Southern California Water Committee Appoints Richard W. Atwater as Executive Director
August 23, 2010
Los Angeles, CA – The Southern California Water Committee (SCWC), one of the most respected organizations dedicated to educating Southern Californians about the region’s water needs and our state’s water resources, announced today that the organization’s Board of Directors has appointed its new executive director, Richard W. Atwater.
“The Southern California Water Committee is very pleased to have Rich Atwater’s water leadership experience as our organization seeks to educate policymakers and the public on Southern California’s water needs and outlook,” said SCWC Chairman Charles Wilson. “We have many challenges ahead – developing the Bay Delta Conservation Plan for the ailing Delta and ensuring a more reliable water supply, expanding our local water resources, passing a statewide water bond in 2012 and many other imperative efforts – and we believe Rich will provide a strategic vision and strong voice for Southern California and our members.”
Mr. Atwater was selected by the SCWC Board of Directors after an extensive and competitive executive director search process. He brings more than 35 years of leadership experience in water resources management and development in the western United States, serving successfully in management capacities in both the public and private sectors. Mr. Atwater brings a unique perspective to the SCWC, with decades of water policy experience, a demonstrated ability to impact administrative, policy and legislative processes, and significant regional, statewide and national relationships. He was a member of the California Water Commission, the 2001 Drought Task Force, 2003 Water Recycling Task Force and the 2006 Desalination Task Force. Most recently, Mr. Atwater served for more than a decade as the General Manager of the Inland Empire Utilities Agency.
“I have long respected the mission and work of the Southern California Water Committee and look forward to helping this organization further achieve its objectives,” said Richard Atwater, executive director for the SCWC.
“This organization will play an integral role in efforts to address and solve California’s current water supply crisis, including major infrastructure investments, new legislative and policy mandates and regional water supply efforts, and I’m eager to assist this Board in implementing a vision for the future.”
The SCWC’s prior interim executive director, Ron Gastelum, a long-term board member, has fulfilled his generous commitment to donate his services to the SCWC for one year. Mr. Gastelum will continue to play an active role in the SCWC and statewide water policy.
“We also want to recognize and thank Ron Gastelum for his voluntary service during the past year,” added Wilson. “Ron’s tireless leadership, extensive experience in statewide water policy and network of relationships have been invaluable assets to this organization as we’ve worked in the past year to expand our presence and undertake new education and advocacy initiatives.”
THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WATER COMMITTEE