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Board Of Directors

Board of Directors Represent the Region’s Water Agencies

The Water Authority’s 24 member agencies are represented through a 36-member Water Authority Board of Directors. At least one director from each agency sits on the Board. The Board establishes and administers policies for the Water Authority, and generally holds its regular meetings on the fourth Thursday of every month with special workshops and other meetings as needed. The public is invited to attend monthly meetings and to comment on agenda items or other matters before the Board.

Meetings & Documents

Public Notice

BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ AND STANDING COMMITTES
REGULAR MEETING
9:00 A.M. MAY 25, 2023
BOARD ROOM
WATER AUTHORITY HEADQUARTERS BUILDING
4677 OVERLAND AVENUE, SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA

Director Gary Hurst is participating via live video conference during the May 2023 San Diego County Water Authority Meeting, pursuant to California Government Code Section 54953(b). Director Hurst is participating from 24704 Sarda Court, Ramona CA, 92065. Director Hurst has posted the agenda at his location and the location is accessible to the public.

Director Keith Lewinger is participating via live video conference during the May 2023 San Diego County Water Authority Meeting, pursuant to California Government Code Section 54953(b). Director Lewinger is participating from 9135 Keys Place, Gleneden Beach, OR 97388. Director Lewinger has posted the agenda
at his location and the location is accessible to the public.


Director Marty Miller is participating via live video conference during the May 2023 San Diego County Water Authority Meeting, pursuant to California Government Code Section 54953(b). Director Miller is participating from 13 Pumphouse Rd, Garden Valley, Idaho 83662. Director Miller has posted the agenda at his location and the location is accessible to the public.

The meeting is open to the public and accessible electronically by going to this web link: https://www.sdcwa.org/meetings-and-documents and then clicking the link listed below “LIVE STREAM” on the right hand side of the page.

  1. UNIFIED AGENDA: This unified agenda provides a brief description of each item to be considered by the Board and its Administrative and Finance, Engineering and Operations, Imported Water, Legislation and Public Outreach, and Water Planning and Environmental Committees. For convenience, the agenda for each of the Committees and for the formal Board meeting are stated separately; however, all agendas shall be considered as a single agenda and any item listed on the agenda of any Committee may be acted upon by the Board. All items on the agenda of any Committee, including information items, may be deliberated and become subject to action by the Board.
  2. DOCUMENTS: Staff reports and other public information provided to the Committee before the meeting relating to items on the agenda are available for public review on the Water Authority website at https://www.sdcwa.org/meetings-and-documents. Additional documents may be distributed at the meeting electronically, and will be made available. Copies of individual items are available through the Clerk of the Board at (858) 522-6614.
  3. MEETING TIMES: The morning session of the Standing Committees will commence at 9:00 a.m. on May 25, 2023, and any afternoon session of the Standing Committees may commence at the conclusion of the morning session and earlier than 1:00 p.m. Please see the meeting schedule. The meeting of the full Board may begin as early as 2:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the last Committee meeting is completed.
  4. ACTION AT COMMITTEE MEETINGS: Committee meetings are also noticed as meetings of the Board because a quorum of the Board may be present. Members of the Board who are not members of the Committee may participate in the meeting, but only members of the Committee may make, second or vote on any motion or other action of the Committee unless the Board determines to convene for consideration of action on an item or items on the Committee agenda. Items receiving substantive review by a standing committee are generally included on the Consent Calendar for action at the meeting of full Board. Closed Sessions also occur at Committee meetings and may not be repeated at the formal Board meeting.
  5. CONSENT CALENDAR: The agenda contains items listed on a consent calendar which is for matters considered routine or otherwise not requiring further deliberation. A Committee or the Board will take action as recommended by one motion. There will be no individual discussion on such items prior to the vote unless an item is removed for discussion.
  6. PUBLIC HEARINGS: It is not necessary to notify the Chair if a member of the public wishes to speak on items listed on the agenda as public hearings. Public hearings will begin at the time stated in the notice, or as soon thereafter as the matter can be heard. When the Chair opens the hearing, upon invitation from the Chair, step to the podium and begin by giving your name and address for the record. Each speaker has three minutes to address the Board.
  7. PUBLIC COMMENT: Public comment requests may be made before the meeting, or before public comment closes at the meeting, by submitting your written comment to: PUBLICCOMMENTS@SDCWA.ORG. Written correspondence will be read as time allows (three-minute limit). Speaker request forms will be available to the public attending in person.
    Public comments can also be made by joining via zoom at: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83535524943?pwd=ZDV6c3c1YjZMOXNkVFh1eXY1USt4Zz09
    Passcode: 476034 or join by phone only at 1 669 444 9171. Enter the meeting id 835 3552 4943# and passcode *476034# when prompted.
    Before the public comment period has begun, please use the raise hand feature in zoom so you can be recognized by the clerk to speak in the order received. If attending by phone dial *9 to raise your hand. The clerk will recognize you and unmute your microphone or phone for the comment period.  It may be necessary to rejoin the zoom meeting for public comment after a closed session has concluded. The public meeting can be monitored at all times at https://sdcwa.12milesout.com.
    After a closed session has concluded, the public can join and request to speak during the appropriate public comment period as stated above.
    Members of the public will be given an opportunity to address each Standing Committee on any item listed their respective agendas, posted below, at the time the Standing Committee is considering the item.
    to address the Board on items of interest within the subject matter of the Board, but not listed on the agenda (general public comment). Members of the public will also be given an opportunity to comment on any item on the Formal Board Agenda that was not previously addressed by a Standing Committee. No public comment will be taken on any item previously considered by Standing Committee unless the Board Chair determines that an item has changed substantially.
    Each speaker is allowed to speak up to three minutes per agenda item. The Presiding Officer shall, however, exercise discretion to determine whether such period of time should be reduced or extended based upon such factors as the length of the agenda or substance of the agenda items, the number of public comment speaker cards submitted, the need for the Board to conclude its business as expeditiously as is practicable, and whether the Board is at risk of losing a quorum, among other factors.           
  8. INFORMATION ITEMS: Items are listed on the agenda as informational based on staff’s judgement. Circumstances or the committee’s judgements may require deliberation or, if necessary, action on these items. Any member of the public with an interest in one of these items should review the background material and request information on the possible action that could be taken.
  9. ASSISTANCE FOR THE DISABLED: If you are disabled in any way and need accommodation to participate in the Board meeting, please call the Clerk of the Board at (858) 522-6614 for assistance at least three (3) working days prior to the meeting so the necessary arrangements can be made.
  10. RULES GOVERNING MEETINGS: The Water Authority’s Administrative Code Chapter 2.00 governs conduct of meetings of the Board and the Committees. The Administrative Code is available online at www.sdcwa.org.

