Dr. Saad Jasim has concluded three years of service as director of the IJC’s Great Lakes Regional Office (GLRO) in Windsor, Ontario.
Created by the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, the GLRO provides technical and administrative support to the expert advisory boards that help the Commission fulfill its responsibilities in the Great Lakes. During his time at the GLRO, Jasim focused on strengthening the capacity of the office to support the boards and on raising the visibility of the IJC with citizens and stakeholder groups throughout the Great Lakes.
When he arrived in May 2010, the GLRO employed four scientists, three of whom were planning retirement. Jasim’s first order of business was to hire more scientists. Today, the GLRO has seven scientists on staff, bringing a wide range of experiences and expertise to the Commission’s work in the Great Lakes. Of the scientific staff, all but one was hired by Jasim, assuring that his legacy at the GLRO will have an impact for many years to come.
“Fulfilling the Commission’s responsibilities under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement is the No. 1 priority of the GLRO, and I am proud that we now have the scientific and professional staff to get the job done,” Jasim said. “Our outreach activities have also raised the profile of the IJC throughout the region.”
Under his direction, GLRO staff has organized numerous conferences, expert workshops and symposia. In addition, he has made the office a welcoming place for researchers from other agencies and has built ties with universities throughout the Great Lakes.
Jasim is also an adjunct research professor at the University of Western Ontario and the University of Windsor; and past president of the International Ozone Association-Pan American Group (IOA-PAG) and the Ontario Water Works Association.
He received his bachelor of science in chemical engineering from Baghdad University, Iraq, and his master of science and Ph.D. in chemical engineering from the University of Wales in the United Kingdom.
Dr. Saad Jasim, bottom row, fourth from left. Pictured with IJC commissioners and staff.
