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The People of ACWD
Each day, ACWD employees work to meet our mission of providing a reliable supply of high-quality drinking water to our customers. We are proud of the dedicated, knowledgeable and skilled professionals who are committed to our customers and the services we provide. Here, we have the chance to introduce you to just a few!
Follow ACWD on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @AlamedaCountyWD for immediate updates on when we will post a new employee profile.
Caroline A., Emergency and Security Services Planner
As an Emergency and Security Services Planner, Caroline coordinates across internal departments and external agencies to strengthen preparedness, response and recovery efforts. She's tasked with protecting our most valuable assets across the service area - facilities, pipelines, water, and importantly, our employees.
She's updating the District's emergency response plan and developing new training programs to help employees prepare for many types of emergencies - including human-caused incidents, natural disasters, and water system incidents that may jeopardize the District's ability to fulfill its mission. She's also strengthening partnerships with local cities, the county and other agencies so we're ready to respond together when emergencies happen.
Growing up, Caroline was always involved in volunteering and knew she wanted to pursue a career in public service. After earning her master's in public administration, she began her career at East Bay Municipal Utility District in the HR Department and later supported the Security and Emergency Preparedness team. During that time, she completed development trainings with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and California's Office of Emergency Services, which sparked her passion for emergency management and ultimately led her to ACWD.
Outside of work, she has always loved giving back through volunteering. While living in Union City, she served on the City's Park and Recreation Commission for 11 years. After moving to Fremont, she completed the Leadership Fremont program and now represent ACWD on its Steering Committee. Volunteering has allowed her to strengthen her leadership skills while connecting with and learning from the diverse communities we serve. She believe democracy happens every day through the choices we make to contribute to our communities, and volunteering is one of the most meaningful ways she can give back.
Caroline's perfect free day involves anything where her fur babies, Tibbers, Cha Cha, and Guinness, can come along. Some of their favorite stops are Coyote Hills Regional Park, Niles Community Park and the Alameda Creek. She expresses how hard to stay away from work when our service area is so beautiful!
"As a Union City native, working at ACWD is especially meaningful! I get to give back to the community I call home and help ensure clean, reliable drinking water for future generations. Being part of the water industry has also deepened my appreciation for its value in our everyday lives." As of 10/25
Caroline A., Emergency and Security Services Planner
Ethan B., Administrative Analyst 2
Ethan’s official job title is Administrative Analyst 2, but his job description is mostly “other duties as assigned.” He’s one of the many “jacks of all trades” that make ACWD a lean and effective organization.
Ethan has many varied duties. One of his tasks is to lead the grants team – a group of District leaders and subject-matter experts who to match up District projects with grant opportunities. The program is an important piece of keeping ACWD's cost of service reasonable for customers. Last year, the program received a $12 million grant for the Alvarado Niles Pipeline Seismic Improvement project.
He also leads ACWD's customer assistance program, Help on Tap. It’s another piece of the affordability puzzle for the District – customers who are approved receive a credit to offset the bi-monthly service charge, which is $66.30 right now. When Ethan took over the program, it had around 300 enrolled customers; it has since grown to include approximately 1,800 customers.
Lately, Ethan is focused on the District’s planning efforts and assisting on an update to the District’s Strategic Plan, as well as the Water Resources Master Plan.
When Ethan is away from work, he engages in many hobbies – playing and listening to music, cooking, trying to stay fit, and likes traveling. Ethan's favorite destinations have been Germany, France, and Cambodia.
Something unique to Ethan is that he likes to use digital spreadsheets for just about everything. He and his wife create themed movie watchlists, leaving notes and ratings so they can revisit them later. He also uses a spreadsheet to keep track of dinners and meal prep. Ethan has dinner records dating going back to March 2020.
"So many impressive people at the District are doing great work, which is rewarding to be a part of. It’s also a good environment - it’s not stressful coming into the office, even when things are hectic. I’ve also found that it’s a place where hard work, diligence, and willingness to try new things are rewarded - getting outside of my lane has led to cool new opportunities." As of 4/25
Ethan B., Administrative Analyst 2
Renee G., Public Affairs Specialist
Born in the Tri-City area and a lifelong love of being near water, Renee seemed destined to come “home” and work on all things water at ACWD.
