SMWD’s Aggie Nesh Loves People, Teams & Clarity by Santa Margarita Water District Feb 11, 2026 Member Submitted News Santa Margarita Water District is pleased to welcome Aggie Nesh as its new Director of Human Resources. As a member of the District’s leadership team, Aggie plays a key role in supporting the employees who deliver safe, reliable water and wastewater services to our community every day. Aggie brings nearly 20 years of Human Resources experience across municipal and regional agencies in both the public and private sectors. Her background reflects a strong commitment to building effective organizations through thoughtful strategy, strong relationships, and continuous improvement. “I was drawn to SMWD because it provides an essential service and is in a period of growth and innovation,” Aggie shared. “There is a real opportunity here to strengthen systems, culture, and how we support employees.” In her role as Director of Human Resources, Aggie oversees workforce planning, recruitment, employee development, and organizational systems that help ensure SMWD remains a strong, forward-looking public agency. She is focused on positioning HR as a true strategic partner—supporting leaders, empowering employees, and helping teams perform at their best. In addition to her professional experience, Aggie spent 10 years teaching at the University of Southern California, where she helped graduating students transition from academic study to professional careers. That experience reinforced her belief in building strong talent pipelines and investing in people early in their professional journeys—an approach she continues to bring to SMWD. What excites Aggie most about her new role is the opportunity to help shape the District’s next chapter. “I’m energized by working with a team that values collaboration and new ideas,” she said. “Supporting leadership development, helping talent grow, and putting the right tools and systems in place to make work more meaningful and effective are things I find incredibly rewarding.” As the water industry prepares for a wave of retirements nationwide, Aggie sees significant opportunity for both emerging and experienced professionals. “Water districts offer careers that combine technical challenge with community impact,” she explained. “It’s a field where long-term growth goes hand in hand with public service, public health, and quality of life.” Outside of the office, Aggie enjoys staying active and spending time with her family. Much of her time is spent cheering on her two sons at baseball and basketball games, participating in Boy Scouts activities, and enjoying Southern California’s beaches with family and friends. When asked, in fun, what “superpower” she would choose if she could have any superpower, Aggie points to something that reflects her leadership style: Eliminating miscommunication—clear, kind, no guessing games—“it makes a huge difference,” she said. “Either that, or teleportation. It depends on the day.” Colleagues are often surprised to learn that Aggie’s first job was as a lifeguard at a local YMCA—an early experience that taught her the importance of responsibility, teamwork, and staying calm under pressure. As both a seasoned HR leader and a working parent, Aggie brings a balanced perspective to her role. She values high performance, accountability, and results, while also recognizing the importance of building workplaces rooted in respect, support, and shared purpose. With her deep experience, collaborative approach, and genuine commitment to people, Aggie strengthens SMWD’s ability to serve its customers with excellence. Her leadership reflects the District’s dedication to investing in its workforce—because when employees are supported, the entire community benefits. Her passion for building strong teams and meaningful workplace connections aligns closely with SMWD’s mission and values—and with the District’s commitment to serving our customers with care, integrity, and professionalism. Learn more about Santa Margarita Water District at SMWD.com/News.
