Curis Resources has hired Loren H. Locher as director of public affairs to assist in the continued growth and development of Florence Copper, an in-situ copper recovery project in central Arizona.

“Loren is a wonderful addition to the Florence Copper team and we are fortunate to have someone with his experience to provide leadership for our public affairs and community relations program in Arizona,” said Bruce Marsh, senior vice president of strategic and corporate affairs for Curis Resources. “His knowledge and understanding of stakeholder outreach and relationship building, and his familiarity with Arizona communities, local governments and their needs, will significantly augment the leadership team at Florence Copper.”

Locher brings more than 15 years of experience in public and government affairs, project management and stakeholder outreach to his new role. At Curis, he will oversee community and public affairs outreach and play a key role in coordinating Florence Copper’s stakeholder relations program. Locher will also lead the development and implementation of Florence Copper’s communication strategies and supplement Curis’ ongoing engagement with local and regional regulatory authorities.

“I believe in Florence Copper’s promise, in the environmental technologies it will employ to protect water resources, and the benefits it will provide to local communities,” Locher said. “I look forward to working with the leaders and residents of the Town of Florence, Pinal County and the state of Arizona as we move into the next phase of this exciting project.”

Before joining Florence Copper, Locher served as regional director for government affairs and stakeholder outreach at the El Paso Corporation in Houston. During this time, Locher directed government and stakeholder outreach, and focused on legislative activities, political monitoring and relationship building. Prior to the El Paso Corporation, he worked for Compaq and Olympic Natural Gas. As a Phoenix resident, Locher has also served on the boards of Arizona Tax Research Association and Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry.