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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

This notice provides the public with information related to board meetings, agendas, public hearings, public comment, and participation in Board meetings for disabled persons.

[NOTICE:  PER GOVERNOR NEWSOM’S EXECUTIVE ORDER N-29-20, THE BELOW MEETING WILL NOT BE HELD IN PERSON BUT ELECTRONICALLY.  DIRECTORS WILL BE PROVIDED ELECTRONIC ACCESS INFORMATION SEPARATELY.  THE PUBLIC MAY ACCESS THE MEETING ELECTRONICALLY BY GOING TO THIS WEB LINK:
https://sdcwa.org/about-us/board-of-directors/meetings/ AND THEN CLICKING THE LINK LISTED BELOW “LIVE STREAM” ON THE RIGHT HAND SIDE OF THE PAGE. 

PUBLIC COMMENT MAY BE SUBMITTED BY EITHER OF THESE TWO METHODS: 

  1. BEFORE THE MEETING SUBMIT YOUR TELEPHONE NUMBER BY E-MAIL TO THE CLERK AT MNELSON@SDCWA.ORG AND THE CLERK WILL CALL YOU WHEN THE BOARD IS READY TO HEAR YOUR PUBLIC COMMENT (THREE MINUTES OR LESS);  OR
  2. BEFORE THE MEETING E-MAIL YOUR COMMENT TO THE WATER AUTHORITY GENERAL COUNSEL AT MHATTAM@SDCWA.ORG AND TIME ALLOWING IT MAY BE READ ALOUD AT THE PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD (THREE-MINUTE LIMIT).

IF MODIFICATIONS OR ACCOMMODATIONS FROM INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES ARE REQUIRED, SUCH PERSONS SHOULD PROVIDE A REQUEST AT LEAST 24 HOURS IN ADVANCE OF THE MEETING BY E-MAIL TO THE WATER AUTHORITY GENERAL COUNSEL AT MHATTAM@SDCWA.ORG

1.         UNIFIED AGENDA:  This unified agenda provides a brief description of each item to be considered by the Board.  As allowed by the Water Authority Administrative Code, there will be no committee meetings and all business will be conducted at the regular Board meeting.

2.         DOCUMENTS:  Staff reports and any other public information provided to the Board before the meeting relating to items on the agenda are available for public review on the Water Authority website at https://sdcwa.org/about-us/board-of-directors/meetings/.  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 Board meeting will commence at 9:00 a.m. and will continue until complete. 

4.         CONSENT CALENDAR:  The agenda contains items listed on a consent calendar which is for matters considered routine or otherwise not requiring further deliberation.  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. 

5.         PUBLIC HEARINGS OR COMMENT:  Any comments related to a public hearing should be made as stated in the special notice section above. 

6.         ACCESS FOR THE DISABLED:  See above notice. 

7.         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

Gary Croucher (Chair)

Otay Water District

Water Authority Board Chair Gary Croucher joined the Water Authority Board in July 2001, representing Otay Water District. He previously served as Vice Chair and Secretary.

He currently sits on the Administrative and Finance Committee and the Legislation and Public Outreach Committee. He also is a member of the MWD Settlement Negotiations Team and the chair of the Colorado River Work Group. In addition, Croucher is the Water Authority’s alternate to the San Diego Association of Governments Board of Directors and to SANDAG’s Borders Committee.

Croucher is a long-time firefighter in San Diego. He retired on December 31, 2019, as Assistant Chief for CAL Fire/San Diego County fire. During his 30-year career as a firefighter he moved up the ranks from Firefighter, Engineer, Captain and Battalion Chief to the position of Assistant Chief. Prior to retirement he was the San Diego County Fire Districts representative to Homeland Security and terrorism liaison officer for the region. He was appointed to the Otay Water District’s Board in 2001 by the County Board of Supervisors and following his appointment was elected four times to the Division 3 seat. He has served as President of the Otay Water District Board three times, and as Chair of its various committees. He has also served as the Water Authority al-ternate to the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG), and serves on the Local Agency Formation Commission’s (LAFCO) Special District Advisory Committee.

His career is highlighted with many accomplishments, including being named Employee of the Year, serving as Chair of the Border Agency Fire Council, and as the President of the Executive Board of Directors for Southern Area Fire Equipment Research (SAFER) in 2004.Croucher resides in Spring Valley with his wife Cynthia.

