West Sacramento, Calif. — Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) has named George Schlender as its new environmental director.

Schlender previously served as a regional manager for RCAC, whose territory included Alaska, Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Hawaii. He will now manage all environmental services provided by RCAC in 13 western states. With more than 30 years experience in the water and wastewater management field, Schlender is well equipped to manage RCAC’s extensive environmental department. The department annually helps hundreds of small, rural communities throughout the western United States deal with water, wastewater and solid waste issues and needs.

Headquartered in West Sacramento, California, and serving 13 western states, RCAC provides technical assistance and training to rural communities seeking to develop a wide range of community services including, among other things, affordable housing and water treatment facilities. The organization also operates a loan fund with nearly $60 million in lending capitol that provides low interest loans and grants to further these communities’ goals.