Commissioner of Public Lands Names New State Geologist

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Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz this week appointed Casey Hanell as Washington State Geologist.

Hanell — selected after a national search — fills the post vacated by the retirement of Dave Norman. He will oversee the Washington Geological Survey, which is part of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

“The geology that made Washington’s landscapes rich and distinct also presents serious public safety challenges for many of our communities. I’m proud to add (Hanell’s) diverse experience to our efforts to provide the people of Washington with the best science about hazards like landslides, earthquakes and volcanoes,” said Commissioner Franz.



A native of Olympia, Hanell has worked in various capacities within DNR. Most recently, he served as Earth Sciences Program Manager in the agency’s Forest Resources Division, ensuring those who use DNR-managed lands deploy the best available science to protect public safety and natural resources.

He holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in Geology from Western Washington University.

“I am incredibly honored to serve Commissioner Franz, the citizens of Washington, and the dedicated employees of the Washington Geological Survey as the next State Geologist,” said Hanell. “The geology of Washington is what makes our great state such a beautiful place to live.”