Mona Rios (Vice Chair)

National City, City of

Mona Rios joined the San Diego County Water Authority Board of Directors in January 2020 representing the City of National City, where she serves as a councilmember. Rios was elected as Board Vice Chair in December 2020, the first Latina to serve as a Board officer in the Water Authority’s 76-year history.

Rios is a fourth-generation National City resident, serving on the National City Council since 2010. She is a member of the water Authority Board’s Legislation and Public Outreach Committee and the Water Planning and Environmental Committee.

Rios served on the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) Board of Directors, was Vice Chair of the San Diego MTS Board of Trustees 2017-2019, and is an alternate member of the San Diego Association of Governments board. Rios has served as the representative for National City on numerous regional and statewide governmental agencies.

Jerry Butkiewicz (Secretary)

City of San Diego

Jerry Butkiewicz joined the San Diego County Water Authority Board in December 2016 representing the City of San Diego. Butkiewicz is the Board Secretary.

He currently sits on the Legislation and Public Outreach Committee,Water Planning and Environmental Committee, Colorado River Work Group, MWD Settlement Negotiations Team, and San Vicente Project Negotiations Work Group. He also serves as a MWD Board Delegate.

Butkiewicz served on the San Diego Greater Chamber of Commerce Board, Environmental Health Coalition Board, State Workforce Investment Board, and San Diego Workforce Partnership. His career highlights include a background of Labor Council; Secretary/Treasurer, and Sempra Energy Utilities; External Affairs.

Butkiewicz is a long time San Diego resident.

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:
  • Water Planning and Environmental, Vice Chair
  • Engineering and Operations
Past Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Administrative and Finance
  • Administrative and Legal
  • Colorado River Programs Ad Hoc
  • Colorado River Work Group
  • Committee on Committees
  • 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
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

Matt Hall

Carlsbad Municipal Water District

Date Seated on Board: January 22, 2015

Term Expiration Date: January 22, 2021

Current Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Administrative and Finance
  • Colorado River Work Group, Chair
  • Imported Water
Past Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Administrative and Finance
  • Legislation, Conservation and Outreach
  • Legislation and Public Outreach, Vice Chair
  • MWD Litigation Task Force
  • Water Planning
Water Industry Affiliations:
  • Encina Wastewater Authority, Former Board Member
Professional and Community Activities:
  • Mayor, City of Carlsbad (2010/ 2014 – Present)
  • Mayor Pro Tem, City of Carlsbad (1998-2000/2004-2006)
  • City Council Member, City of Carlsbad (1994/1998/2002/2006)
  • SANDAG Board of Directors
  • SANDAG Executive Committee, Past Member
  • San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation Board Member
  • League of California Cities Revenue and Taxation Committee, Former Member
  • Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Task Force, Former Committee Member
  • Buena Vista LAgoon Joint Powers Committee, Former Member
  • Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce Liaison
  • Carlsbad Rotary Member
  • North County Mayors and Managers
  • North County Solutions for Change Community Leadership Team member
  • Carlsbad Housing and Redevelopment Advisory Committee, Former Member
  • City of Carlsbad Design Review Board, Former Member and Chair
  • Growth Management Committee, Former Member
  • Village Master Plan Advisory Council, Former Chair
Other:
  • Past President and Current Member of California Auto Dismantlers Association
  • Past President of San Diego County Auto Recyclers Association
  • Governor’s Task Force of Auto Theft, Member 1986-87
  • 1992 California Auto Dismantler of the Year Award
  • Vietnam Veteran

Mel Katz

Del Mar, City of

Date Seated on Board: March 21, 2018

Term Expiration Date: March 12, 2023

Current Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Administrative and Finance
  • Legislation and Public Outreach, Chair
  • Labor Negotiations Work Group
  • SANDAG Board of Directors, Representative
Past Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Audit Committee
  • Engineering and Operations
  • Imported Water
  • Legislation and Public Outreach, Vice Chair
  • SANDAG Board of Directors, Alternate
Professional and Community Activities:
  • The San Diego Foundation, Executive Board
    Manpower San Diego, Executive Officer
  • San Diego Rotary Foundation, Board Member
  • 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
  • UC 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, 2022

