Delta Independent Science Board

Announces Leadership Changes

The Delta Independent Science Board is led by a chair, chair elect, and past chair, who are elected from among its 10 members. These leaders progress through each two-year role in succession, ensuring continuity and institutional knowledge.

On September 1, 2026, Dr. Diane McKnight assumed the role of chair of the Delta ISB, following her two-year term as chair-elect. She will lead her first meeting on September 17. 

"I am honored to serve as the chair of the Delta ISB. It has been a privilege to collaborate with my esteemed colleagues on important reviewsover the past few years," said Dr. McKnight. "I look forward to continuing to collaborate with my colleagues as we support evidence-based solutions to address our most pressing environmental challenges, while upholding the highest standards of scientific integrity."

Prior to the chairship transition, at the August 17, 2026, meeting, the Delta ISB members voted to appoint Dr. Steve Lindley as the next chair-elect, putting him in line to assume chair duties in two years. 

"As everyone involved in the Delta knows, the problems facing the region are thorny, multi-faceted, and evolving at rates that threaten to outpace managers and scientists," said Dr. Lindley upon his election. "I am firmly committed to the concept that society is best served when decision-makers incorporate the best available scientific information."

At the end of the August meeting, ahead of becoming past-chair, Dr. Inge Werner reflected on her two-year term as chair, highlighting her efforts to launch the Delta ISB’s contaminants monitoring review. Along with Dr. McKnight, both Dr. Werner and Dr. Lindley transitioned to their new roles effective September 1.