Cape Fear Public Utility Authority (CFPUA) has named Lindsey Hallock as director of the utility's newly created Public and Environmental Policy Department, according to a news release.

Prior to being selected for the position, Hallock worked in administration, where she has been involved with programs related to water quality and unregulated contaminants, officials said in the release. 

Lindsey began working at CFPUA as an environmental data analyst in March 2017. She has also worked as the executive administrator and the assistant communications officer during her tenure with CFPUA, according to Peg Hall Williams, spokeswoman for the CFPUA.

Hallock has a master’s degree in agrarian and environmental studies from the Institute of Social Studies in the Netherlands, officials said. She has five years of experience researching and developing public policy in the governmental, academic and nonprofit sectors.

The Public and Environmental Policy Department will support existing environmental programs within the organization, while also working with local government, environmental groups and members of the community to create new programs, officials said in the release. 

Its primary focus will be to monitor the issue of emerging contaminants and to ensure that CFPUA is contributing to the long-term health of the community and its natural environment, officials said in the release. 

“This department will allow CFPUA to incorporate internal and external expertise into the organization’s policy-making process,” Jim Flechtner, CFPUA executive director, said in the release. “Creating meaningful partnerships with local stakeholders will be the most effective way to address the environmental challenges facing our area.”

The CFPUA also started a rebranding process this year and will update their name to Cape Fear Water this summer, Hall Williams said.