What are the responsibilities and job description for the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) position at Valley Water (Santa Clara Valley Water District)?
A seven-member Board of Directors governs the agency and appoints the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), one of three positions (Clerk of the Board, District Counsel) reporting directly to the Board. The CEO is responsible for execution of the policy directives from the Board, day-to-day operations, and management of the leadership team, comprised of the CEO, the assistant CEO, three chief operating officers (COOs) (water utility enterprise, watersheds, and IT and administrative services), and the chief of external affairs. Valley Water has been much in the news recently and encourages all prospective candidates to explore all aspects of this opportunity thoroughly, including the organization itself, the cost of living, etc. The current interim CEO has served since February 2025. CEO tenure dating back to late-1994 averages 7.38 years.
Qualifications:
A bachelor’s degree (public or business administration, finance, engineering, or related) and at least seven years of experience demonstrating progressively increased responsibility, including three years in a high-level capacity, are required. Water utility and industry knowledge, technical expertise, and local government leadership and management are desirable.