Current Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Colorado River Work Group
  • Imported Water, Vice Chair
  • Legislation & Public Outreach
  • SANDAG Board, Alternate
Past Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Imported Water
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’s Community Services Commission, Former Commissioner
  • Mid-City Community Advocacy Network (CAN), Leadership Development Specialist
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, 2022

Current Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Engineering and Operations
  • 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
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
  • Imported Water, Chair and Member
  • Planning and Environmental, Vice-Chair and Member
  • 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
  • Accountant
  • Real Estate Broker and Enrolled Agent
  • 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:
  • Imported Water
  • Water Planning and Environmental
Past Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Audit Committee
  • Engineering and Operations
  • Imported Water
  • Legislation and Public Outreach
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:
  • Administrative and Finance
  • Financial Strategy Work Group, Chair
  • Labor Negotiations Work Group
  • Legislation and Public Outreach, Vice Chair
Past Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Administrative and Finance, Chair and Member
  • Engineering and Operations, Vice Chair
  • Fiscal Sustainability Task Force, Chair
  • Legislation, Conservation and Outreach, Vice Chair and Member
  • Legislation and Public Outreach
  • 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. – Vice President
  • Lakeside Chamber of Commerce- President
  • Young Republican Federation, San Diego- Former President

Mona Rios

National City, City of

Date Seated on Board: January 23, 2020

Term Expiration Date: March 8, 2026

Current Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Board Vice Chair
  • Legislation and Public Outreach
  • SANDAG Board, Alternate
  • Water Planning and Environmental
Professional and Community Activities:
  • National City Vice Mayor
  • Community and Police Relations Commission
  • San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) Board of Directors
  • MTS Executive Board
  • San Diego MTS Board of Trustees Vice-Chair
  • San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) Advisory Board
  • SANDAG Regional Planning Committee
  • SANDAG Bayshore Bike Way
  • MTS Public Security Committee
  • MTS Audit Oversight Committee
  • MTS AdHoc Nominating Committee
  • MTS AdHoc Ballot Measure Committee
  • Los Angeles-San Diego-San Luis Obispo Rail Corridor (LOSSAN)
  • San Diego Unified Port AdHoc Working Group
  • League of California Cities (San Diego Division)
  • League of California Policy Committees: Governance, Transparency and Labor Relations, Community and Economic Development, Public Safety, Transportation, Communication and Public Works
Other:
  • Fourth generation National City resident
  • National City Public Library, Children’s Department (Retired)

Brian Boyle

Oceanside, City of

Date Seated on Board: January 22, 2015

Term Expiration Date: July 15, 2022

Prior Representation:
  • 2010 – 2013 (City of Oceanside)
Current Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Administrative and Finance
  • SANDAG Regional Planning, Representative
  • Water Planning and Environmental
Past Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Conservation Action Committee (CAC), Representative & Alternate
  • Engineering and Operations
  • Legislation, Conservation and Outreach
  • SANDAG Regional Planning, Alternate
  • Water Conservation Garden JPA, Alternate
  • Water Planning, Vice Chair and Member
  • Water Planning and Environmental, Vice Chair
Water Industry Affiliations:
  • ACWA

Kimberly A. Thorner

Olivenhain Municipal Water District

Date Seated on Board: January 1, 2021

Term Expiration Date: August 1, 2026

Current Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Administrative and Finance
  • Audit Committee
  • Engineering and Operations
Past Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Fiscal Sustainability Task Force
Water Industry Affiliations:
  • San Diego Local Agency Formation Commission’s Special Districts Advisory Committee, Chair
  • San Diego Integrated Regional Water Management Regional Advisory Committee
  • WateReuse California Board of Trustees
  • Association of California Water Agencies Federal Affairs Committee
  • North San Diego Water Reuse Coalition
  • David C. McCollom Water Treatment Plan, Prior Project Manager
  • American Membrane Technology Association, Prior Board Member
  • San Diego North Economic Development Council, Prior Board Chair
Professional and Community Activities:
  • State of California licensed attorney
  • Special District Leadership Foundation, Certified Special District Administrator
  • Special District Leadership Academy graduate
  • 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:
  • Board Chair
  • Administrative and Finance
  • Colorado River Board, Alternate
  • Legislation and Public Outreach
Past Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • 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 Programs Ad Hoc
  • Colorado River Work Group, Chair
  • Conservation Ad Hoc
  • 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:
  • Engineering and Operations, Vice Chair
  • MWD Delegate
Past Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Administrative and Finance
  • Audit Committee
  • Engineering and Operations
  • 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

