We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dale Morris, Charleston’s former Chief Resilience Officer, friend of the Coastal Conservation League, and champion for our Lowcountry. His expertise and contributions will forever be present in conversations about what resilience means in Charleston.
Dale came to the Lowcountry in 2019, charting a new era of how Charleston thinks about water, leveraging his extensive career in policy and drawing on international relationships as the co-creator of the Dutch Dialogues. He brought invaluable lessons learned from the similarly coastal urban environment of the Netherlands and took on the daunting task of helping Charleston adapt to rising seas and the associated impacts. He kept Charleston’s flooding issues front of mind, developing the city’s Water Plan.
Dale shared a vision for a coast that honors the natural force of water and where communities are protected, innovating solutions that allow the two to exist harmoniously. He led with respect, valuing the philosophy that partnership was our best tool in addressing the problems of today and the future. Dale inspired many with his relentless creativity for progress and willingness to educate others, supporting students and advocates for conservation to continue the charge.
As we continue to shape the future of Charleston — from the Downtown peninsula to the Cainhoy peninsula — we will honor Dale’s vision and commitment to help all Charlestonians learn to live with water in today’s climate.
His legacy will serve as a North Star, guiding us to all that is possible to protect and preserve our historic city for generations to come.
Dale Morris will be profoundly missed.