Members

Board Officers

Mel Katz (Chair)

Del Mar, City of

Board Chair Mel Katz joined the Water Authority Board in March 2018, representing the City of Del Mar. He most recently has served on the Board’s Legislation and Public Outreach Committee, the Administrative and Finance Committee, the Project Labor Agreement Work Group, the Labor Negotiations Work Group, and the Financial Strategy Work Group. He also represents the Water Authority at the San Diego Association of Governments.

Chair Katz brings a wealth of civic and business experience to the Water Authority as an executive board member of The San Diego Foundation, a board member of the San Diego Rotary Foundation and a former chair of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, among several other posts. He also is the executive officer of Manpower San Diego, which has been in business for 45 years. The company is a leading workforce solutions provider and one of the region’s largest for-profit employers.

Nick Serrano (Vice Chair)

San Diego, City of

Nick Serrano is the Deputy Chief of Staff for San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria and represents the City of San Diego on the San Diego County Water Authority.

A native San Diegan, Nick was born at Grossmont Hospital in La Mesa and raised in the South Bay. He is the proud son of a San Diego Police Officer and County of San Diego administrator.

Nick has been dedicated to public service since he was just 17-years-old. He started his public service career with the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office in 2008 working in press and community relations. From there, he went on to serve in the San Diego County Public Defender’s Office and the San Diego County Probation Department.

Nick joined the office of then-San Diego City Councilmember Todd Gloria in 2014 – first as an intern, then a staff assistant, community representative, and finally his Communications Director. After successfully managing Councilmember Gloria’s campaign for California State Assembly, Nick served in the State Legislature as Assemblymember Todd Gloria’s Communications Director. In 2019, Assemblymember Gloria announced his campaign for Mayor of the City of San Diego and selected Nick to manage his campaign. In 2020, Gloria was elected Mayor of the City of San Diego becoming the first person-of-color and the first LGBTQ person to be elected as Mayor in city history.

As the Deputy Chief of Staff to Mayor Todd Gloria, Nick oversees the office’s appointments to City Boards and Commissions, communications efforts, community outreach, and special projects.

Nick was appointed to the Water Authority by Mayor Gloria, and confirmed unanimously by the San Diego City Council, in May 2021. As a member of the Authority, Nick is keenly focused on water affordability – particularly for low and middle-income individuals and families – and making sure all member agencies can receive safe, reliable, and affordable water today, tomorrow, and well into the future.

Nick is a graduate of San Diego State University holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science.

Frank Hilliker (Secretary)

Lakeside Water District

Board Secretary Frank Hilliker joined the Water Authority Board in 2007 representing the Lakeside Water District. He most recently has served as chair of the Water Authority’s Legislation and Public Outreach Committee and as a member of on the Administrative and Finance Committee. Secretary Hilliker also is chair of the Financial Strategy Work Group and is on the Labor Negotiations Work Group. He is the current vice chair of the Lakeside Chamber of Commerce and president of Hilliker’s Ranch Fresh Eggs, Inc.

Members By District

Keith Lewinger

Carlsbad Municipal Water District

Date Seated on Board: October 5, 2001

Term Expiration Date: June 16, 2026

Prior Representation:

2001 – 2011 (Fallbrook PUD)

Current Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Deannexation Work Group, Chair
  • Imported Water
  • Water Planning and Environmental
Past Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Administrative and Finance
  • Administrative and Legal
  • Colorado River Programs Ad Hoc
  • Colorado River Work Group
  • Committee on Committees
  • Detachment Work Group, Chair
  • Engineering and Operations
  • Imported Water, Chair and Member
  • MWD Delegate
  • MWD Litigation Task Force
  • Public Affairs
  • QSA Implementation Ad Hoc
  • Rate Study Subcommittee
  • Small Contractor Outreach and Opportunity Program (SCOOP)
  • Water Conservation Garden JPA, Representative and Alternate
  • Water Planning, Chair, Vice Chair and Member
  • Water Planning and Environmental, Vice Chair and Member
Water Industry Affiliations:
  • Association of California Water Agencies Board of Directors
  • Association of California Water Agencies Legislative and Water Resources – Committees
  • California Association of Sanitation Agencies Legislative Committee
  • WaterReuse Association California Section Board of Directors, Vice-President, and President

Teresa Acosta

Carlsbad Municipal Water District

Date Seated on Board: January 11, 2023

Term Expiration Date: January 22, 2027

Current Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Administrative and Finance
  • Water Planning and Environmental
Water Industry Affiliations:
  • Encina Wastewater Authority Board of Directors, Alternate
  • Encina Joint Powers JAC, Alternate
  • League of California Cities, San Diego County Division, Representative
  • League of California Cities Board of Directors
Professional and Community Activities:
  • Chamber of Commerce Liaison
  • Clean Energy Alliance JPA, Alternate
  • Institute for Local Government, Chair of the Board of Directors
  • Government Affairs Committee, Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, Former Chair
  • Technology and Advisory Committee, Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, Former Chair
  • MAAC Project, Former Board Member
  • National Charity League Del Sol Chapter, Former Board Member & Volunteer
  • San Diego Union Tribune, Former Community Advisory Board Member
  • MANA de San Diego, Member & Former Mentor
  • Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation Member
  • Sierra Club Member
  • Surfrider Foundation, Volunteer
  • Carlsbad Senior Center, Former Volunteer
  • City of Carlsbad Citizens Academy Graduate
  • San Diego County Water Authority Citizens Water Academy Graduate
  • Center for Creative Leadership Latina Leaders Program Graduate
  • HOPE Leadership Institute Graduate
Other:
  • Master of Business Administration, Pepperdine University
  • Bachelor of Arts, University of Southern California
  • MANA National, Ring of Honor Award (2021)
  • Committee Chair of the Year, Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee (2018)
  • Committee Member of the Year, Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce Technology Affairs Committee (2017)
  • Mother-Daughter Award, National Charity League Del Sol Chapter (multiple years)

