rivers, he provides input to policy makers on western weather and water extremes. He is a leader in Forecast-Informed Reservoir Operations (FIRO), working closely with water managers. Dr. Ralph is a Fellow of the American Meteorological Society and has received awards from several organizations.\u00a0He has a BS in meteorology from UA and a PhD in atmospheric sciences from UCLA.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\r\nDr. Bohumil Svoma<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Staff Scientist \/ Meteorologist, Surface Water Department, Salt River Project<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/ahssymposium.org\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/boSvoma500.jpg\")
<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nBohumil Svoma has published 29 peer-reviewed research articles in the fields of climatology and meteorology. His current research interests focus on improving the predictability of Arizona precipitation and streamflow from sub-seasonal through decadal time scales. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Dr. Svoma\u2019s operational duties include watershed monitoring and weather forecasting, focusing on watershed precipitation in the winter and on Phoenix-area temperature and thunderstorm activity in the summer. Before joining SRP, Dr. Svoma was an assistant professor of atmospheric sciences at the University of Missouri from 2013\u20132017. He received his PhD in geographical sciences at ASU in 2011 and his BS degrees in mathematics and geographical sciences from ASU in 2007.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-1058","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ahssymposium.org\/2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1058","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ahssymposium.org\/2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ahssymposium.org\/2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ahssymposium.org\/2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/63"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ahssymposium.org\/2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1058"}],"version-history":[{"count":29,"href":"https:\/\/ahssymposium.org\/2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1058\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4565,"href":"https:\/\/ahssymposium.org\/2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1058\/revisions\/4565"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ahssymposium.org\/2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/590"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ahssymposium.org\/2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1058"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
Join us for an inspiring plenary session exploring a groundbreaking collaboration between the Yavapai-Apache Nation and The Nature Conservancy. This historic partnership is using cutting-edge integrated hydrologic modeling tools to find balance between growing water demands and a healthy, flowing Verde River – a vital cultural and economic resource in Arizona.<\/p>\n
This session will showcase how integrated models, co-owned by the Nation and TNC, combine climate, groundwater, and surface water data to simulate the impact of future water scenarios. Discover how shared tools and science-based trust are shaping better water decisions for people, ecosystems, and generations to come.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ make_equal=”on” disabled_on=”on|on|on” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”1254px” custom_padding=”||7px|||” disabled=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#558477″ custom_padding=”0px|30px|30px|30px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”||50px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|20px|30px|20px|false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_main_element=”margin-top:170px;” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/ahssymposium.org\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/susan-sq.jpg” title_text=”susan sq” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”372px” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”-160px||13px||false|false” border_radii=”on|50%|50%|50%|50%” border_width_all=”13px” border_color_all=”#558477″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_class=”speackerscont” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_font_size=”24px” text_line_height=”1.2em” header_2_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_2_font_size=”43px” header_3_font=”|300|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_3_font_size=”33px” text_font_size_tablet=”21px” text_font_size_phone=”19px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_2_font_size_tablet=”41px” header_2_font_size_phone=”33px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” header_3_font_size_tablet=”31px” header_3_font_size_phone=”26px” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_css_free_form=”.speackerscont h3 {|| margin-bottom:15px;||}” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Susan B. Montgomery, Esq.<\/h2>\nMontgomery & Interpreter, PLC.<\/h3>\n
Susan Montgomery is a founding partner of the Phoenix based Law Firm, Montgomery & Interpreter, PLC.<\/p>\n
For more than two decades, Susan has provided legal representation and strategic policy advice to Tribal governments, Tribal enterprises, and private business on water law and water resources, federal Indian law, and environmental law.Susan also represents several federally recognized Indian Tribes in Arizona\u2019s \u201cGeneral Stream Adjudication,\u201d which is the legal proceeding charged with determining the surface water rights for state and federal water rights claimants in Arizona.<\/p>\n
