We are excited to announce our first placement of 2014: Ms. Rosemary Menard, City of Santa Cruz’ new Water Director.  Menard begins her new position in Santa Cruz with more than 30 years experience in water planning and management, as well as regulatory and environmental issues.

“We are very pleased to have Ms. Menard come aboard at a critical point in our water supply discussions,” said Santa Cruz City Manager Martín Bernal in statement. “She brings a wealth of leadership and experience in water operations, conservation, administration and policy to our organization.

In a recent interview, Menard said she pursued the Santa Cruz job because “I feel like the kind of strategic and analytical and public participation experience I have lend themselves to tackling big thorny issues.”

Menard’s previous leadership includes two roles within Washoe County, Nevada government and various management positions in the Portland (Ore.) Water Bureau and Seattle Water Department.  Menard has received the Distinguished Service Award by the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies. The San Leandro native received bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Washington.

Menard takes the post as Santa Cruz undertakes a new public-led study of how to manage its drought-prone water supply for 90,000 customers with an eye toward long-term sustainability.