Mel Katz

Del Mar, City of

Date Seated on Board: March 21, 2018

Term Expiration Date: March 12, 2029

Current Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Board Chair
  • Administrative and Finance
  • Colorado River Strategy Work Group
  • Deannexation Work Group
  • Imported Water
  • Labor Contract Work Group
Past Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Board Vice Chair
  • Audit Committee
  • Engineering and Operations
  • Financial Strategy Work Group
  • Imported Water
  • Labor Negotiations Work Group
  • Legislation and Public Outreach, Chair, Vice Chair & Member
  • Project Labor Agreement Work Group
  • SANDAG Board of Directors, Representative & Alternate
Professional and Community Activities:
  • Manpower San Diego, Executive Officer
  • San Diego Foundation, Executive Board
  • San Diego Regional Policy and Innovation Center, Executive Board
  • E3 Civic High, Board Member
  • San Diego Rotary Foundation, Board Member emeritus
  • San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, Former Chair
  • San Diego Convention Center Corporation, Former Chair
  • The Workforce Partnership Board, Former Chair
  • The San Diego Library Commission, Former Chair
  • The San Diego Foundation, Board Member
Other:
  • University Nevada Las Vegas, BS Marketing

Consuelo Martinez

Escondido, City of

Date Seated on Board: May 27, 2020

Term Expiration Date: October 18, 2028

Current Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Board Governance Work Group
  • Deannexation Work Group
  • Imported Water, Vice Chair
  • Legislation & Public Outreach
Past Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Colorado River Work Group
  • Imported Water
  • SANDAG Board, Alternate
Water Industry Affiliations:
  • SDCWA Citizens Water Academy Graduate (2019)
  • WELL 2019 Training Participant (Water Education for Latino Leaders)
Professional and Community Activities:
  • City of Escondido, Councilmember – District 1
  • San Diego Food System Alliance, Policy & Advocacy Director
  • San Diego County Air Pollution Control District, Board Member
Other:
  • California State University San Marcos, Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Women’s Studies.

Jack Bebee

Fallbrook Public Utility District

Date Seated on Board: January 17, 2018

Term Expiration Date: July 14, 2028

Current Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Colorado River Strategy Work Group
  • Imported Water
  • Legislation and Public Outreach
Past Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Engineering and Operations
  • Project Labor Agreement Work Group
  • Water Planning and Environmental
Water Industry Affiliations:
  • Fallbrook Public Utility District, General Manager
Professional and Community Activities:
  • AWWA Management and Leadership Division, Chair
  • San Diego LAFCO Advisory Group, Member
  • Fallbrook Village Rotary Club, Community Services Chair
Other:
  • B.S. Physics
  • M.S. Environmental Engineering, MBA, P.E.

Dan McMillan

Helix Water District

Date Seated on Board: January 25, 2021

Term Expiration Date: July 15, 2025

Prior Representation:

1997 – 2011 (Padre Dam MWD)

Current Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Audit Committee
  • Engineering and Operations
  • Water Planning and Environmental
  • Water Conservation Garden JPA, Representative
Past Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • ADHOC Committee on Storage and Treated Water
  • ADHOC Committee on Board Compensation
  • ADHOC Committee on Board Governance
  • Audit Committee
  • Audit Subcommittee, Chair and Member
  • Board Representation ADHOC
  • Energy ADHOC
  • Engineering and Operations
  • Fiscal Policy, Vice-Chair and Member
  • GC Selection Committee
  • Imported Water, Chair and Member
  • Planning and Environmental, Vice-Chair and Member
  • Project Labor Agreement Work Group
  • Rate Study Subcommittee
  • Special Budget
  • Strategic Plan AD HOC
  • Water Planning
Water Industry Affiliations:
  • Helix Water District, Board Director, Past President
  • Padre Dam Municipal Water District, Past Board Director, Past President
  • San Diego County Wastewater Management District, Past Chair
Professional and Community Activities:
  • San Miguel Consolidated Fire Protection District, Board Director
  • California Special District Association, San Diego Chapter – Past President
Other:
  • Licensed General Contractor
  • Licensed Enrolled Agent
  • Real Estate Broker
  • MCCO Construction, Accounting & Realty, President
  • United States Marines Corps Veteran
  • Master of Science in Mathematics from San Diego State University
  • Master of Business Administration Business/Finance from San Diego State University
  • National Guard’s Company C and A, Past Commander
  • Adjunct Professor of Mathematics, Business Administration and Computer Science

Joel Scalzitti

Helix Water District

Date Seated on Board: January 11, 2017

Term Expiration Date: August 18, 2025

Current Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Engineering and Operations, Chair
  • Imported Water
  • San Diego Area Wastewater Management District, Representative
Past Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Audit Committee
  • Engineering and Operations
  • Imported Water
  • Legislation and Public Outreach
  • Water Planning and Environmental
Water Industry Affiliations:
  • Helix Water District, Board President
  • Lake Jennings Committee Chair
  • San Diego Chapter of the WateReuse Association
Professional and Community Activities:
  • East County Economic Development Council – Alternate
  • La Mesa Chamber of Commerce
  • San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce
  • Water Conservation Garden Authority – Alternate Director

Frank Hilliker

Lakeside Water District

Date Seated on Board: January 8, 2007

Term Expiration Date: January 8, 2025

Current Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Board Secretary
  • Administrative and Finance
  • Board Governance Work Group
  • Colorado River Strategy Work Group
  • Finance Planning Work Group, Chair
  • Labor Contract Work Group
  • Legislation and Public Outreach
Past Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Administrative and Finance, Chair and Member
  • Engineering and Operations, Vice Chair
  • Financial Strategy Work Group, Chair
  • Fiscal Sustainability Task Force, Chair
  • Labor Negotiations Work Group
  • Legislation, Conservation and Outreach, Chair, Vice Chair, and Member
  • Legislation and Public Outreach, Vice Chair and Member
  • San Vicente Project Negotiations Work Group
  • Small Contractor Outreach and Opportunities Program (SCOOP), Chair and Member
  • Water Conservation Garden JPA, Alternate
Water Industry Affiliations:
  • Lakeside Water District Director
Professional and Community Activities:
  • Hilliker’s Ranch Fresh Eggs, Inc. – President
  • Lakeside Chamber of Commerce- Vice Chair
  • Young Republican Federation, San Diego- Former President