In addition to her work for Tribes in Arizona, Susan has been a board member for Arizona\u2019s Water Infrastructure Finance Authority of Arizona.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#558477″ custom_padding=”0px|30px|30px|30px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”||50px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|20px|30px|20px|false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_css_main_element=”margin-top:170px;” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_main_element_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_css_main_element_tablet=”margin-top:170px;” custom_css_main_element_phone=”margin-top:170px;”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/ahssymposium.org\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/Laurel-sq.png” title_text=”Laurel sq” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”372px” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”-160px||13px||false|false” border_radii=”on|50%|50%|50%|50%” border_width_all=”13px” border_color_all=”#558477″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_class=”speackerscont” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_font_size=”24px” text_line_height=”1.2em” header_2_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_2_font_size=”43px” header_3_font=”|300|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_3_font_size=”33px” text_font_size_tablet=”21px” text_font_size_phone=”19px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_2_font_size_tablet=”41px” header_2_font_size_phone=”33px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” header_3_font_size_tablet=”31px” header_3_font_size_phone=”26px” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_free_form=”.speackerscont h3 {|| margin-bottom:15px;||}” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Laurel J. Lacher, PhD, RG<\/h2>\nLacher Hydrological Consulting<\/h3>\n
Dr. Laurel Lacher has owned and operated her own consulting firm, Lacher Hydrological Consulting (LHC), since 2002. LHC specializes in the assessment and modeling of groundwater-surface water interactions, including the effects of pumping, irrigation, and artificial recharge on streams in Arizona and New Mexico. \u00a0Dr. Lacher has a long history of working with Native American and other rural communities on water supply and water rights issues. Since 2019, she has worked closely Integrated Hydro Systems, LLC in Colorado to develop and use MIKE SHE integrated hydrologic models. Her recent clients include the Yavapai-Apache Nation, The Nature Conservancy, the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission, the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District, and the Western Water Applications Office at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#558477″ custom_padding=”0px|30px|30px|30px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”||50px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|20px|30px|20px|false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_css_main_element=”margin-top:170px;” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_main_element_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_css_main_element_tablet=”margin-top:170px;” custom_css_main_element_phone=”margin-top:170px;”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/ahssymposium.org\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/Kim-2.png” title_text=”Kim 2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”372px” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”-160px||13px||false|false” border_radii=”on|50%|50%|50%|50%” border_width_all=”13px” border_color_all=”#558477″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_class=”speackerscont” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_font_size=”24px” text_line_height=”1.2em” header_2_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_2_font_size=”43px” header_3_font=”|300|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_3_font_size=”33px” text_font_size_tablet=”21px” text_font_size_phone=”19px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_2_font_size_tablet=”41px” header_2_font_size_phone=”33px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” header_3_font_size_tablet=”31px” header_3_font_size_phone=”26px” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_free_form=”.speackerscont h3 {|| margin-bottom:15px;||}” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Kimberly Schonek<\/h2>\nThe Nature Conservancy<\/h3>\n
Kimberly Schonek is the Water Program Director for the Nature Conservancy in Arizona and has been with the Conservancy for more than fifteen years. Currently she oversees statewide water policy development and project work in Arizona’s most sensitive freshwater ecosystems. Previously, Schonek worked for the Oregon Water Trust as a project manager where she designed and implemented a statewide flow monitoring program and various flow restoration projects. Schonek has also worked for the US Forest Service, US National Park Service and City of Portland Water Bureau. She holds a Master’s in Environmental Management from Portland State University with an emphasis in Hydrology and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies also from Portland State University.<\/p>\n
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[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”1254px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text content_tablet=”<\/p>\n
Lunch Speaker<\/h2>\n
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Lunch Speaker<\/h2>\n
