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40+
years in the water industry
25M
Californians served by the State Water Project he managed
$250M
secured for Santa Ana Watershed projects
$2M → $16M
reserves grown at Monte Vista Water District
BACKGROUND
Water policy and management, from local agencies to statewide
Joe brings more than 40 years of policy development, organizational leadership and infrastructure improvement. He has led water districts and cities to better operations, lower costs and regulatory compliance, and helped set the direction of water policy for the State of California.
He holds an MBA and a Bachelor of Arts, and has been appointed by both Republicans and Democrats.
WATER POLICY
Shaping California water policy
Resource management, policy coordination and collaboration among stakeholders across the state.
Chief Deputy Director
California Department of Water Resources. Ran the state's water and public safety programs, including dam safety and flood management, and managed the State Water Project serving 25 million Californians and 755,000 acres of farmland.
Deputy Secretary for Water Policy
California Natural Resources Agency. Coordinated state water policy and helped create the 2009 water reform package.
Director, California Bay-Delta Authority
Led the CALFED program refocusing effort, initiated Delta Vision and helped establish the Bay Delta Conservation Planning process.
Executive Officer
Delta Stewardship Council. Set up the Council and the Delta Conservancy, and directed development of the Delta Plan for the future of the California Delta.
WATER MANAGEMENT
Running water agencies
Operational excellence, financial planning and regulatory compliance, including years at EMWD itself.
General Manager
Monte Vista Water District. Developed a facilities and financial master plan, reduced costs, balanced the budget and grew reserves from $2 million to $16 million.
General Manager
Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority. Led a coalition of stakeholders to secure $250 million for watershed projects and oversaw construction of the West Riverside Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Assistant Operations Branch Manager
Eastern Municipal Water District. Oversaw water operations, wastewater, maintenance and laboratory services with more than 250 employees, reducing costs while keeping service high-quality and affordable.
Wastewater Systems & Plant Operations Manager
City of Riverside and Salt Lake City. Built a $100 million capital plan and brought Riverside into compliance after 10 years, and led Salt Lake City's plant to State and EPA Region 8 Plant of the Year awards.
COMMUNITY
Committed to the community we share
A devoted husband, father and grandparent, Joe believes in servant leadership and building a place where future generations can thrive.
Ramona Bowl Amphitheatre
President, Board of Directors. In 2023 the Bowl celebrated its 100-year anniversary. Joe is using his business experience to revitalize it as a hub for community entertainment, boost the local economy and preserve this historic venue.
Joe's mission
“My mission is to leverage my experience in the water industry to ensure a stable and reliable water supply for our community.” Joe focuses on water quality, affordability and sustainability through transparent decision-making.
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