Ditas Yamane

National City, City of

Date Seated on Board: January 5, 2023

Term Expiration Date: March 8, 2026

Current Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Engineering and Operations
  • Water Planning and Environmental
Water Industry Affiliations:
  • Citizens Advisory Committee, Member, Sweetwater Authority
  • San Diego Community Power (SDCP), Director
  • San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG), Director, 2nd Alternate
    • Committees: Vice Chair, Policy Advisory – Regional Planning
  • Metro Wastewater Joint Powers Authority (Metro JPA). Director
    • Committees: Finance JPA
  • Sweetwater Authority (SWA), Director
    • Committees: Legislative Affairs & Communications
    • Conservation Garden Authority
Professional and Community Activities:
  • City of National City, Council Member, District 3
  • City of National City Planning Commission, Chairperson
  • City of National City Housing Advisory Commission, Chairperson
  • County of San Diego Assessment Appeals Board, Board Member
  • Pacific Southwest Association of Realtors (PSAR), 2021 President
  • PSAR, Government Affairs, Chairman
  • Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals (VAREP), Government Affairs Director
  • Mabuhay Foundation, Founding President & CEO
Other:
  • National City Chamber of Commerce, Past President
  • Real Estate Broker DRE#01304076
  • Mortgage Loan Officer NMLS # 1814338
  • Notary Public

Lindsay Leahy

Oceanside, City of

Date Seated on Board: December 14, 2022

Term Expiration Date: December 14, 2028

Current Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Legislation and Public Outreach
  • Water Planning and Environmental
Water Industry Affiliations:
  • North San Diego Water Reuse Coalition
  • AWWA
  • CalDesal
  • City of Oceanside, Water Utilities Director
Professional and Community Activities:
  • Registered California Professional Engineer
  • Real Hearts Give, Board Member
Other:
  • Master of Public Administration, SDSU
  • Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, CSU Chico
  • Certificate in Water Leadership and Management, CSU San Marcos

Neal Meyers

Olivenhain Municipal Water District

Date Seated on Board: March 20, 2023

Term Expiration Date: August 1, 2026

Current Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Administrative and Finance
  • Imported Water
Water Industry Affiliations:
  • Olivenhain Municipal Water District, Director
  • CalDesal Association, Associate Member
  • Olivenhain Municipal Water District, Treasurer
  • Olivenhain Municipal Water District, Standing Finance Committee
  • Olivenhain Municipal Water District, Standing Safety Committee
  • Olivenhain Municipal Water District, AdHoc Insurance Committee
  • Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA)
Professional and Community Activities:
  • Member: The State Bar of California
  • Martindale-Hubbell Highest Possible Rating in Both Legal Ability and Ethical Standards/Top Lawyer, San Diego Magazine
  • Special Districts Leadership Academy Graduate and Certificate of Completion
  • Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, Member
  • Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation, Member
  • New Village Arts Carlsbad, Contributor
  • House of USA, Balboa Park, Member
Other:
  • Skyline High School, Oakland, California
  • California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, Highest Honors
  • University of San Diego School of Law, JD
  • Recently hiked the Via Ferrate in Telluride Colorado, Angel’s Landing, Utah, and several years ago, Half-Dome in Yosemite, the “Way Up” and Equine Trails at the Olivenhain MWD’s Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve
  • South Carlsbad Resident

Gary Croucher

Otay Water District

Date Seated on Board: July 26, 2001

Term Expiration Date: March 3, 2026

Current Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Administrative and Finance
  • Colorado River Strategy Work Group
  • Legislation and Public Outreach
Past Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Board Chair
  • Board Vice Chair
  • Board Secretary
  • Administrative and Finance, Vice Chair
  • Administrative and Legal
  • Audit Committee, Vice Chair and Member
  • Bay Delta Solutions Ad Hoc, Vice Chair
  • Colorado River Board, Alternate
  • Colorado River Programs Ad Hoc
  • Colorado River Work Group, Chair
  • Conservation Ad Hoc
  • Detachment Work Group
  • Engineering and Operations
  • Imported Water
  • Legislation, Conservation and Outreach, Vice Chair, Chair and Member
  • MWD Litigation Task Force
  • MWD Settlement Negotiations Team
  • Planning and Environmental
  • Public Affairs
  • SANDAG Board, Alternate
  • SANDAG Borders, Alternate
  • SANDAG Regional Planning
  • Small Contractor Outreach and Opportunities Program (SCOOP)
  • Water Policy
Water Industry Affiliations:
  • ACWA
  • WateReuse
  • AWWA
  • San Diego County Water Utilities Association
  • LSDA – past Director Region 6
Professional and Community Activities:
  • California Professional Firefighters
  • International Association of Firefighters
  • Past President, Southern Area Fire Equipment Research
  • Past President, San Miguel Firefighters
Other:
  • Firefighter (20 years)
  • Education – Associates Degree in Fire Science

Tim Smith

Otay Water District

Date Seated on Board: January 10, 2017

Term Expiration Date: January 23, 2026

Current Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Audit Committee
  • Board Governance Work Group
  • Engineering and Operations
  • MWD Delegate
  • Water Planning and Environmental
Past Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Administrative and Finance
  • Audit Committee
  • Engineering and Operations, Vice Chair and Member
  • Imported Water
  • Water Planning & Environmental
  • MWD Litigation Task Force
Water Industry Affiliations:
  • American Water Works Association
  • American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
  • WateReuse
Professional and Community Activities:
  • Otay Water District, Board Director
  • San Diego State University, College of Engineering Advisory Board Member
Other:
  • Civil Engineer (30 years)
  • Education: B.S. Civil Engineering and M.S. Civil Engineering, San Diego State University

Kyle Swanson

Padre Dam Municipal Water District

Date Seated on Board: January 11, 2023

Term Expiration Date: January 11, 2029

Current Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Administrative and Finance
  • Legislation and Public Outreach
  • Water Conservation Garden JPA, Alternate
Water Industry Affiliations:
  • WateReuse California, Member Board of Trustees
  • American Water Works Association (AWWA)
  • California Water Environment Association (CWEA)
  • Association California Water Agencies (ACWA)
  • California Special Districts Association (CSDA)
Professional and Community Activities:
  • Padre Dam Municipal Water District, CEO/General Manager
  • East County Advanced Water Purification Project, Prior Executive Director
  • Grade 5 Water Distribution Operator Certification, State Water Resources Control Board
  • Grade 2 Water Treatment Operator Certification, State Water Resources Control Board
  • Certified Public Manager
  • Certified Special District Manager, SDLF
Other:
  • Water Education Foundation, Water Leader Graduate
  • San Diego State University, Bachelor’s Degree in Geography
  • San Diego Native

