As part of its ongoing reorganization plan, the WateReuse California Board of Trustees is excited to announce that Dave Smith Ph.D. has agreed to serve as Managing Director. In this newly created position that reports directly to the Board of Trustees, Dr. Smith will lead the day-to-day affairs of WateReuse California and actively manage our legislative and regulatory initiatives, in conjunction with our Board, committees, and Regulatory Advocate Roberta Larson and Legislative Advocate Richard Harris. Dr. Smith has a strong technical background in water quality and possesses a keen understanding of current recycled water issues throughout the state that are important to our membership. He has been a member of WateReuse for many years and is also a WateReuse Foundation Subscriber, so he is no stranger to many of our members.
In his new position, Dave will focus on several activities, all of which are designed to increase the level service to the California membership and anchor WateReuse California as the premier entity on recycled water and desalination issues throughout the state. In performing his duties, Dr. Smith will also work closely with WateReuse's Executive Director Wade Miller and his staff in Alexandria, VA. who provide a variety of support services to WateReuse California, including our Annual California Conference. His initial efforts during the remainder of 2009 will include the following:
Membership Outreach - Dave will get to know the members of our five state chapters in Northern California, Los Angeles, Inland Empire, Orange County, and San Diego. He will be visiting with our members, and in the process of getting to know them, find out how California WateReuse can improve and enhance its service to members.
Legislative and Regulatory Work - Dave will be actively managing our Legislative and Regulatory Advocates and coordinating with our Leg/Reg Committee. Important efforts, which will begin immediately, include assisting with our strategies for both the State Water Resources Control Board's General Permit for Landscape Irrigation Projects and the Blue Ribbon Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CEC) Panel that the Board is convening in accordance as part of its newly adopted Recycled Water Policy.
Strategic Plan and Business Plan Development - Dave will facilitate a comprehensive review and update of our Strategic Plan and develop an accompanying Business Plan to accomplish its objectives. Included in this review will be a critical assessment of our existing committees and committee structures. He will be looking for ways to broaden the participation of our chapter members in our various activities and grow our membership, so we can help promote the development of sustainable, renewable and drought-proof water resources for the State of California and support our members' projects.
Stakeholder Outreach - Dave will also be extending an open hand to a variety of other groups that have an interest in California water issues, including other associations and environmental interest groups. The Board of Trustees recognizes the benefit of active collaboration and we hope to further our existing partnerships and alliances based upon common interests that can provide for economic and environmental sustainability.
There will be more exciting information to share with you in the future. In the meantime, please join me in welcoming Dave as our new Managing Director.
April 14, 2009 - Craig W. Lichty, President WateReuse California