Doug Wilson

Padre Dam Municipal Water District

Date Seated on Board: January 18, 2011

Term Expiration Date: July 7, 2022

Prior Representation:

1995 – 1997 (Padre Dam MWD)

Current Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Administrative and Finance, Vice Chair
  • Colorado River Work Group
  • Financial Strategy Work Group
  • San Diego Area Wastewater Management District, Representative
  • Water Planning and Environmental
Past Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Administrative and Finance, Vice Chair and Member
  • Audit Committee
  • Colorado River Board, Representative and Alternate
  • Engineering and Operations
  • Fiscal Sustainability Task Force
  • Imported Water
  • MWD Delegate
  • Water Planning and Environmental, Vice Chair
Water Industry Affiliations:
  • Padre Dam Municipal Water District
Professional and Community Activities:
  • Padre Dam Municipal Water District, General Manager (2006-2010)
  • Padre Dam Municipal Water District, Chief Financial Officer (1997-2006)
  • Served six years on the San Diego State University faculty
  • Santee/Lakeside Rotary Club, Former President
  • Santee Chamber of Commerce, Former President
Other:
  • Certified Public Accountant
  • Graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
  • U.S. Air Force military veteran, served in Vietnam and Japan

John Simpson

Pendleton Military Reservation

Date Seated on Board: October 25, 2012

Term Expiration Date: January 12, 2026

Current Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Engineering and Operations
  • Legislation and Public Outreach
Past Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Administrative and Finance
  • Legislation, Conservation and Outreach
  • Water Planning
Water Industry Affiliations:
  • Camp Pendleton Water District, General Manager
  • Santa Margarita River Watermaster Executive Steering Committee, Member
Professional and Community Activities:
  • AWWA
  • ACWA
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:
  • Engineering and Operations
  • Imported Water, Vice Chair
Past Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Administrative and Finance, 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, 2021

Current Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Administrative and Finance
  • Water Planning and Environmental
Past Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Administrative and Finance
  • Imported Water, Vice Chair
  • Legislation and Public Outreach
Water Industry Affiliations:
  • American Water Works Association
  • AWWA Water Loss Control Committee
  • CSDA San Diego Chapter, 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

David Barnum

Ramona Municipal Water District

Date Seated on Board: March 6, 2012

Term Expiration Date: August 9, 2022

Current Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Administrative and Finance
  • Audit Committee
  • Imported Water
Past Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Audit Committee, Vice Chair, Chair and Member
  • Engineering and Operations
  • Imported Water, Vice Chair and Member
  • Legislation, Conservation and Outreach, Vice Chair and Member
  • SANDAG, Alternate
  • SANDAG Borders, Alternate
  • Water Planning and Environmental
Water Industry Affiliations:
  • Association of California Water Agencies
  • American Water Works Association
  • California State Municipal Finance Officers
Professional and Community Activities:
  • Ramona Municipal Water District, General Manager
  • San Marcos Unified School District Citizen Oversight Committee, Past Chair
  • Carlsbad Unified School District Citizen Oversight Committee, Past Vice-Chair

James Murtland

Rincon Del Diablo Municipal Water District

Date Seated on Board: January 24, 2013

Term Expiration Date: June 20, 2026

Current Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Engineering and Operations
  • Imported Water
  • Labor Negotiations Work Group
Past Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Administrative and Finance
  • Audit Committee
  • Engineering and Operations, Vice Chair and Member
  • Imported Water
  • Water Planning
Water Industry Affiliations:
  • ACWA, Director, Region 10
Professional and Community Activities:
  • Southern California Yachting Association, Staff Commodore
  • San Diego Association of Yacht Clubs, Staff Commodore
  • Recreational Boaters of California (RBOC), Director
  • Trinity Episcopal Church, Treasurer
  • International Order of the Blue Gavel, President, District 15
Other:
  • US Naval Academy Graduate
  • Served 24 years with US Marine Corps
  • Degree in Physics, Naval Postgraduate School
  • Masters in Governmental Administration, The George Washington University
  • MBA in Accounting, National University
  • MS in Advanced Management, National University
  • Adjunct Professor of Finance and Accounting at the University of Phoenix