John Simpson

Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base

Date Seated on Board: October 25, 2012

Term Expiration Date: January 12, 2026

Current Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Administrative and Finance
  • Legislation and Public Outreach
Past Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Administrative and Finance
  • Engineering and Operations
  • Legislation, Conservation and Outreach
  • Water Planning
Water Industry Affiliations:
  • Director, Office of Water Security at MCIWest/MCB Camp Pendleton
  • Santa Margarita River Watermaster Executive Steering Committee, Member
  • Department of the Navy Water Resilience Working Group
Professional and Community Activities:
  • American Society of Civil Engineers
  • AARP
Other:
  • Professional Engineer (Civil – Water Resources)
  • Doctorate – Policy, Planning and Development, University of Southern California
  • MS – Civil & Environmental Engineering, Stanford University
  • BS – Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of South Carolina

Eric Heidemann

Poway, City of

Date Seated on Board: May 8, 2020

Term Expiration Date: April 22, 2026

Current Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Colorado River Board, Alternate
  • Deannexation Work Group
  • Imported Water
  • Water Planning and Environmental, Chair
Past Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Administrative and Finance, Vice Chair
  • Detachment Work Group
  • Engineering and Operations
  • Imported Water, Chair & Vice Chair
  • Legislation and Public Outreach
  • SANDAG Regional Planning, Representative
Water Industry Affiliations:
  • City of Poway, Public Works Director
  • Metro Wastewater Commission JPA
Professional and Community Activities:
  • American Water Works Association (AWWA)
  • American Public Works Association (APWA)
  • League of Californian Cities
Other:
  • University of Arizona, B.S. Business
  • University of Arizona, M.S. Urban Planning

Tom Kennedy

Rainbow Municipal Water District

Date Seated on Board: February 2, 2015

Term Expiration Date: February 2, 2027

Current Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Administrative and Finance
  • Engineering and Operations
Past Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Administrative and Finance
  • Imported Water, Vice Chair
  • Legislation and Public Outreach
  • Water Planning and Environmental
Water Industry Affiliations:
  • American Water Works Association
  • AWWA Water Loss Control Committee
  • CSDA San Diego Chapter, Past President
Professional and Community Activities:
  • San Diego Local Agency Formation, Special District Advisory Committee
  • Rotary Club of Bonsall, President
  • 2013 Top Tech Exec for Government (San Diego Magazine)
Other:
  • Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering, SDSU
  • Master in Public Administration, Cal State Fullerton

Gary Hurst

Ramona Municipal Water District

Date Seated on Board: May 25, 2021

Term Expiration Date: August 9, 2028

Current Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Administrative and Finance
  • Audit Committee
  • Water Planning and Environmental
Past Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Administrative and Finance, Vice Chair & Member
  • GC Selection Committee
  • Imported Water
Water Industry Affiliations:
  • Ramona Municipal Water District, Director
Professional and Community Activities:

American Production and Inventory Control Society, member

Other:

B.S., Cornell University
MBA, Harvard University

Clint Baze

Rincon del Diablo Municipal Water District

Date Seated on Board: January 25, 2023

Term Expiration Date: June 20, 2026

Current Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Administrative and Finance
  • Water Planning and Environmental
Water Industry Affiliations:
  • American Water Works Association
  • California Water Environment Association
  • American Public Works Association
  • North San Diego Water Reuse Coalition
  • Water Education Foundation
  • International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials
  • California Association of Sanitation Districts
  • Association of California Water Agencies/Joint Powers Insurance Authority
  • California Special Districts Association
Professional and Community Activities:
  • Rincon del Diablo Municipal Water District, General Manager
Other:
  • Bachelor of Science, Organization Leadership, APU
  • Associate in Arts, Water Technology, Palomar College
  • Grade 5 Water Distribution Operator Certification, State Water Resources Control Board
  • Grade 2 Water Treatment Operator Certification, State Water Resources Control Board
  • American Welding Society, Certified Pipeline Welder

Stephen Whitburn

San Diego, City of

Date Seated on Board: April 25, 2023

Term Expiration Date: April 25, 2029

Current Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Legislation and Public Outreach
  • Water Planning and Environmental
Professional and Community Activities:
  • San Diego City Council, Division 3
  • City of San Diego Audit Committee Chair
  • City of San Diego Land Use and Housing Committee Member
  • City of San Diego Community and Neighborhood Services Committee Member
  • MTS Board of Directors, Vice Chair
  • San Diego County Local Agency Formation Commission, Vice Chair
  • SANDAG Regional Planning Committee Member
  • League of Cities Executive Committee Member
  • Regional Task Force on the Homeless Continuum of Care Advisory Board Member
Other:
  • University of Wisconsin Graduate
  • UC San Diego’s Rady School of Management, Center for Executive Development – Leadership Certificate

Jim Madaffer

San Diego, City of

Date Seated on Board: November 8, 2012

Term Expiration Date: March 7, 2028

Current Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Administrative and Finance
  • Board Governance Work Group
  • Colorado River Board, Representative
  • Colorado River Strategy Work Group, Chair
  • Finance Planning Work Group
  • Imported Water, Vice Chair
Past Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Board Chair
  • Board Vice Chair
  • Board Secretary (2015-2016)
  • Audit Committee
  • Colorado River Work Group
  • Financial Strategy Work Group
  • Imported Water
  • Legislation, Conservation and Outreach, Vice Chair and Member
  • Legislation and Public Outreach
  • MWD Litigation Task Force
  • MWD Settlement Negotiations Team
  • SANDAG Board of Directors, Alternate
  • Water Planning
Water Industry Affiliations:
  • Vice Chair, Colorado River Board of California
Professional and Community Activities:
  • CEO of Madaffer Enterprises, Inc., a public policy firm specializing in government relations
  • Owner, Julian Farm and Orchard – agritourism farm located in Julian, CA
  • Owner, Julian Distilling Company
  • Member, Rotary Club 33
Other:
  • California Transportation Commission, Former Commissioner
  • League of California Cities, Former President
  • SANDAG Transportation Committee, Former Chair
  • City of San Diego, Former City Councilmember (2000-2008)
  • Selected as “Father of the Year” in 2007 by the Father’s Day Council
  • San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce “Legislator of the Year” award recipient
  • Selected two times as one of San Diego Magazine’s “Fifty People to Watch”
  • San Diego State University “Ambassador for Higher Education Achievement” award recipient
  • Private Pilot since 1977
  • Certified SCUBA diver since 1974
    LEAD San Diego, Graduate, Class of 1989
  • Selected as one of the Junior Chamber of Commerce’s “10 Outstanding Young Citizens”
  • Boy Scouts of America, Past Board Member
  • Boy Scouts of America, “silver Beaver” & “Wood Badge” award recipient
  • Urban Corps “FDR Legislator” award recipient
  • Building Owners & Managers Association’s “Legislator of the Year” award recipient
  • American Heart Association’s “Legislative Heart Partner” award recipient
  • Named “Technology Hero” by Technology Training Foundation