She grew up in Union City and is a proud James Logan High School Colt! Her grandfather and dad would take her to Alameda Creek, Niles Canyon, and local ponds to go fishing. She would also bike around the creek trail, and hunt for tadpoles.
Before coming to ACWD, Renee worked for 15 years as a student life coordinator at Ohlone College. Working with student government, clubs, and putting on special events prepared her for the work she does with ACWD. Relationship building with partners was important and that’s been a helpful skill at ACWD which values engagement with the communities it serves.
Locally, she also had a childhood filled with years and years of water appreciation. Renee loved to swim and briefly was on the JLHS swim team. Her mom’s family is from Hawaii, and she still loves snorkeling, swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking, and more.
At ACWD, she does community engagement and outreach, creates digital and printed materials, staffs community events, runs the social media accounts, leads facility tours and oversees the water education program. Public Affairs simplifies technical information to plain language, so her work requires thought and creativity so that what ACWD disseminates is relevant and helpful.
A fun fact about Renee is that she says she's extremely allergic to most animals, so the family has a lot of "wet pets," including two fancy fantail goldfish, Cutie and Sprinkle, and their five aquatic companions, a band of Gold Inca snails. They all live together in peaceful harmony in a temperature-controlled outdoor environment.
"Every day is different, and the Public Affairs team is fortunate to observe every aspect of ACWD so we can tell the District’s many stories. One morning, I might be working on social media posts, shift to a water education program assignment a bit later, followed by a community outreach event that evening. "As of 3/25
Renee G., Public Affairs Specialist
Terry L., Facilities Maintenance Worker
From work to play, Terry's life is entrenched in water. A Fremont native with a lifelong love of nature's most valuable resource, it is no wonder he has committed 28 years of service to ACWD. From fishing in the quarry of Rhodes and Jamieson and playing in Alameda Creek as a child, to spending his days in the bay and ocean, this avid saltwater fisherman loves reeling in a fresh catch when he's not serving the community he grew up in.
Some of Terry's fondest memories are of times spent with his father on the water where he learned to fish and, at the age of ten, to dive for abalone. Now, he spends time on or near the ocean. He enjoys camping and vacationing at Lake Tahoe and the Garden Island of Kauai. Terry's career is centered around water. For 22 years, he worked in the Distribution and Maintenance Division, putting a lot of fire, domestic, and irrigation water service lines in the ground for some of the area’s largest manufacturing companies. During this time, he also responded to service line leaks.
One of the things Terry enjoys about his job is that every day is different. One day, he will troubleshoot the HVAC system; the next day, he will conduct preventative maintenance inspections on water storage facilities. However, his most rewarding task is building the coveted retirement clock made from an old water meter given to staff with 15 years or more of service upon retirement. That is an honor. Terry also maintains multiple certifications: water distribution grade II certification, crane operator certification, class A driver's license, and of course, though not work-related, his scuba diver certification.
A fun fact about Terry is that he is a space nerd. He is fascinated by astronomy and enjoys watching documentaries to understand the universe better.
"Many times, as we worked through the night to restore water service, customers showed gratitude by offering hot tea or even a meal. Those acts of kindness have stayed with me. And it’s through the delivery of water that I have interacted with people of different cultures and backgrounds within the cities we serve. I’ve met some amazing people during my tenure at ACWD. Many times, as we worked through the night to restore water service, customers showed gratitude by offering hot tea or even a meal. Those acts of kindness have stayed with me. And it’s through the delivery of water that I have interacted with people of different cultures and backgrounds within the cities we serve. I’ve met some amazing people during my tenure at ACWD." As of 11/24
Terry L., Facilities Maintenance Worker
Gisselle D., Water Use Efficiency Specialist
Working toward a more sustainable future and reliable water supply, Gisselle D., Water Use Efficiency Specialist II, is passionate about protecting the environment. Her passion is demonstrated in her work, providing support and resources to ACWD customers about water conservation and the vehicle she selected when purchasing her first car – a charming electric Kia.
