About the AWA
Our Mission
Our mission is to develop and encourage cooperation among entities for the development, protection, conservation and improvement of the total water resources for Ventura County.
Who We Are
The Association of Water Agencies of Ventura County (AWA) was formed in 1976 to provide a forum for the exchange of information on local and regional water issues. AWA is governed by an 21-member board of directors comprised of leaders representing various water related entities in our region (agriculture, municipalities, water purveyors, small systems, industrial water users, private business, concerned citizens, students, etc.)
Regular meetings and special events are held to disseminate information, and encourage discussion and innovative solutions to water issues facing Ventura County.
Transparency &
Ethical Governance
The AWA values transparency and ethical decision-making. As a membership-based organization, we recognize that some of our members also serve on our Board of Directors. We believe this structure fosters strong connections between our leadership and the constituents we serve.
Executive Officers
Gregory J. Patterson
AWA President
Music Peeler Garret LLP
Steve Huber
AWA President Elect
United Water Conservation District
Henry Molina
AWA Vice President
California American Water
Helen McGrath
AWA Secretary
Farm Bureau Ventura County
Officers/Directors
AWA 2026
March 5, 2026 Annual Election
Ann DeMartini
AWA Treasurer
DeMartini Enterprises LLC
Board of Directors
Brian Brennen, Director
Casitas Municipal Water District
Bob Engler, Council Member
City of Thousand Oaks
Bruce Keubler, Director
Independent County Water Districts
Ventura River Water District
Laura Hamman, Sustainability Manager
Major Industrial Water User
Gills Onions
Thibault Robert, Secretary
Calleguas Municipal Water District
Ian Anderson, Gov't Relations Manager
Southern California Edison
Susanne Cooper P.E., President
Member-at-Large
Jensen Design & Survey, Inc.
Gabriela Basua, Councilwoman
City of Oxnard
Jeannette Sanchez-Palacios, Mayor
City of Ventura
Henry Molina, Production Operations Supervisor
Investor Owned Water Companies
California American Water
Ann DeMartini, President
Mutual Water Companies
DeMartini Enterprises, LLC
Janice Parvin, Supervisor
Ventura County Board of Supervisors
Gregory J. Patterson, Attorney
Member-at-Large (Legislative Review)
Musick Peeler Garret LLP
Dee Zinke, Asst. General Manager
Member-at-Large
Metropolitan Water District
Elaine Litster, Council Member
City of Simi Valley
Pedro Chavez, Mayor
City Water Systems
City of Santa Paula
Danny Pereira, General Manager
Major Agricultural Water Systems
Rio Farms
Steve Huber, Director
United Water Conservation District
Jay Lewitt, Vice President
Wastewater/Reclamation Operators
Las Virgenes MWD
Shawn Thomas, Director CIBCSD
Member-at-Large
Port Hueneme Water Agency
Scott Meckstroth, P.E.
Member-at-Large (AWA Symposium Committe)
Ojai Valley Sanitary District
Alternate Directors
Calleguas Municipal Water District
Reddy Pakala, President
Casitas Municipal Water District
Pete Kaiser, Director
City of Oxnard
Aaron Starr, Council Member
City of Simi Valley
Wanda Moyer, Deputy Public Works Director
City of Ventura
Doug Halter, Deputy Mayor
City Water Systems
David Tennessen, Councilmember, City of Camarillo
Independent County Water Systems
Jared Bouchard, General Manager, Pleasant Valley County Water
Investor-Owned Water Companies
Scott Rigg, MPA Ops Supervisor, Golden State Water
Major Agriculture Water Systems
Helen McGrath, Farmer, Farm Bureau Ventura County
Major Industrial Water User
Steve Gill, President, Gills Onions
Mutual Water Companies
Barney Caudill, General Manager, Farmers Irrigation Co.
United Water Conservation District
Rachel Jones, Board Member
Ventura County Board of Supervisors
Vianey Lopez, Supervisor, District 5
Wastewater / Reclamation Operators
Jacob Coffman, City of Fillmore
Member at Large (Utilities: Energy/Communication)
To be announced
Member at Large (Port Hueneme Water Agency)
Laura Hernandez, Councilmember - Channel Islands Beach CSD
Member at Large (Legislative)
Anthony H. Trembley, Attorney at Law
Member at Large
Kevin Clack PhD, Engineer - Kennedy Jenks
Staff
Kelle L. Pistone
Managing Director
Michelle Johnson
Administration, Event Coordination and Special Programs