General Manager - Steve Abbors

Stephen E. Abbors began his appointment as the District's new General Manager on April 14, 2008, replacing L. Craig Britton, who retired after 14 years as General Manager and 30 years of service to the District.

An East Bay native, Steve earned his bachelor's of science and master's of arts degrees in Biological Sciences from California State University, East Bay. He began his professional career as a naturalist with the East Bay Regional Park District, and in 1984 accepted a position with the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD), the second largest water utility in the state. As Manager of Watershed and Recreation, Steve guided decisions regarding land management and restoration, acquisition, and recreational use for 28,000 acres in the East Bay.

In his job, Steve focused on weaving ecological principles into land management planning, but his passion for understanding and protecting the natural world led him to be active in the community as well. He chaired the Alameda-Contra Costa Biodiversity Working Group subcommittee that developed the management plan for the Caldecott Wildlife Corridor. In addition, Steve has been actively involved in the Diablo Fire Safe Council, Contra Costa Fish and Wildlife Committee, and the Hills Emergency Forum - a multi-agency organization formed in response to the 1991 Oakland Tunnel Fire.

"As the impacts of climate become more apparent, protection and restoration of the land that supports all life by providing air, water, food and other vital ecosystem services will become increasingly important to all of us.”

Bringing a wealth of experience, knowledge, and a lifelong interest in the natural environment to the position of General Manager, Steve is largely responsible for day-to-day operations of the District and efforts to continue the legacy of preserving nearly 57,000 acres of unspoiled natural open space lands in the Midpeninsula region.

Away from work, Steve is an avid hiker, having walked over 1,300 miles in 2007. He has a lifelong interest in plants and animals and their relationship to the environment and has studied them extensively in the field throughout California and the Southwest deserts. He is an amateur nature photographer, and also grows grapes and makes his own wine.

He and his wife live in the South Bay. They have two grown daughters - one is pursuing a graduate degree in Environmental Studies and the other is a Geographic Information Specialist for a Bay area planning firm.