Gisselle has always enjoyed nature! As a family tradition, her mom and she would go on hikes or long walks every weekend. Gisselle became more conscious of environmental issues in high school, which led to her majoring in Environmental Studies at Santa Clara University. While in college, she had internships in energy and waste management. Gisselle was ecstatic about the opportunity to explore the water industry when she started at ACWD.
As part of her job, Gisselle manages rebate programs and develops new programs based on state-wide initiatives and the local needs of Fremont, Union City and Newark. Her job also entails outreach, education and compassion when speaking with ACWD customers who may be experiencing challenging situations related to their water use. It makes her smile when she can address a customer’s concern. Gisselle likes and values the opportunity to make a difference in how people interact with the environment. The impact can be as small as providing a more efficient faucet aerator or as large as transforming a lawn into a water-efficient landscape with mulch and California native plants. She truly enjoys helping customers decrease their water usage, especially in California, which has a history of drought.
A fun fact about Gisselle is that as a kid, I sometimes stayed up late and overindulged in playing my favorite Nintendo DS game, Pokémon. I hid under a blanket and turned the volume low when I was playing to avoid getting into trouble; however, my parents somehow knew that I was not sleeping, and I got caught. Now, I indulge in movie nights, walks with my dog and tend to my plants.
"I’m most proud of helping our customers. A wonderful part of the job is being able to listen to customers' questions or concerns and work with them to address whatever they need help with. It’s great to hear back from customers that they were able to successfully find a leak with the resources we provided and become a part of the community." As of 5/24
Gisselle D., Water Use Efficiency Specialist
Christine S., Office Supervisor for the Operations Department
Whether ACWD customers have questions about the Main Cleaning Program or there is a water emergency, Christine S., Operations Office Supervisor and her team are there to answer your questions and dispatch the staff needed to resolve issues. Internally, Christine and her team support the employees in Operations, from the staff members who test water samples and hydrants, to the team that keeps ACWD's facilities running to ensure we provide the Tri-City area with quality water.
Prior to working at ACWD, Christine was a Work Rehabilitation Aid. Her disposition to provide guidance to others led her to a position managing a physical therapy office for 20 years. Christine knew that she wanted to continue to help people in her next career and was introduced to the water industry from a former colleague. Working at ACWD was an opportunity for her to serve the public.
Christine joined the District in 2015 as an Office Assistant in the Engineering and Technology Services (ETS) department. After working in ETS for six years, she was promoted from Office Assistant I to Office Assistant II. In 2021, Christine applied for an opportunity to become an Office Supervisor in Operations and was thrilled to receive the promotion. She has been a supervisor for two years and enjoys her role and working with her team.
Christine shares that the two places that ground her are the beach and the mountains. One of her go-to beaches is in Half Moon Bay; she recently visited with her kids and grandkids and had a great time. She also enjoys spending time with her twin sister when she can make the drive to visit her!
"The best part of my job is working with the people in the Operations department. We have good group dynamics and a team environment. I am proud to contribute to our great culture at ACWD by mentoring and coaching colleagues and being a loyal employee." As of 2/24
Christine S., Office Supervisor for the Operations Department
Aaron T., Construction Inspector
As a Construction Inspector for Developmental Services, Aaron often drives around the service area, meets with contractors and developers, and completes the proper paperwork to ensure ACWD infrastructure is up to safety and quality standards. Aaron's ability to multitask, his first-hand experience working with underground pipelines, and his passion for public service are valued by the District.
Aaron was a heavy equipment operator and worked in construction for 10 years, following the footsteps of his father, who had a 20-plus-year career as an operator engineer. After working in construction for 10 years, Aaron sought a more fulfilling career and decided to join law enforcement as a police officer in the Hunters Point neighborhood of San Francisco, and in Berkeley. While he found working in law enforcement rewarding to help people, it was also taxing. When it came time to switch careers, Aaron knew he still wanted to be in a role where he could support the community and came across a Construction Inspector job at ACWD.
