Extensive Background in Water Policy and Management
With over 40 years of experience, I have a robust policy development, organizational leadership, and infrastructure improvement background. Holding an MBA and a Bachelor of Arts, I am well-equipped to lead significant water-related projects and ensure financial stability and regulatory compliance.
WATER POLICY
Leader in Water Resource Management, Policy, and Collaboration
My experience includes water resource management, policy coordination, environmental conservation, leadership roles in organizations, strategic planning, securing funding for projects, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders. I also have experience in overseeing public safety programs and managing the State Water Project to ensure sustainable water resource management for Californians.
Executive Officer Delta Stewardship Council
Set up organization for the Delta Stewardship Council and the Delta Conservancy. Directed staff in the development of the Delta Plan, a regulatory plan that covers state and local agencies and lays out the direction for the future of the California Delta.
Director of California Bay-Delta Authority and Deputy Secretary for Water Policy, Natural Resources Agency
I helped create a reform package in 2009, coordinated water policy, led the CALFED program refocusing effort, initiated the Delta Vision and helped establish the Bay Delta Conservation Planning Process, and oversaw water resource management activities for the State.
Experienced water management professional with a proven track record in developing facilities, financial planning, and staff management. Successfully led multiple water districts and municipalities to improve operations, reduce costs, and ensure regulatory compliance. Skilled in leading large teams, optimizing processes, and driving operational excellence. Excels in developing long-term financial plans and fostering cooperation between local entities.
WATER MANAGEMENT
Water Management Professional Operational Excellence, Financial Planning, and Regulatory Compliance
General Manager at Monte Vista Water District
I have developed facilities and a financial master plan for the district, reduced costs, balanced the budget, and increased reserves from $2 million to $16 million. I have also led efforts to explore cooperation between local entities and improved staff, finance, and information systems.
Assistant Operations Branch Manager at Eastern Municipal Water District
Laboratory
I was responsible for overseeing five departments: Water Operations, Wastewater Collections and Treatment, Maintenance, and Laboratory and Technical Services Divisions. I managed a team of over 250 employees and my duties included supervising wastewater treatment plants, water distribution and sewer collection systems, and ensuring water quality and regulatory compliance. I successfully reduced operating costs, built a capable team, and emphasized high-quality customer service at an affordable price.
Chief Deputy Director at the California Department of Water Resources
As Chief Deputy, I was responsible for California's water and public safety programs, including dam safety, flood management, and activities related to the Colorado River and Salton Sea restoration. I played a key role in developing and implementing California's statewide water policy and managed the State Water Project, which served 25 million Californians and 755,000 acres of irrigated farmland.
General Manager for the Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority
My team and I successfully led a coalition of water stakeholders in the Santa Ana Watershed to secure $250 million in funding for watershed projects. I also developed a Regional Water Plan that widely supported flood, watershed, and ecosystem concerns. Additionally, I formulated a financing plan to access state and federal funds, oversaw the construction of the West Riverside Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant, and established institutions for ongoing cooperation.
Wastewater Systems Manager at City of Riverside
I oversaw the development of a $100 million, five-year Capital Improvement Plan, managed a staff of 90-100 people with an annual operating budget of $15 million, and brought the City into compliance with Regional Water Quality Control Board requirements after 10 years of non-compliance. I also revised rates and connection fees and developed a long-term financial plan.
Wastewater Plant Operations Manager – Salt Lake City
Responsible for overseeing operations and process control at the plant, including the testing and quality of drinking water, wastewater, and industrial water. Successfully brought the plant into compliance with regulatory permits, resulting in winning the State and EPA Region 8 Plant of the Year Awards.