Jimmy Ayala

San Diego, City of

Date Seated on Board: January 13, 2015

Term Expiration Date: January 2, 2028

Current Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Administrative and Finance
  • Engineering and Operations, Vice Chair
Past Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Administrative and Finance, Vice Chair
  • Audit Committee
  • Engineering and Operations
  • Water Planning and Environmental
Professional and Community Activities:
  • Board of Directors, Los Angeles Branch Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco
  • San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors
  • Otay Mesa Planning Group
Other:
  • Masters in Business Administration (MBA)

Valentine Macedo Jr.

San Diego, City of

Date Seated on Board: May 22, 2021

Term Expiration Date: May 22, 2027

Current Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Engineering and Operations
  • SANDAG Borders Committee, Representative
  • Water Planning and Environmental, Vice Chair
Past Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Imported Water
  • Water Planning and Environmental
Professional and Community Activities:

LIUNA, Local 89 – Executive Board Member
San Diego & Imperial Counties Labor Council – Delegate
San Diego Building & Construction Trades Council

Other:

UC San Diego, Master’s Degree Public Policy
UC Riverside, Bachelor of Science Mechanical Engineering

Matthew Vespi

San Diego, City of

Date Seated on Board: May 3, 2023

Term Expiration Date: May 3, 2029

Current Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Legislation & Public Outreach
  • Water Planning & Environmental
Professional and Community Activities:
  • City of San Diego, Chief Financial Officer
  • City of San Diego, Prior Roles: Interim Director of Risk Management, Executive Assistant Director of Public Utilities, Director of Finance, City Controller
Other:
  • University of Central Florida, Bachelor of Science Finance
  • University of Central Florida, Master of Business Administration

Fern Steiner

San Diego, City of

Date Seated on Board: May 19, 2003

Term Expiration Date: March 05, 2027

Current Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Colorado River Strategy Work Group
  • Deannexation Work Group
  • Imported Water
  • Legislation and Public Outreach, Vice Chair
Past Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • MWD Delegate
  • Board Chair
  • Administrative and Finance
  • Administrative and Legal
  • Bay Delta Solutions Ad Hoc, Chair
  • Colorado River Programs Ad Hoc
  • Colorado River Work Group
  • Committee on Committees, Chair
  • Conservation Ad Hoc, Chair and Member
  • Engineering and Operations
  • GC Selection Committee
  • Imported Water
  • Legislation, Conservation and Outreach, Chair, Vice Chair and Member
  • MWD Litigation Task Force
  • Planning and Environmental
  • Water Planning
Professional and Community Activities:
  • San Diego Youth and Community Services Board of Directors, Trustee
Other:
  • Elected to College of Labor and Employment Lawyers in 2011
  • John Marshall Law School – Chicago, Illinois graduate
  • Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois
  • Partner of Smith, Steiner, Vanderpool, APC
  • Arbitrator on the AAA employment arbitration panel
  • Publications: Labor Law for the General Practitioner, Chapter 4, Interference with Rights of Employees, Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education, 1984
  • Named: The Best Lawyers in America, in labor law, since 1986
  • Southern California Super Lawyer since 2007
  • Martindale-Hubbell Bar Register of Preeminent Women Lawyers since 2013

Ismahan Abdullahi

San Diego, City of

Date Seated on Board: January 25, 2021

Term Expiration Date: January 25, 2027

Current Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Administrative and Finance, Vice Chair
  • Board Governance Work Group
  • Engineering and Operations
  • Finance Planning Work Group
Past Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Administrative and Finance
  • GC Selection Committee
Professional and Community Activities:
  • Muslim American Society – Public Affairs and Civic
  • Engagement, Executive Director
  • ENGAGE San Diego
  • Power California
  • California Calls
Other:
  • Human Biology, UCSD
  • Masters in Education, Counseling/Community Advocate

Lois Fong-Sakai

San Diego, City of

Date Seated on Board: April 23, 2015

Term Expiration Date: October 27, 2024

Current Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Engineering and Operations
  • Imported Water
  • MWD Delegate
Past Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Administrative and Finance
  • Engineering and Operations, Chair & Vice Chair
  • Imported Water, Interim Chair, Vice Chair, and Member
  • Labor Negotiations Work Group
  • Water Planning
  • Water Planning and Environmental
Water Industry Affiliations:
  • Water for People
  • American Water Works Association
  • Society of Women Engineers
  • California Water Environment Association
  • Water Environment Association
Professional and Community Activities:
  • Asian Business Association
  • National Charity League
  • Promises 2 Kids Foundation
  • LEAD San Diego
  • National Association of Parliamentarians
  • California State Association of Parliamentarians
  • City of Poway Oversight Board to the Successor Agency of the Poway – Redevelopment Agency
  • Polinsky Childrens’ Center Advisory Board
Other:
  • M.S. Civil & Environmental Engineering, UC Berkeley
  • B.S. Chemistry, UC Berkeley
  • Licensed Civil Engineer – California & Nevada

Jerry Butkiewicz

San Diego, City of

Date Seated on Board: December 5, 2016

Term Expiration Date: December 5, 2022

Current Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Engineering and Operations
  • Labor Contract Work Group
  • Legislation and Public Outreach, Chair
Past Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Board Secretary
  • Administrative and Finance
  • Colorado River Work Group
  • Engineering and Operations
  • Imported Water
  • Labor Negotiations Work Group
  • Legislation and Public Outreach, Chair and Member
  • MWD Litigation Task Force
  • MWD Settlement Negotiations Team
  • San Vicente Energy Task Force
  • San Vicente Project Negotiations Work Group
  • Water Planning and Environmental
  • MWD Delegate
Water Industry Affiliations:
  • Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD), Prior Board Member
Professional and Community Activities:
  • Sempra Energy Utilities, External Affairs
  • Labor Council, Secretary/Treasurer
  • San Diego Greater Chamber of Commerce, Board Member
  • United Way of San Diego, Labor Laision
  • San Diego Workforce Partnership
  • Environmental Health Coalition, Board Member
  • State Workforce Investment, Board Member