Aaron explains that his journey to ACWD was unorthodox but that he's enjoyed the valleys and peaks to get to where he currently is. He will be celebrating his five years at ACWD in October 2023.
Apart from his job tasks, Aaron enjoys the simple pleasures and calm moments of life, like watching his kids grow up, going on a walk, catching A's and Raiders games, and collecting baseball cards. People may not know that he's a big University of Alabama fan. His parents live near the university, and he enjoys visiting them. He expresses that the food is delicious and that the people are very hospitable.
"I can't say enough good things about the people at ACWD and the team I work with. Whenever I have a question, the engineers in Developmental Services are there to help. We are constantly working together to problem-solve and review specs for best practices." As of 9/23
Aaron T., Construction Inspector
Leona B., Accounting Technician
As an Accounting Technician, Leona has supported payroll, accounts receivable and accounts payable during her tenure. Leona continues to ensure that ACWD stays fiscally responsible with her keen eye for detail, checking numbers for exact matches and properly recording documentation within financial regulations for audits.
Leona joined the District nearly eight years ago. Her career in accounting began as a Personal Financial Records Clerk in the United States Marine Corps. This training led her to a position at a large semiconductor company as a Staff Accountant, where she was encouraged to obtain her business degree. After attending part-time night school while working, she graduated and took a hiatus from work to raise her children. When Leona returned to work, she found a home at ACWD.
Apart from her job tasks, Leona enjoys volunteering for public outreach events hosted by the District. ACWD is a vital part of its service area, and Leona is proud to share what she knows about what we do, how we do it, and why. For example, last year Leona put up a drought yard sign and replaced her lawn with low-water perennials and stone. A few of her neighbors asked about the lawn conversion and were inspired to do the same. It was special for her to know that she made an impact with the knowledge she shared.
Leona expresses that life is busy with a big family, two cats and a dog. However, she enjoys reading, working in her garden and practicing new recipes, when she has spare time. One of Leona's passions is baking, and we like desserts here at ACWD; it is always fun for her to bring treats for everyone to try.
"Before working here, I never considered how water got to my kitchen sink. Now, I can appreciate all the contributions that make it happen. Plus, my coworkers are always willing to lend a helping hand, and it's great to be on a team you can laugh with." As of 5/23
Leona B., Accounting Technician
Paul R., Information Technology Analyst
Paul, our Information Technology Analyst for Network and Cybersecurity, is charged with shielding ACWD’s computer networks from cyberattacks. He navigates complex IT infrastructure to protect ACWD’s internet-connected system. Apart from his role as an ACWD cyber sentry on weekdays, Paul is a real Renaissance man – going ballroom dancing with his partner on weekends, hunting for gold off Highway 49 or behind a lathe crafting fine woodworking projects.
Paul was a heavy equipment operator (Local 3), over the road truck driver, a carpenter, and even studied to be an airline pilot while in the San Jose State University Air Force ROTC. Although he very much enjoyed being an Operator, Paul was inspired by a former co-worker to return to school and learn Computing/Networking. This led him to find a “Dot-Com” job in the late ‘90s and gain experience that prepared Paul for his current position at ACWD.
In his career at ACWD, Paul is most proud of leading four Red Cross blood drives at ACWD. It’s a Districtwide event at our main office that makes it easy for any employee to participate – donating blood is the gift of life. He is now coordinating a blood drive for July 2023.
Paul enjoys working with the ACWD staff and seeing them go through stages of life - becoming expectant mothers, babies being proudly shown for the first time, or hearing stories of how kids are growing up. He also enjoys the off-hour employee events open to families, including holiday parties, BBQs and other celebrations. In addition, when a societal or water emergency arises, ACWD is ready with well-qualified teams and resources to resolve the incident quickly. Paul is proud to be a supportive part of the quick response day or night.
"Currently, most of my work is related to cybersecurity; it’s enjoyable because we have a tightly woven IT team. It is rewarding to work together with the same goal of having an impervious networked “wall” protecting the staff and systems inside." As of 3/23