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Heather Dyer, M.S., M.B.A., has served as Chief Executive Officer and General Manager since 2019, leading more than $400 million in critical water infrastructure investments. An endangered species biologist by training, she combines expertise in fisheries science and watershed ecology with business strategy and regional collaboration to advance resilient, sustainable water solutions for Southern California.

Wen Huang, P.E., M.S., serves as Chief Operating Officer and Assistant General Manager, bringing more than a decade of leadership experience with the agency. A licensed Professional Engineer, he combines expertise in engineering, water resource planning, and operations to advance regional infrastructure, water supply reliability, and resilient water systems.

Jose Macedo, M.A., M.L., serves as Chief Administrative Officer and Deputy General Manager, bringing more than 20 years of leadership experience from the U.S. Army. A retired Army officer and Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran, he brings extensive experience in organizational leadership and logistics and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Leadership.

Cindy Saks, CPA, serves as Chief Financial Officer and Deputy General Manager, overseeing the agency’s financial activities since joining in 2007. She holds a B.S. in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting from California State University, San Bernardino. A licensed Certified Public Accountant, she brings more than 20 years of public accounting and audit experience specializing in water and special districts.

Joanna Gibson, M.S., serves as Executive Director of the Upper Santa Ana River Habitat Conservation Program, bringing extensive experience in conservation planning, environmental permitting, and ecology. Her career includes roles with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and conservation organizations in the U.S. and Australia. She holds an M.S. in Ecology from Purdue University Fort Wayne.

Michael Plinski, P.E., serves as Chief of Water Resources, bringing more than 25 years of experience in water resources and infrastructure. A Registered Civil Engineer in California, he specializes in regional water planning, watershed resiliency, and long-term water supply solutions and holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Resources Engineering from Cal Poly Humboldt.

Greg Woodside, M.S., serves as Executive Director of Planning and Natural Resources, bringing more than 25 years of experience in water resources management and hydrogeology. A Registered Geologist and Certified Hydrogeologist in California, he combines expertise in groundwater management, watershed planning, and natural resources to advance sustainable water resource solutions.