DWR Awards Dr. Ellen Hanak for Leadership in Science-Driven Water Policy

As stewards of one of California's most precious natural resources, DWR helps spearhead innovative water management practices throughout the state, often with women at the forefront. Wanting to celebrate the career achievements of women, DWR established the Sierra Nevada Phillips Award for Women in Water Resource Sciences in 2023. During the department's first Water Resources Science Symposium held on September 23, the third annual Sierra Nevada Phillips Award was presented to Ellen Hanak, Ph.D.

For almost 25 years, Dr. Hanak has adeptly navigated between science and policy on controversial and difficult water management challenges in California, including groundwater recharge, water affordability, and drought. Currently, Dr. Hanak is an adjunct fellow with the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) and is a founding director of PPIC's Water Policy Center. DWR Director Karla Nemeth presented the award and acknowledged that Dr. Hanak was selected for her leadership in independent and rigorous analyses to inform water policy in California.

"For a generation, Dr. Hanak and her researchers have exposed important trends, made sense of chaotic data, and helped us envision and shape the future," said Director Nemeth. "People trust PPIC. Its reports inspire change. Dr. Hanak made a lasting difference when she helped found the PPIC Water Policy Center."

Prior to joining PPIC in 2001, Dr. Hanak's career included stints as a consulting economist at the World Bank and as a research economist at the Center for Cooperation in International Research for Agricultural Development in France. Her experience engaging with global agricultural leaders and local communities helped inform and guide her work on California's closely intertwined agriculture and water issues, and foster relationships with interested parties of all backgrounds.

"Bringing people together to have conversations added a lot to my understanding of California water issues and my ability to make policy recommendations," said Dr. Hanak. "It also helped forge lasting relationships between people who are integral to the state's water sustainability."

As a founding member of PPIC's Water Policy Center, Dr. Hanak served as its director until fall 2023. Dr. Hanak continued as a senior fellow until her retirement in 2024. During her career at PPIC she researched, analyzed, and provided policy guidance on numerous issues including water trading, water and environmental resource management in the Delta, and groundwater sustainability.

"The single biggest piece of legislation that occurred while I was at PPIC was probably the enactment of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act," Dr. Hanak recounts. "20 years ago, we knew we had water overdraft issues but didn't have a handle on what things looked like underground. I spent a lot of time in the Central Valley working with interested parties and providing analyses. We contributed to helping people see that there were ways to address the large range of concerns while sustainably managing groundwater resources to be beneficial for all."

Throughout her career, Dr. Hanak published more than 200 research reports, books, and journal articles, serving as a leading voice and trusted expert on California water policy issues. She added that it is an honor to be considered and receive this recognition.

"I can say that in my close to 25 years working in California water, I've been excited to see women continue to progress and hold key positions in water science, research, and engineering," says Dr. Hanak. "These fields have traditionally been dominated by men. That has changed over time through direct encouragement and the indirect ways that trailblazing women set an example."

Award Background
With this award, DWR honors its longstanding partnership with the Phillips family and a tradition of female leadership begun by Sierra Nevada Phillips, who owned and operated a summer resort business at Phillips Station near Echo Summit from 1909 until her passing in 1921. Passed down through the matriarchal line of the Phillips family, the 320-acre parcel has hosted DWR's annual snow survey since 1941, playing a vital role in monitoring efforts essential to the state's water decisions.

"It's important to recognize the significant contributions of women in science and leadership roles who help pave the way for future generations," said Abbey Pearson Phillips, great-great-granddaughter of Sierra Nevada Phillips. "Our family is proud to continue her tradition of strong leadership and support of the science that shapes California's water resources." Pearson Phillips participated in the award presentation to honor the legacy of her great-great grandmother and late mother, Carol Pearson.

For information on how recipients are chosen and previous winners, please visit DWR's Science page.