Bighorn-Desert View Water Agency Board Selects Jennifer Cusack as General Manager by Bighorn-Desert View Water Agency Mar 13, 2026 Member Submitted News LANDERS — Today, the Board of Directors of the Bighorn-Desert View Water Agency selected Jennifer Cusack as the agency’s next General Manager, bringing more than two decades of experience in public agency leadership, utility operations, government affairs, and community engagement to the Landers-based water supplier. “Jennifer brings an outstanding combination of knowledge about water systems, leadership experience, policy expertise, and community connection,” said Board President Rod Miller-Boyer of the Bighorn-Desert View Water Agency. “Her track record of securing critical funding, navigating complex regulatory issues, understanding operations and working collaboratively with the public and partner agencies makes her exceptionally well suited to lead the agency forward.” Cusack currently serves as Director of Public & Government Affairs at Hi-Desert Water District, where she leads legislative strategy, community engagement, and grant development initiatives. In that role, she helped secure nearly $104 million in grant funding for Phase 2 sewer expansion, along with additional funding for recycled water and drought resiliency programs focused on reclaiming treated water for beneficial use. Cusack’s earlier career in the water industry includes leadership roles at both Hi-Desert Water District and Joshua Basin Water District, where she gained extensive experience in board governance, regulatory compliance, capital project communications, and public engagement. The Board also expressed its deep appreciation for the leadership and service of Marina West, who is concluding a long and distinguished tenure as General Manager. West’s public sector career spans nearly four decades, including many years dedicated to water system operations and management. During her tenure, she helped build a strong operational and governance foundation while elevating the Agency’s reputation statewide as a model for small rural water systems serving disadvantaged and income-limited communities. “Marina West’s leadership has left a lasting legacy for Bighorn Desert View and the community it serves,” Miller-Boyer said. “She strengthened the Agency’s financial and operational stability – most recently securing $12 million in grant funding – and elevated the Agency’s voice in statewide water policy discussions. Under her leadership, Bighorn-Desert View Water Agency became an model for small rural water systems throughout California.” West welcomed the leadership transition and expressed confidence in the Agency’s future. She will remain at the Agency as its Chief Engineer responsible for managing the Agency’s grant projects to completion. “It has been an honor to serve this community and work alongside a dedicated Board and exceptional staff,” West said. “Jennifer understands both the technical and community responsibilities of water agencies in the Morongo Basin, and I am confident the Agency will continue to thrive under her leadership.” Cusack said she is honored to serve the community she has long called home. “Bighorn-Desert View Water Agency plays a vital role in protecting public health, supporting economic stability, and stewarding one of our region’s most precious resources,” Cusack said. “I am grateful for the foundation Marina West has built and look forward to working with the Board, staff, and community to continue delivering reliable, transparent, and forward-looking water service.” Cusack holds a Bachelor of Science in Business & Management from the University of Redlands and an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts from Copper Mountain College. She also completed graduate coursework in economics at West Texas A&M University and holds certifications in environmental leadership and project management from California State University San Marcos. A lifelong resident of the Morongo Basin, Cusack grew up in the region and is now raising her family in Yucca Valley. ###
