Movers and Shakers

MOVERS&

SHAKERS

CSDA recognizes the service of Neil Cochran, who served on the Foresthill Public Utilities District Board of Directors from 2013 to 2021. In addition to his board tenure, Neil was active in the Mountain Counties Neil Cochran Water Resources Association and other community organizations.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Marcie Frost announced that CalPERS has named Marlene Timberlake D’Adamo as its first chief diversity, equity, and inclusion officer (CDEIO), effective immediately. Timberlake D’Adamo has been serving dual roles as chief compliance officer and interim chief diversity, equity, and inclusion officer since June of 2020. Under the direction of the CEO, the CDEIO will work across the enterprise and the Investment Office to foster a culture of equality, respect and inclusiveness. The CDEIO will partner with the environmental, social, and governance investment team to help identify and analyze emerging DEI issues and opportunities supported by sound investment methodology and academic research that may impact the CalPERS portfolio. Experienced water advocate Brenda Dennstedt has been appointed to the board of directors of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California to represent the Western Municipal Water District, which serves both wholesale and retail customers in western Brenda Dennstedt Riverside County. A supporter of regional partnerships, she serves on the joint committees of Elsinore Valley, Rancho California and Eastern Municipal water districts, and is an elected member of the Association of California Water Agencies Region 9 board. The Grossmont Healthcare District announced that Christian Wallis of the Chicago area has been selected as the new Chief Executive Officer for the public agency supporting health related programs and services in East San Diego County. Wallis will succeed outgoing CEO Barry Jantz, who retired after 16 years of service. A Navy veteran, Wallis has over 27 years of leadership experience in the healthcare field in the private sector, the federal government and international healthcare settings. He most recently served as regional/state vice president of Health Information Technology Support Services for Advocate Aurora Health in Illinois. He also served as the VP of operations for Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, Illinois.

Christian Wallis

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Congratulations on the retirement of Templeton Community Services District’s Laurie Ion, who devoted 32 years to the district and leaves a rich legacy of familyfriendly community activities. In her role Laurie Ion as the San Luis Obispo County Chapter of the CSDA administrator, Laurie was invaluable in organizing chapter meetings and speakers.

Coachella Valley Water District’s (CVWD) Operating and Capital Improvement Budget for fiscal year 2021 has received a Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA). “This award is a shared honor with every department in the District --- both for the excellent work that each department does, and the collective effort that went into the creation of our budget book, which is a valuable reference guide and information tool,” said Geoffrey Kiehl, Director of Finance for CVWD. CVWD has received GFOA awards for the past eight years beginning fiscal year 2012.

During the Diversity Professional’s 4th Annual Women of Excellence Awards ceremony, Jasmin A. Hall, Inland Empire Utilities Agency’s (IEUA) Board President was presented with their 2021 Jasmin A. Hall Women of Excellence Leadership Award. Hall was recognized for her outstanding professional excellence, achievements and contributions to her community. She has a proven track record of growth, success and influence in her profession, as well as maintains a passion for and commitment to the small business community. The Cucamonga Valley Water District (CVWD/District) Board of Directors approved the selection of Mr. Eduardo Espinoza as the new Assistant General Manager. Mr. Espinoza joined CVWD in 2011. His major responsibilities include developing strategic relationships to advance the district’s regional agenda and ensure service objectives are met, and executing the district’s water supply planning goals. He oversees CVWD’s Engineering Services Department which is responsible for capital improvement projects; water, sewer, and recycled water master plans; Geo Information System databases and asset management systems; developer projects; and water resource management and water rights affairs.

Eduardo Espinoza Brian Cabrera Luis Astorga Noe Aguilar Vega

Each year, the Santa Barbara County Chapter of the CSDA recognizes the outstanding performance of special district employees and/or contractors in their area with awards and a dinner ceremony. Congratulations to the following winners! • General Manager of the Year award: Brian Cabrera, General

Manager – Mosquito & Vector Management District of Santa

Barbara County • Professional/Staff Person of the Year award: Luis Astorga,

Collections Systems Manager – Goleta Sanitary District • President’s award: Noe Aguilar Vega, Operations Manager -

Summerland Sanitary District

Valley-Wide Recreation and Park District Board Member Dr. Steve Simpson was recognized by the California Association of Recreation and Park Districts as the Outstanding Board Member for 2021. Simpson was presented his award at the 2021 CARPD Awards Banquet June 24 in Monterey. Also recognized were Dean Wetter, Outstanding General Manager; Pete Gregory, Outstanding Volunteer; and Healthy Valley Foundation, Outstanding Community Organization. More than 25 new parks and facilities have been added to the Valley-Wide District since Simpson joined the board of directors in 2010.