Metropolitan Board Re-elects Ortega, Jr. as Chair

  • by ACWA Staff
  • Oct 16, 2024
  • Water News

LOS ANGELES — Adán Ortega, Jr. will remain at the helm of Metropolitan Water District of Southern California’s Board of Directors through 2026, following a unanimous vote Oct. 8 by the Board to re-elect him as Chair.

Ortega, who will begin his second two-year term in 2025, pledged to continue his leadership on critical issues, particularly the urgency to address climate change in water planning decisions and investments, according to a news release from Metropolitan. Ortega has served on Metropolitan’s 38-member Board since 2019 and has worked in government relations and water for more than 30 years. He was unchallenged in his bid for reelection.

The principal of Ortega Strategies Group, a public affairs and government relations firm based in Fullerton, Ortega previously served as Metropolitan’s Vice President of External Affairs from 1999 to 2005. Before his role with Metropolitan, he was Chief Deputy for then-Secretary of State Bill Jones and Assistant General Manager of both West Basin and Central Basin municipal water districts.

In 2013, Ortega was appointed by Gov. Jerry Brown to the California Water Commission. Prior to that, he was appointed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to serve on the California State Board of Food and Agriculture, where Ortega chaired its water committee from 2005 to 2012.

Ortega is the 20th Chairman in Metropolitan’s 94-year history and the first Latino chair. He was appointed as San Fernando representative on Metropolitan’s Board in March 2021 after previously representing the City of Fullerton from February 2019 to February 2021.

A Fullerton resident, Ortega holds bachelor’s degrees in English and history from Whittier College.

 

Suggested Resources

15 RESOURCES prev next
2024 Summary of Legislation

Sorry, but only ACWA members have permission to view this content. Member login is required.

Priority Issues Bulletin

Sorry, but only ACWA members have permission to view this content. Member login is required.

U.S. EPA Draft Risk Evaluation Under the Toxic Substances Control Act

To: Todd Coleman, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Subject: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Draft Risk Evaluation Under the Toxic Substances Control Act—Docket […]

Comment Letter: U.S. EPA Proposed High-Priority Substance Designations

To: Sarah Au, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Subject: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Proposed High-Priority Substance Designations Under the Toxic Substances […]

Comment Letter: Preliminary Proposed Amendments to Advanced Clean Fleets Regulation

To: Tony Brasil, Mobile Source Control Division, California Air Resources Control Board Subject: Comment Letter – Preliminary Proposed Amendments to […]

ACWA’s 2024 CLE Virtual Workshop Series Materials

The following presentations and materials for ACWA’s 2024 CLE Virtual Workshop Series are available: SEPTEMBER 18 (11:00 AM – NOON) […]

Comment Letter: USACE’s Draft Environmental Justice Strategic Plan

To: Joseph Redican, Deputy Chief, Planning and Policy Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Subject: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers […]

Webinar: Regulated Drinking Water Contaminants in California: Protecting Public Health & Financial Resilience

The high cost of complying with evolving drinking water regulations has deeply affected the water sector in California. Contaminants such […]

Toolkit for Water Professionals Appreciation Week Oct. 5-13

California’s Water Professionals Appreciation Week will kick off Oct. 5, celebrating the important role of water industry professionals and local […]

Joint Comment Letter: OEHHA’s Five-Year Review of the Perchlorate Public Health Goal

To: Dr. David Edwards, Acting Director, OEHHA Subject: OEHHA’s Five-Year Review of the Perchlorate Public Health Goal Letter excerpt: We […]

Webinar – From Policy to Practice: Understanding the Making Conservation a California Way of Life Regulation

A webinar in partnership with CalWEP and League of California Cities This webinar will walk through the State Water Resources […]

Tips for Implementing Making Conservation a California Way of Life

The State Water Resources Control Board on July 3 adopted the Making Conservation a California Way of Life regulation. Use […]

Regulatory Roundup

The following document is released each month and includes policy updates from ACWA’s Regulatory Department. Click on the below link […]

Comment Letter: EPA’s Water System Restructuring Assessment Rule

To: Will Bowman, Drinking Water Capacity & Compliance Assistance Division, EPA Subject: Water System Restructuring Assessment Rule EPA-HQ-OW-2022-0678 Letter excerpt: […]

Joint Comment Letter: Draft Intended Use Plans for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund

To: State Water Resources Control Board Subject: ACWA and CMUA Comment Letter regarding Draft Intended Use Plans for the Drinking Water […]

Suggested News

15 Articles prev next
New Incidental Take Permit Issued for State Water Project

SACRAMENTO – Addressing the dual challenges of climate change impacts and endangered species protections, the California Department of Water Resources […]

Designate Voter Now for Conference Membership Meeting

ACWA member agencies have until Monday, Nov. 25 to submit their Voting Representative Form required to vote during the Membership […]

San Marcos Fire and Vallecitos Team Up to Address Homeowners Insurance Issues

In a collaborative effort to support residents facing challenges with their homeowner’s insurance, the San Marcos Fire Department (SMFD) and […]

PWD Water Revenues to Increase by 11% in 2025

PALMDALE – The Palmdale Water District (PWD) Board of Directors voted unanimously Monday night to increase water revenues between 8% […]

November 2024 Priority Issues Update Now Available

The November 2024 Priority Issues Update is now available online to members. The update is a summary of the latest […]

Rate Assistance for Qualified PWD Customers Increased to $25 Per Month

PALMDALE – Palmdale Water District (PWD) customers who qualify for the Rate Assistance Program (RAP) will now receive $25 off […]

Tuolumne Utilities District Showcases Innovative Reclamation System

Tuolumne Utilities District (TUD) is proud to showcase its advanced wastewater reclamation system which treats and recycles 100% of its […]

Walnut Valley Water District Focuses on Transparency with New Water Rates Video

WALNUT – Walnut Valley Water District (WVWD) has launched a new educational video designed to help residents better understand their […]

Palmdale Water District Receives Two PR Awards

PALMDALE – The Palmdale Water District (PWD) Public Affairs Department was recognized with two Awards of Excellence from the Public […]

State Water Board Releases Draft Updates to the Bay-Delta Plan

On Oct. 25, the State Water Resources Control Board released a draft of potential updates for the Sacramento/Delta portions of […]

SCV Water Wins Seven PRSA Los Angeles Awards for Excellence in Public Relations

In recognition of its outstanding achievements in public relations, SCV Water received seven prestigious awards from the Public Relations Society […]

San Bernardino Valley Mourns the Loss of Board Vice President

SAN BERNARDINO – It is with deep sorrow we announce the sudden passing of Dr. June Hayes, Vice President and […]

West Basin Municipal Water District Promotes Susanna Li as Manager of Engineering

West Basin is pleased to announce the promotion of Susanna Li to the Manager of Engineering position. Susanna holds a […]

OAL Approves Making Conservation a CA Way of Life Regulation

The Office of Administrative Law on Oct. 22 approved the Making Conservation a California Way of Life Regulation that was […]

State, Federal Agencies Unite to Address Climate Resilience

SACRAMENTO –  Federal and State of California government agencies, overseeing water, agriculture, fish and wildlife, public lands and flood control, have […]