” content_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_text_align=”center” header_2_text_color=”#7fabcb” header_2_font_size=”78px” header_3_font=”|600|||||||” header_3_text_align=”center” header_3_text_color=”#7fabcb” header_3_font_size=”29px” custom_margin=”||24px|||” header_2_font_size_tablet=”61px” header_2_font_size_phone=”41px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Lunch Speaker<\/h2>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_text_color=”#7fabcb” header_3_font=”|600|||||||” header_3_text_align=”center” header_3_text_color=”#7fabcb” header_3_font_size=”29px” custom_margin=”||9px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Our Thursday lunch speaker will be discussing:<\/h3>\nThirty Days Below the Rim: A Grand Canyon Whitewater Rafting Adventure<\/h3>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Thirty Days Below the Rim<\/span><\/i>\u00a0is Arizona author Jon Fuller’s sixth book. Written in the style of a daily trip log and based on Jon’s journals from his own nine Grand Canyon trips, Jon’s talk will describe exactly what’s it’s like to row your own raft through Grand Canyon. The author joins a crew of fourteen adventurers on a month-long whitewater rafting trip. Both poignant and humorous, the story describes the rapids, the wilderness, and the unique characters he encounters along the way. On a deeper level, the journey is a quest for peace in a world mired in political and social turmoil. If a Grand Canyon rafting trip is on your bucket list, this talk and book is for you.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/ahssymposium.org\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/speackers_10.jpg” title_text=”speackers_10″ align=”center” disabled_on=”on|on|on” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”42px|||||” disabled=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ make_equal=”on” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” width=”73%” width_tablet=”75%” width_phone=”83%” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” max_width=”2560px” custom_padding=”42px|||8px||” custom_padding_tablet=”42px|||8px||” custom_padding_phone=”0px||0px|0px|false|false” border_radii=”on|30px|30px|30px|30px” border_width_all=”11px” border_color_all=”#184d68″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” custom_padding=”30px|30px|30px|30px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”||50px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”20px|20px|30px|20px|false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” border_radii=”on|30px|30px|30px|30px” border_color_all=”#7fabcb” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/ahssymposium.org\/2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/Jon-Fuller-bio-pic-1-rotated.jpg” alt=”Dr. Marty Ralph” title_text=”Jon Fuller bio pic (1)” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” width=”94.1%” module_alignment=”left” custom_margin=”0px|700px|0px||false|false” custom_padding=”|0px|||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” custom_padding=”30px|30px|30px|30px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”||50px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”20px|20px|30px|20px|false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” border_radii=”on|30px|30px|30px|30px” border_color_all=”#7fabcb” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_class=”speackerscont” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”24px” text_line_height=”1.3em” header_line_height=”1.2em” header_2_font_size=”43px” header_2_line_height=”1.1em” header_3_font=”|300|||||||” header_3_font_size=”33px” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” custom_margin=”0px|||0px|false|false” custom_padding=”|||0px||” text_font_size_tablet=”21px” text_font_size_phone=”19px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_2_font_size_tablet=”41px” header_2_font_size_phone=”33px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_3_font_size_tablet=”31px” header_3_font_size_phone=”26px” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_css_free_form=”.speackerscont h3 {|| margin-bottom:15px;||}” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Jon Fuller is the Founder of JE Fuller\/ Hydrology & Geomorphology, Inc. His specialties include applied fluvial geomorphology, sediment transport, erosion hazard analysis, alluvial fan flooding, and arid land hydrology.\u00a0 Jon earned a B.S. in Geology from Calvin College and a M.S. in Geomorphology from the University of Arizona. He is a Registered Engineer (Civil), and Professional Geologist. After a 44-year career, Jon is (almost) retired, and now spends most of his time long-distance hiking, whitewater rafting, biking, and writing about rivers and Arizona history.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Our Thursday program features a distinguished slate of keynote and lunch speakers.Plenary Talk and Speakers Working Toward a Unified Vision of Water Management in the Verde Basin \u2013 Using Integrated Modeling Tools to Find Water Consensus on the Verde River Join us for an inspiring plenary session exploring a groundbreaking collaboration between the Yavapai-Apache […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":63,"featured_media":0,"parent":590,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"\r\n Our Thursday program features a distinguished slate of keynote and lunch speakers.