Chris Cate

San Diego, City of

Date Seated on Board: February 16, 2018

Term Expiration Date: January 30, 2021

Current Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Administrative and Finance
  • Financial Strategy Work Group
  • Legislation and Public Outreach
Past Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Fiscal Sustainability Task Force
  • Legislation and Public Outreach
  • Water Planning and Environmental
Professional and Community Activities:
  • City of San Diego, Councilmember, Sixth District
Other:
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, University of San Diego

Jim Madaffer

San Diego, City of

Date Seated on Board: November 8, 2012

Term Expiration Date: March 7, 2022

Current Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Administrative and Finance
  • Colorado River Board, Representative
  • Colorado River Work Group
  • Financial Strategy Work Group
  • Imported Water
Past Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Board Chair
  • Board Vice Chair
  • Board Secretary (2015-2016)
  • Audit Committee
  • 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
Professional and Community Activities:
  • President of Madaffer Enterprises, specializing in public policy and government relations
  • California Transportation Commission
  • Boy Scouts of America, Member, Board of Directors
  • Lambda Alpha (economics and land use fraternity)
  • Rotary Club 33
Other:
  • 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, “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, 2022

Current Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Administrative and Finance, Vice Chair
  • Engineering and Operations
Past Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Audit Committee
  • Engineering and Operations
  • Water Planning and Environmental
Professional and Community Activities:
  • California State University San Marcos, University Council
  • San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors
  • Otay Mesa Planning Group
Other:
  • Masters in Business Administration (MBA)

Tony Heinrichs

San Diego, City of

Date Seated on Board: May 13, 2015

Term Expiration Date: May 13, 2021

Current Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Imported Water
  • Water Planning and Environmental, Vice Chair
Past Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Administration and Finance
  • Audit Committee, Vice Chair
  • Engineering and Operations, Chair and Member
  • Imported Water
  • San Vicente Project Negotiations Work Group, Chair
  • Water Planning and Environmental, Chair
Water Industry Affiliations:
  • ACWA
Professional and Community Activities:
  • American Public Works Association (APWA)
  • Society of American Military Engineers (SAME)

Elsa Saxod

San Diego, City of

Date Seated on Board: June 02, 2008

Term Expiration Date: February 7, 2022

Current Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Audit Committee, Chair
  • Legislation and Public Outreach
  • SANDAG Borders Committee, Representative
  • Water Conservation Garden JPA, Representative
  • Water Planning and Environmental
Past Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Administrative and Finance, Chair and Member
  • Colorado River Programs Ad Hoc
  • Engineering and Operations
  • Imported Water, Chair, Vice Chair and Member
  • Legislation, Conservation and Outreach, Chair, Vice Chair and Member
  • MWD Delegate
  • MWD Litigation Task Force
  • SANDAG Borders/Regional Planning Committee, Alternate and Representative
  • Small Contractor Outreach and Opportunities Program (SCOOP), Vice Chair
  • Water Planning
Water Industry Affiliations:
  • Governor’s Appointee, San Diego River Conservancy
  • Former Director of the City of San Diego Department of Binational Affairs, focused on binational environmental issues including water and wastewater
  • Consulting work has included: work on water and wastewater infrastructure issues and U.S./Mexico relations, water issues for the U.S. EPA, and research project on planning issues for transboundary aquifers on the U.S./Mexico border for a consortium of U.S. and Mexican Universities
  • San Diego/Tijuana Binational Watershed Advisory Council, Co-Chair
  • U.S. EPA Border 2012 Regional Water Working Group, Former ChairSan Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce’s International Committee, Former Chair
    UCSD Board of Overseers
    Dean’s Advisory Council for the College of Arts and Letters at San Diego State University
    Regional Chamber’s representative to the San Diego International Airport Advisory Committee
    SANDAG Committee on Binational Regional Opportunities, Former Chair
    San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors
    San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce Infrastructure Committee and Water Subcommittee
Other:

Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish from San Diego State University