Nick Serrano

San Diego, City of

Date Seated on Board: May 21, 2021

Term Expiration Date: May 27, 2027

Current Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Board Vice Chair
  • Colorado River Strategy Work Group
  • Deannexation Work Group
  • Imported Water
  • Legislation and Public Outreach
  • SANDAG Board of Directors, Alternate
Past Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Detachment Work Group
  • Project Labor Agreement Work Group, Chair
  • Water Planning and Environmental
Professional and Community Activities:
  • Deputy Chief of Staff to San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria
  • Former Communications Director in the California State Assembly
  • Former Communications Director at the City of San Diego
Other:
  • Native San Diegan
  • Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from San Diego State University

Joy Lyndes

San Dieguito Water District

Date Seated on Board: January 15, 2022

Term Expiration Date: December 21, 2026

Current Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Legislation and Public Outreach
  • Water Planning and Environmental
Water Industry Affiliations:
  • San Dieguito Water District, President
  • Encina Wastewater Authority, Board Chair
  • San Dieguito WD Water Conservation Subcommittee
Professional and Community Activities:
  • City of Encinitas, District 3
  • Licensed Landscape Architect
  • Fellow of the American Society of Landscape Architects (FASLA)
  • Eco-district Accredited Professional
  • San Diego County Regional Native Plant Working Group
  • SANDAG Regional Habitat Conservation Task Force
Other:
  • Master of Landscape Architecture, University of Arizona

Michael T. Hogan

Santa Fe Irrigation District

Date Seated on Board: September 18, 2006

Term Expiration Date: December 13, 2026

Current Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Administrative and Finance, Vice Chair
  • Board Governance Work Group, Chair
  • Colorado River Strategy Work Group
  • Finance Planning Work Group
  • Imported Water
Past Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Board Chair
  • Board Secretary
  • Administrative and Finance, Vice Chair and Member
  • Audit Committee
  • Colorado River Board, Representative and Alternate
  • Colorado River Work Group
  • Comprehensive Reliability and Cost Assessment Ad Hoc
  • Engineering and Operations
  • Financial Strategy Work Group
  • Fiscal Sustainability Task Force
  • Imported Water
  • Legislation, Conservation, and Outreach
  • MWD Delegate
  • MWD Litigation Task Force
  • San Diego Area Wastewater Management District
  • San Vicente Energy Task Force, Chair
  • San Vicente Project Negotiations Work Group
  • Water Planning
  • Water Planning and Environmental
Water Industry Affiliations:
  • Encina Wastewater Authority, Retired General Manager (1998-2009)
  • Southern California Alliance of Public Owned Treatment Works – Director/Treasurer (2001-2009)
  • Santa Fe Irrigation District – Board Member (2003-present)
  • Past involvement in Wastewater Operation Certification and Training Advisory Committee, State of California’s Water Quality Control Institute, San Elijo Joint Powers Authority Citizen Advisory Committee on Water Reclamation, and San Diego Clean Water Program
Professional and Community Activities:
  • Elected and appointed to numerous positions California Water Environment Association and Water Environment Federation over a 30-year period
Other:
  • Bachelor of Science in Business Management
  • Associate of Arts in Wastewater Technology
  • Certification: State Water Resources Control Board, Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade V – 709 California

Steve Castaneda

South Bay Irrigation District

Date Seated on Board: January 24, 2023

Term Expiration Date: September 8, 2024

Current Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Engineering and Operations
  • Imported Water

Craig Elitharp

Vallecitos Water District

Date Seated on Board: December 1, 2020

Term Expiration Date: March 13, 2028

Current Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Engineering and Operations
  • SANDAG Regional Planning Committee, Alternate
  • Water Planning and Environmental
Past Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Colorado River Work Group
  • Legislation and Public Outreach
Water Industry Affiliations:
  • Vallecitos Water District Board Director, Division 3
  • California Association of Sanitation Agencies (CASA) Board Director
  • Encina Wastewater Authority Board Director(2015-2018)
  • US Navy Public Works Center Utilities Department, San Diego (1986-1990), Civil Engineer
  • Rancho California Water District (1990-2014), Civil Engineer, Operations Manager, and
  • Director of Operations & Maintenance (Retired 2014)
  • Kennedy/Jenks Consultants (2014-2018), Senior Civil Engineer
Professional and Community Activities:
  • American Society of Civil Engineers
  • North San Diego County Meals on Wheels
Other:
  • Bachelor of Science, Forest Engineering, SUNY College of Environmental Science & Forestry – at Syracuse University (1979)
  • US Forest Service (1979-1986), Civil Engineer
  • California Registered Civil Engineer
  • California SWRCB Grade 5 Water Distribution Operator
  • California SWRCB Grade 3 Water Treatment Operator

Gary Arant

Valley Center Municipal Water District

Date Seated on Board: April 18, 2006

Term Expiration Date: January 13, 2026

Current Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Administrative and Finance, Chair
  • Engineering and Operations
  • Finance Planning Work Group
Past Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Administrative and Finance, Chair, Vice Chair, and Member
  • Engineering and Operations, Chair and Member
  • Financial Strategy Work Group
  • Fiscal Sustainability Task Force
  • Imported Water, Vice Chair and Member
  • Legislation, Conservation and Outreach
  • Legislation and Public Outreach
  • San Vicente Energy Task Force
  • San Vicente Project Negotiations Work Group
  • Water Conservation Garden JPA, Representative
  • Water Planning
  • Water Planning and Environmental
Water Industry Affiliations:
  • Valley Center Municipal Water District, General Manager
  • American Water Works Association, California Section Member
  • Association of California Water Agencies, Board Member, Energy Committee Member and Past Chair and Member of Agricultural Committee, Communications Committee and Local Government Committee
  • San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board, Past Chairperson, Past Vice Chairperson, and Past Member
Professional and Community Activities:
  • Past Vice Chair – Local Agency Formation Commission Special Districts Advisory Committee
  • Community Lutheran Church, Escondido Member, Praise Leader
Other:
  • Assistant to General Manager, Walnut Valley Water District (1973-1980)
  • General Manager/Secretary to the Board, Rincon del Diablo Municipal Water District, Escondido, California (1980-1989)
  • Bachelor of Arts, Political Science – California State University, Fullerton
  • Master of Public Administration – California State University, Fullerton
  • Institute for Water And Wastewater Management, University of Southern California

