Mike Shriberg, a longtime leader in Great Lakes water policy and sustainability, has been named director of the University of Michigan Water Center. He will assume the role July 1, 2025, succeeding Jennifer Read, who will retire at the end of the year.

Shriberg’s appointment is supported by the Erb Family Foundation, whose grants launched the center and have funded much of its work. 

“I’ve long admired how the Water Center brings the research community, government entities, and nonprofit organizations together to find solutions to real-world challenges,” said John Erb, foundation chair. “It’s exciting to see Mike Shriberg, a former ‘Erber’ and trusted sustainability leader, step into this role. Mike brings the experience and vision needed to strengthen the center’s collaborative work and deepen its impact across the Great Lakes region.”

Shriberg currently serves as professor of practice and engagement at the School for Environment and Sustainability (a role he will retain), associate director of the Cooperative Institute for Great Lakes Research, and engagement director at Michigan Sea Grant. He previously led the Great Lakes region for the National Wildlife Federation and has held roles with the Ecology Center, Environment Michigan, and U-M’s Graham Sustainability Institute.

“We’re thrilled to have Mike leading the Water Center into its next era,” said Jennifer Haverkamp, Graham Family Director of the Graham Sustainability Institute, which houses the center. “He’s spent his career producing collaborative science, facilitating complex processes with diverse stakeholders, and turning it into action. That’s what the Water Center is all about.”

The center partners with governments, Tribes, communities and researchers to address water challenges across Michigan and the Great Lakes. As director, Shriberg will lead its continued evolution, strengthening partnerships and supporting student and faculty engagement through initiatives like Water@Michigan, an initiative that he has been co-chairing with Read for the past two years.

“I’m extremely grateful for this unique and impactful opportunity,” Shriberg said. “The Water Center connects science and policy with the people who need it most, and I’m honored to build on Jen Read’s incredible legacy and take the Water Center to the next level.”

Read, who helped launch the center and led it for 11 years, praised the appointment. “Mike brings the vision, experience and deep commitment to supporting partners that this role demands,” she said.

Greg Dick, director of CIGLR, expressed enthusiasm for the appointment. “I appreciate what Mike has done for CIGLR and believe that Mike’s leadership opens new doors for collaboration, engagement and impact across U-M’s water community and beyond,” he said.

“Michigan Sea Grant is excited to continue working with Mike in his new role,” said Silvia Newell, director of Michigan Sea Grant. “He’s been a strong advocate for our Great Lakes for the past two decades, and will add substantially to the great work and partnerships of the Water Center.”

Shriberg holds a B.S. in biology and society from Cornell University and an M.S. and Ph.D. in resource policy and behavior from SEAS. He also earned a nonprofit leadership certificate from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.