Kristine McCaffrey Takes the Helm at Calleguas MWD by Calleguas Municipal Water District Feb 7, 2024 Member Submitted News After more than three decades of dedicated service to providing safe, clean drinking water to the majority of Ventura County, Calleguas Municipal Water District General Manager Tony Goff announced today that he will be stepping away as leader of the organization. Goff began his career at the District in 1989, serving in a variety of roles, including Manager of Operations and Maintenance and Operations and Water Quality Supervisor, before taking on the role of General Manager in 2019. His legacy includes not only technical and operational accomplishments, but also achievements in creating a collaborative and supportive workplace, promoting regional cooperation, and tirelessly advocating for Ventura County water supply reliability. Calleguas Board of Directors President Scott Quady remarked, “Tony has served Calleguas with the utmost professionalism and dedication during his 35-year tenure. From his start as a Water Treatment Operator, to working his way up to supervisory and management roles, and ultimately serving as General Manager, his knowledge, expertise, and team-focused approach have earned him the respect of colleagues both inside and outside of the District. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to thank Tony for his exemplary service throughout the years, and wish him nothing but the best in his next chapter of life.” Perhaps no event posed greater challenges than California’s recent historic droughts, during which Ventura County experienced unprecedented water shortages requiring severe cutbacks. However, out of that emerged Calleguas’s “New Model for Resilience,” the Board of Directors’ vision for how the District and Ventura County region can better prepare for tomorrow by working together. Goff spent the last two years of his tenure laying the groundwork, through organizational changes and program initiation, for Calleguas to flourish in this new era of regional water resilience. “When I began my career at Calleguas in the 1980s, I never could have imagined where my path would lead,” said Goff. “I’ve been honored to work with some of the finest professionals in the water industry serving the community that I love, and I’m so proud to have been part of the projects and programs that have increased water reliability for Ventura County. I want to express my deep appreciation for the Board’s support and vision for the future, which will carry the District forward in new ways. I’m confident that the District will continue to fulfill its core mission with innovation and integrity, supported by exceptional staff and in partnership with our purveyors, community, and Southern California water suppliers.” Goff’s departure marks the end of an era for Calleguas Municipal Water District, but his influence will continue to resonate. Deputy General Manager Kristine McCaffrey, who has worked at the District for 20 years alongside Goff, will step into the role of General Manager effective immediately. “I’m honored to have the opportunity to step into this role at such a critical time for the District and, really, for all of us,” said McCaffrey. “Our changing climate presents extraordinary challenges for water management, but is also forcing us to try new approaches and work together in new ways. Tony brought us through an incredibly difficult period, between the pandemic and the worst drought on record, and we emerged in better shape, from an organizational perspective, than we’ve ever been in. On behalf of the staff, we’re all incredibly grateful for his leadership. I’m inspired and encouraged by the Board’s confidence in me to help the District fulfill their vision. There is much work to do and I’m excited to get underway.” McCaffrey is spearheading several initiatives derived directly from the Board’s 2023 Strategic Plan, including unwavering advocacy at Metropolitan Water District of Southern California for equitable water service and pursuing transformative partnerships through regional water resource development. With a wide variety of experience both prior to and during her two-decade tenure at Calleguas, McCaffrey is perfectly suited to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the region’s water management. Having built and managed exceptional teams at the District, she will provide the stability and maintain the momentum the District and the region need. “Responding to system changes is not just limited to water supply,” President Quady noted, “and it is a testament to the District’s institutional agility that Kristine is ready, willing, and able to step into this role. As President of the Board, and a longtime resident of the District, I am proud of the work this organization has done over the course of decades to invest in staff development and succession planning.” Goff leaves behind a remarkable legacy of leadership, resilience, and a deeply ingrained culture of excellence. The Board, management, and staff of Calleguas Municipal Water District extend their heartfelt gratitude for his years of dedicated service and wish him the best in his future endeavors. ###