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Movers and Shakers
Former Fire District Chief Brian Helmick Brentwood Citizen of Year
The Brentwood Chamber of Commerce has named Brian Helmick its Brentwood Citizen of the Year. Helmick is the former chief of the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District, which merged earlier this year with the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District to better serve the community with the best emergency services possible. Helmick is a former director of the Fire Districts Association of California, a group that supports hundreds of fire districts throughout the state. He also serves as president of the California Fire Chiefs Association and is on the California Special Districts Association’s legislative committee. CSDA congratulates Contra Costa County Fire Protection District Deputy Chief Brian Helmick on winning Brentwood’s Citizen of the Year honor. Brian is also a graduate of the Special District Leadership Foundation Academy and has earned his certificate in special Brian Helmick district governance. CSDA CEO Neil McCormick reacted to the news, stating “I’d like to thank Brian for his service to his district and community and for his service on our legislative committee.”
Helix Water District Names Brian Olney New General Manager
The Helix Water District Board of Brian Olney Directors announced that Brian Olney will be the organization’s new general manager, effective September 1, 2022. Olney was appointed to Helix’s Director of Water Quality and System Operations position in 2016 and to the assistant general manager position in 2021. He has 28 years of experience in the water industry.
“I am honored to be the next general manager of Helix Water District,” said Olney. “We provide an essential service to hardworking people, who expect us to do our jobs correctly and efficiently, and provide clean, safe water at a reasonable price. I agree with that, and we meet and exceed those expectations every day.”
Yorba Linda Water District Puts the General in General Manager
Retired Major General R. Mark Toy, Mark Toy P.E., USACE, Ret. has been selected as the general manager for the Yorba Linda Water District. Major General Toy served 35 years in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and has managed some of the largest water infrastructure projects in the nation. He is a registered professional engineer with a master’s degree in environmental engineering.
“I was impressed with the fiscal responsibility of YLWD and the leadership that the district showed operating the nation’s largest PFAS plant,” said Toy. “I look forward to amplifying the board’s vision of strong fiscal stewardship and management of our water resources.”
IEUA Recognized with Prestigious Financial Reporting Award for 24th Consecutive Year
The Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA) recently received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association . Certification was received for its fiscal year 2020/2021 annual comprehensive financial report, celebrating the 24th successive year IEUA staff have satisfied the high standards of this program.
“IEUA has worked hard to build a reputation as a trustworthy and effective public agency that the community and our customer agencies can reliably count on. We will continue to demonstrate
that commitment through our ongoing adherence to fiscal responsibility and financial transparency,” stated IEUA Board President Steve Elie. “We greatly appreciate and are honored to receive the recognition from the GFOA for the 24th consecutive year, as we pride ourselves on being exceptional stewards”
EMWD Recognized for Excellence in Landscapes for Living Program
Eastern Municipal Water
District (EMWD) was recognized by the California Association of Public Information Officials (CAPIO) for outstanding work with its Landscapes for Living program. EMWD was recognized with an Excellence in Public Information and Communications (EPIC) Award for its Landscapes for Living microsite, earning top honors in the category. EMWD also received an Award of Distinction in the “Communications and Marking Plan – Consultant Supported” category.
“EMWD is honored to be recognized by CAPIO for our Landscapes for Living program,” EMWD Board President Phil Paule said. “This innovative program has assisted our customers in doing their part to become more water efficient during this unprecedented drought, and we are proud to be recognized for those efforts.”
Do you have movers and shakers in your district to highlight?
Send to CSDA Communications Specialist Vanessa Gonzales at vanessag@csda.net for consideration in this section and in CSDA eNews.
SDRMA’s Medical Benefits Program
offers plan options through Kaiser, Blue Shield and Anthem-Blue Cross, including optional coverage for retirees and public officials. Rates are based on region, not on age.
Our Ancillary Coverages Program offers
a wide variety of plan options through Delta Dental, VSP Vision, MHN Employee Assistance Program, Voya Financial Life and AD&D, Short Term Disability and Long Term Disability.
Agencies can pick and choose what programs and plan options they want to participate in. To learn more about SDRMA’s Health Benefits Program, contact us at: healthbenefits@sdrma.org or 800.537.7790.
SPECIAL DISTRICT RISK MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY ✷ 800.537.7790 ✷ www.sdrma.org