Marty Miller

Vista Irrigation District

Date Seated on Board: November 28, 2011

Term Expiration Date: November 22, 2023

Current Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Engineering and Operations
  • Finance Planning Work Group
  • Imported Water
  • Labor Contract Work Group, Chair
  • MWD Delegate
Past Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Administrative and Finance, Chair
  • Engineering and Operations, Chair, Vice Chair and Member
  • Financial Strategy Work Group
  • Imported Water
  • Labor Negotiation Work Group, Chair
  • Legislation, Conservation and Outreach
  • Legislation and Public Outreach
  • San Vicente Energy Task Force
  • San Vicente Project Negotiations Work Group
  • Small Contractor Outreach and Opportunities Program (SCOOP)
  • Water Planning
Professional and Community Activities:
  • Member and Former President of Vista Optimist Club
  • Rancho Buena Vista Little League Board Member
Other:
  • Graduated from College of Southern Idaho

Amy Reeh

Yuima Municipal Water District

Date Seated on Board: April 15, 2020

Term Expiration Date: January 13, 2028

Current Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Administrative and Finance
  • Audit Committee, Chair
  • Legislation and Public Outreach, Vice Chair
Past Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Administrative and Finance
  • Engineering and Operations
  • Legislation and Public Outreach
  • Water Planning and Environmental
Water Industry Affiliations:
  • Yuima Municipal Water District, General Manager
  • Upper San Luis Rey Groundwater Management Authority, Administrator
  • Upper San Luis Rey Resource Conservation District, General Manager
  • San Diego LAFCO Special District, Resource Conservation District Ad-Hoc Committee Member
  • ACWA Nominating Committee
  • American Water Works Association
  • Californian Rural Water Association
Professional and Community Activities:
  • Yuima Municipal Water District, Assistant GM/Finance Manager
  • Valley Center-Pauma Unified School District Financial Analyst
  • Government Finance Officers Association
  • California Society of Municipal Finance Officers

Jim Desmond

County of San Diego – County Representative (non-voting member)

Committees

Roster of Committees, Task Forces, and Other Appointments

Committees

Administrative & Finance Committee

Gary Arant – Chair
Ismahan Abdullahi – Vice Chair
Michael Hogan – Vice Chair
Teresa Acosta
Jimmy Ayala
Clint Baze
Frank Hilliker
Gary Hurst
Mel Katz
Tom Kennedy
Jim Madaffer
Neal Meyers
Amy Reeh
John Simpson
Kyle Swanson

Engineering & Operations Committee

Joel Scalzitti – Chair
Jimmy Ayala – Vice Chair
Craig Elitharp – Vice Chair
Ismahan Abdullahi
Gary Arant
Jerry Butkiewicz
Steve Castaneda
Jim Desmond
Lois Fong-Sakai
Tom Kennedy
Valentine Macedo, Jr.
Dan McMillan
Marty Miller
Tim Smith
Ditas Yamane

Imported Water Committee

Consuelo Martinez – Chair
Jim Madaffer – Vice Chair
Marty Miller – Vice Chair
Jack Bebee
Steve Castaneda
Gary Croucher
Lois Fong-Sakai
Eric Heidemann
Michael Hogan
Mel Katz
Keith Lewinger
Neal Meyers
Joel Scalzitti
Nick Serrano
Fern Steiner

Legislation & Public Outreach Committee

Jerry Butkiewicz – Chair
Amy Reeh – Vice Chair
Fern Steiner – Vice Chair
Jack Bebee
Gary Croucher
Frank Hilliker
Lindsay Leahy
Joy Lyndes
Consuelo Martinez
Nick Serrano
John Simpson
Kyle Swanson
Matthew Vespi
Stephen Whitburn

Water Planning & Environmental Committee

Eric Heidemann – Chair
Valentine Macedo, Jr. – Vice Chair
Tim Smith – Vice Chair
Teresa Acosta
Clint Baze
Jim Desmond
Craig Elitharp
Gary Hurst
Lindsay Leahy
Keith Lewinger
Joy Lyndes
Dan McMillan
Matthew Vespi
Stephen Whitburn
Ditas Yamane

Audit Committee

Amy Reeh – Chair
Gary Hurst
Dan McMillan
Tim Smith

Work Groups

Colorado River Work Group

Jim Madaffer – Chair
Jack Bebee
Gary Croucher
Frank Hilliker
Michael Hogan
Mel Katz
Nick Serrano
Fern Steiner

Finance Planning Work Group

Frank Hilliker – Chair
Ismahan Abdullahi
Gary Arant
Michael Hogan
Jim Madaffer
Marty Miller
Brian Olney
Kim Thorner
Matthew Vespi

Labor Contract Work Group

Marty Miller – Chair
Gary Arant
Jerry Butkiewicz
Frank Hilliker
Mel Katz

Deannexation Work Group

Keith Lewinger – Chair
Gary Croucher
Eric Heidemann
Mel Katz
Consuelo Martinez
Nick Serrano
Fern Steiner

Board Governance Work Group

Michael Hogan – Chair
Ismahan Abdullahi
Frank Hilliker
Consuelo Martinez
Jim Madaffer
Tim Smith

Other Appointments

SANDAG Board

Mel Katz, Representative
Nick Serrano, Alternate
Consuelo Martinez, Alternate

SANDAG Borders Committee

Valentine Macedo, Jr., Representative
Steve Castaneda, Alternate

SANDAG Regional Planning Committee

Elsa Saxod, Representative
Craig Elitharp, Alternate

San Diego Area Wastewater Management District

Joel Scalzitti, Representative

Water Conservation Garden JPA

Dan McMillan, Representative
Kyle Swanson, Alternate

MWD Delegates

Lois Fong-Sakai
Gail Goldberg
Marty Miller
Tim Smith

Colorado River Board

Jim Madaffer, Representative
Eric Heidemann, Alternate

Committees as of March 20, 2023
*Interim assignment

More Committee Information
Clerk of The Board

TEL: (858) 522-6614