Meet Southwest Florida Water Management District's New Ombuds

Ross Morton was appointed as SWFWMD’s Ombudsman in January, but the website was updated only recently. As the Ombuds for the agency that manages the water supply, quality and the natural systems in west-central Florida, Morton independently assist the public by practicing to IOA standards.

Morton has worked for water management districts, including SWFWMD, for over two decades. His experience at the Southwest Florida Water Management District includes regulation, resource management, scientific analysis/review and data collection. Previously, he was the director of the agency’s Sarasota Service Office Regulation Division for six years. Morton earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the University of Florida. He is a certified professional wetland scientist and has been trained in mediation and conflict resolution. (SWFWMD Ombuds.)