Meadows Center’s Robert Mace honored with Rainmaker Award from Texas Water Foundation

Dr. Robert E. Mace, interim executive director of The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment at Texas State University, has been selected as the sixth recipient of the Texas Rainmaker Award by the Texas Water Foundation.

The award is given to leaders who have made exceptional contributions and long-lasting impact to promote sustainable water policies in Texas. Previous recipients of the award include Texas State Representatives Lyle Larson and Eddie Lucio III.

“Dr. Robert Mace has not only contributed to our water future through his work at the Texas Water Development Board, but has shaped it by serving as one of the most respected water scientists in complicated policy discussions,” Sarah Schlessinger, executive director of the Texas Water Foundation said. “Texas Water Foundation is so honored to recognize Dr. Mace for his ongoing contribution and celebrate his unique approach to talking about complex issues.”

Mace has over 30 years of experience in hydrology, hydrogeology, stakeholder processes and water policy, mostly in Texas. Before joining Texas State in 2017 he worked at the Texas Water Development Board for 18 years, starting as unit leader for the groundwater availability modeling unit and ending as a deputy executive administrator. 

While at the Texas Water Development Board, Mace worked on understanding groundwater and surface-water resources in Texas; advancing water conservation and innovative water technologies such as desalination, aquifer storage and recovery, reuse and rainwater harvesting; and protecting Texans from floods. Prior to joining the Board, he worked nine years at the Bureau of Economic Geology at The University of Texas at Austin as a hydrologist and research scientist.

He has received numerous awards, including being inducted into the Texas Water Innovation Hall of Fame by AccelerateH2O in Austin. He is also a founding member of the Texas Water Journal, an online, peer-reviewed journal about water in Texas.

Mace’s achievements will be celebrated at a reception and dinner at the  Bullock Texas State History Museum on May 7. The event begins with a reception at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner and an award ceremony at 7:30 p.m. For more information about the event, visit https://www.texaswater.org/2019/03/dr-robert-mace-texas-rainmaker/.

About The Meadows Center
The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment at Texas State University was named following a generous gift from The Meadows Foundation in August 2012. The Meadows Center inspires research, innovation and leadership that ensures clean, abundant water for the environment and all humanity.