Michael Connor

Michael Connor most recently served as the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works) from Nov. 2021 until Nov. 2024. In that role, he was responsible for the Army’s Civil Works Program, including establishing budget and policy direction, and supervision of all aspects of the US Army Corps of Engineers' Civil Works program. Specific responsibilities included developing programs for the conservation, protection, and development of the nation's water and wetland resources; flood control infrastructure; maintaining the nation’s navigation capabilities; and coastal shoreline protection.

Previously, Mr. Connor served in a variety of positions in the federal government as well as in the private sector. Prior to his most recent role in government, he was a partner at one of the nation’s premier law firms, focusing on water, natural resource, renewable energy development, environmental compliance, and Native American law.

During the Obama administration, Mr. Connor served as the Deputy Secretary of the Interior, where he was the Chief Operating Officer, leading the Secretary’s strategy to carry out the department’s mission to protect and manage the Nation’s natural resources and cultural heritage; provide scientific and other information about those resources; and honor its trust responsibilities to American Indians and Alaska Natives. Mr. Connor, a member of the Taos Pueblo in New Mexico, was the first Native American to serve in that position.  Prior to that role, Mr. Connor served as Commissioner of the US Bureau of Reclamation, where he led the agency’s mission to manage, develop, and protect water and related resources in an environmentally and economically sound manner in the interest of the American public.

Mr. Connor also served as Counsel to the US Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee (2001-2009) and started his post-law school career with the Department of the Interior in 1993, serving in the Solicitor’s Office, and as the Director of the Indian Water Rights Office. Prior to law school, he worked in GE’s Power Generation Services and Appliance Manufacturing businesses.  Mr. Connor has a law degree from the University of Colorado Law School, and a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from New Mexico State University.