Fern Steiner

San Diego, City of

Date Seated on Board: May 19, 2003

Term Expiration Date: March 05, 2021

Current Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Colorado River 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
  • Committee on Committees, Chair
  • Conservation Ad Hoc, Chair and Member
  • Engineering and Operations
  • 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
  • Engineering and Operations
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, Chair
  • Labor Negotiations Work Group
  • Water Planning and Environmental
Past Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Administrative and Finance
  • Engineering and Operations, Vice Chair
  • Imported Water, Interim Chair, Vice Chair, and Member
  • Water Planning
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:
  • Board Secretary
  • Imported Water
  • Labor Negotiations Work Group
  • Legislation and Public Outreach
  • MWD Delegate
Past Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Administrative and Finance
  • Colorado River Work Group
  • Engineering and Operations
  • 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
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

David Cherashore

San Diego, City of

Date Seated on Board: November 2, 2015

Term Expiration Date: November 2, 2021

Current Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Imported Water, Chair
  • Water Planning and Environmental
Past Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Administrative and Finance
  • Audit Committee, Chair, Vice Chair and Member
  • Imported Water, Vice Chair
  • Legislation and Public Outreach
  • MWD Litigation Task Force
  • San Vicente Project Negotiations Work Group
  • Water Planning, Chair
Professional and Community Activities:
  • San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, Board Member
  • San Diego Economic Development Corporation, Board Member
Other:
  • Middlebury College, Bachelors Degree Economics
  • Dartmouth College, Masters Business Administration

Joe Mosca

San Dieguito Water District

Date Seated on Board: January 7, 2019

Term Expiration Date: December 21, 2020

Current Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Audit Committee
  • Engineering and Operations, Vice Chair
  • Legislation and Public Outreach
Past Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Engineering and Operations
  • Imported Water
  • Legislation and Public Outreach
Water Industry Affiliations:
  • Encina Wastewater Authority, Board Member
  • San Elijo JPA, former Board Member
  • Santa Fe Irrigation District and San Dieguito Water District Joint Advisory Committee, Chair
  • R.E. Badger Facilities Finance Authority, Board Member
Professional and Community Activities:
  • City Council Member, City of Encinitas (2017 – Present)
  • Deputy Mayor and President, City of Encinitas (2018)
  • League of California Cities, Representative
Other:
  • Bachelor’s Degree, Political Science, Rhode Island College
  • Juris Doctor, Quinnipiac University School of Law

Michael T. Hogan

Santa Fe Irrigation District

Date Seated on Board: September 18, 2006

Term Expiration Date: December 13, 2020

Current Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Engineering and Operations
  • Financial Strategy Work Group
  • Imported Water
  • MWD Delegate
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
  • Fiscal Sustainability Task Force
  • Legislation, Conservation, and Outreach
  • 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

Jose Preciado

South Bay Irrigation District

Date Seated on Board: January 13, 2015

Term Expiration Date: September 8, 2024

Current Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Colorado River Work Group
  • Imported Water
  • SANDAG Borders Committee, Alternate
  • Water Planning and Environmental, Chair
Past Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Engineering and Operations
  • Imported Water
  • Legislation, Conservation and Outreach
  • Water Planning
Water Industry Affiliations:
  • South Bay Irrigation, District 3 (2008-2012, 2012-2016, and 2016-2020)
  • Sweetwater Authority, District 3 (2008-2012, 2012-2016, and 2016-2020)
  • Finance and Personnel Committee, Consultant Selection Committee, Operations Committee
Professional and Community Activities:
  • San Diego State University, Director of General Studies
  • South Bay Forum, Past President
    Chula Vista Democratic Club, President
  • California Faculty Association, Member
  • Academic Professionals of California, Member
  • CSA San Diego County, Board of Directors, Member
Other:
  • San Diego State University – B.A., Latin American/Border Studies/Spanish
  • San Diego State University – M.A.T., Teaching

Craig Elitharp

Vallecitos Water District

Date Seated on Board: December 1, 2020

Term Expiration Date: March 13, 2022

Current Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Colorado River Work Group
  • Legislation and Public Outreach
  • SANDAG Regional Planning Committee, Alternate
  • Water Planning and Environmental
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
  • Engineering and Operations
  • Financial Strategy Work Group
  • Water Conservation Garden JPA, Representative
Past Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Administrative and Finance, Chair, Vice Chair, and Member
  • Engineering and Operations, Chair and Member
  • 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 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, Energy Committee Member and Past Chair and Member of Agricultural 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
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
  • 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:
  • Administrative and Finance, Chair
  • Engineering and Operations
  • Financial Strategy Work Group
  • Labor Negotiations Work Group, Chair
Past Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Engineering and Operations, Chair, Vice Chair and Member
  • Imported Water
  • 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 16, 2022

