(WASHINGTON) — The Waterways Council Inc. (WCI) has named Tracy R. Zea as its director of government relations, effective Aug. 4. He will be based in the Washington office and will primarily advocate for WCI’s goals for authorizations and appropriations which support a modern, efficient and reliable inland waterways transportation system. Zea will also work to enhance WCI’s stakeholder relationship with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He will also be responsible for tracking implementation of WRRDA legislation and ensuring that WCI’s views are reflected in the outcomes.
Before joining WCI, Zea served on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) for five years. During his time on the committee, he assisted in legislation related to the Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization, Map-21 highway reauthorization, and played an integral part in the enactment of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) of 2014. Prior to joining the T&I Committee, he worked for Sen. John Thune, R-S.D.
“The WCI team is very pleased to welcome Tracy to its ranks. We know him well from his fine work on Capitol Hill, and we look forward to his counsel and leadership in the future,” said Michael J. Toohey, president and CEO.
Zea earned a bachelor of science degree in political science from South Dakota State University.