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Office of the Governor<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Patrick Adams is dedicated to the mission of ensuring that Arizona has a secure, reliable water future. He joins the Governor\u2019s Office from the Arizona Municipal Water Users Association (AMWUA) where he served as Water Policy Advisor, providing policy expertise on behalf of Arizona\u2019s largest municipal water providers. Patrick was responsible for the legislative and water resource policy programs and represented AMWUA across all levels of government. Before joining AMWUA, Patrick was an environmental scientist at ADEQ, where he administered and enforced the state\u2019s Aquifer Protection Permit Program and Recycled Water regulations. Patrick is a graduate of Utah State University where he received a bachelor\u2019s in environmental studies from the Quinney College of Natural Resources and a bachelor\u2019s degree in Economics from the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n He will be giving an update on key water policy developments and ongoing issues taking place throughout the state of Arizona.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Water Infrastructure and Finance Authority<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Ted Cooke is a board member for WIFA, the state agency tasked with helping Arizona secure clean and reliable water supplies into the future. Ted recently retired as general manager of CAP. He worked on Colorado River issues for over two decades with CAP\u2019s neighbors and partners in other states, along with the federal government, to find innovative and collaborative solutions in the face of a millennial megadrought and shortage conditions. Prior to his time at CAP, Ted was involved in the development, financing, operations, maintenance, and management of over 20 commercial-scale solar and geothermal power plants. He has a BS in physics from Loyola Marymount University, an MBA in operations management and management science from UCLA, and a DBA in management from California Coast University.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Ted will be speaking on WIFA\u2019s role in meeting Arizona\u2019s water supply needs \u2014 its background, changes in responsibilities under SB1740, governance, funds, projects, and strategic framework.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Our Thursday lunch speakers will be discussing atmospheric rivers in California and Arizona.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Director, Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Dr. Ralph is a meteorologist focused on atmospheric rivers, the origins of floods, and predictions for water management and flood control. After 21 years at NOAA, he created the Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes at UC San Diego. He\u2019s published over 150 peer-reviewed articles and has developed programs on practical applications for new science and technologies. A leading expert on atmospheric rivers, he provides input to policy makers on western weather and water extremes. He is a leader in Forecast-Informed Reservoir Operations (FIRO), working closely with water managers. Dr. Ralph is a Fellow of the American Meteorological Society and has received awards from several organizations.\u00a0He has a BS in meteorology from UA and a PhD in atmospheric sciences from UCLA.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Staff Scientist \/ Meteorologist, Surface Water Department, Salt River Project<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Bohumil Svoma has published 29 peer-reviewed research articles in the fields of climatology and meteorology. His current research interests focus on improving the predictability of Arizona precipitation and streamflow from sub-seasonal through decadal time scales. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Dr. Svoma\u2019s operational duties include watershed monitoring and weather forecasting, focusing on watershed precipitation in the winter and on Phoenix-area temperature and thunderstorm activity in the summer. Before joining SRP, Dr. Svoma was an assistant professor of atmospheric sciences at the University of Missouri from 2013\u20132017. He received his PhD in geographical sciences at ASU in 2011 and his BS degrees in mathematics and geographical sciences from ASU in 2007.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-1058","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ahssymposium.org\/2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1058","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ahssymposium.org\/2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ahssymposium.org\/2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ahssymposium.org\/2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/63"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ahssymposium.org\/2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1058"}],"version-history":[{"count":29,"href":"https:\/\/ahssymposium.org\/2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1058\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4565,"href":"https:\/\/ahssymposium.org\/2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1058\/revisions\/4565"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ahssymposium.org\/2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/590"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ahssymposium.org\/2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1058"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}Jon Fuller <\/strong><\/h2>\n
Founder of JE Fuller\/ Hydrology & Geomorphology, Inc<\/h3>\n
Meet Our Speakers<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Keynote Speakers<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Patrick J. Adams<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTheodore C. Cooke<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nLunch Speakers<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Dr. F. Martin (\"Marty\") Ralph<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nDr. Bohumil Svoma<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n