Current Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Legislation and Public Outreach
  • Water Planning and Environmental
Past Water Authority Committee Appointments:
  • Administrative and Finance
  • Engineering and Operations
Water Industry Affiliations:
  • Yuima Municipal Water District, General manager
  • American Water Works Association
  • Californian Rural Water Association
  • Upper San Luis Rey Watershed Authority
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

Terra Lawson-Remer

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

Committees

Roster of Committees, Task Forces, and Other Appointments

Committees

Administrative & Finance Committee

Marty Miller – Chair
Jimmy Ayala – Vice Chair
Doug Wilson – Vice Chair
Ismahan Abdullahi
Gary Arant
David Barnum
Brian Boyle
Chris Cate
Gary Croucher
Matt Hall
Frank Hilliker
Mel Katz
Tom Kennedy
Jim Madaffer
Kim Thorner

Engineering & Operations Committee

Lois Fong-Sakai – Chair
Joe Mosca – Vice Chair
Tim Smith – Vice Chair
Ismahan Abdullahi
Gary Arant
Jimmy Ayala
Jack Bebee
Eric Heidemann
Michael Hogan
Keith Lewinger
Dan McMillan
Marty Miller
Jim Murtland
John Simpson
Kim Thorner

Imported Water Committee

David Cherashore – Chair
Eric Heidemann – Vice Chair
Consuelo Martinez – Vice Chair
David Barnum
Jerry Butkiewicz
Matt Hall
Tony Heinrichs
Michael Hogan
Terra Lawson-Remer
Jim Madaffer
Jim Murtland
Jose Preciado
Joel Scalzitti
Tim Smith

Fern Steiner

Legislation & Public Outreach Committee

Mel Katz – Chair
Frank Hilliker – Vice Chair
Fern Steiner – Vice Chair
Jerry Butkiewicz
Chris Cate
Gary Croucher
Craig Elitharp
Terra Lawson-Remer
Consuelo Martinez
Joe Mosca
Amy Reeh
Mona Rios
Elsa Saxod

John Simpson

Water Planning & Environmental Committee

Jose Preciado – Chair
Tony Heinrichs – Vice Chair
Keith Lewinger – Vice Chair
Jack Bebee
Brian Boyle
David Cherashore
Craig Elitharp
Lois Fong-Sakai
Tom Kennedy
Dan McMillan
Amy Reeh
Mona Rios
Elsa Saxod
Joel Scalzitti
Doug Wilson

Audit Committee

Elsa Saxod – Chair
David Barnum
Dan McMillan
Joe Mosca
Kim Thorner

Work Groups

Colorado River Work Group

Matt Hall – Chair
Craig Elitharp
Jim Madaffer
Consuelo Martinez
Jose Preciado
Fern Steiner
Doug Wilson
Mark Muir
Mark Watton

Financial Strategy Work Group

Frank Hilliker – Chair
Gary Arant
Chris Cate
Michael Hogan
Jim Madaffer
Marty Miller
Doug Wilson

Carlos Lugo

Matt Vespi

Labor Negotiations Work Group

Marty Miller – Chair
Jerry Butkiewicz
Lois Fong-Sakai
Frank Hilliker
Mel Katz
Jim Murtland

Other Appointments

SANDAG Board

Mel Katz, Representative
Consuelo Martinez, Alternate
Mona Rios, Alternate

SANDAG Borders Committee

Elsa Saxod, Representative
Jose Preciado, Alternate

SANDAG Regional Planning Committee

Brian Boyle, Representative
Craig Elitharp, Alternate

San Diego Area Wastewater Management District

Doug Wilson

Water Conservation Garden JPA

Gary Arant, Representative
Elsa Saxod, Alternate

MWD Delegates

Jerry Butkiewicz
Gail Goldberg
Michael Hogan
Tim Smith

Colorado River Board

Jim Madaffer, Representative
Gary Croucher, Alternate

Committees as of February 24, 2021
*Interim assignment

More Committee Information
Clerk of The Board

TEL: (858) 522-6614