CVWD Board Director To Head Salton Sea Authority

Palm Desert CA

09 November, 2020

5:02 PM

Description

COACHELLA VALLEY, CA — G. Patrick O'Dowd, a six-year member of the Coachella Valley Water District Board of Directors, announced last week his resignation to take a post as executive director of the Salton Sea Authority. Created in 1993 as a Joint Powers Authority, the Salton Sea Authority seeks funding and state and federal partnerships to revitalize the environment and economy of the Salton Sea. O'Dowd, who announced his CVWD departure Nov. 3, is a director and past president of the Salton Sea Authority. The Authority's 10-member board is comprised of representatives from each of the five major local stakeholders at the Salton Sea: Imperial Irrigation District, CVWD, Riverside County, Imperial County, and Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla tribe. "It's been a privilege to serve on the CVWD board," O'Dowd said. "My time on the board has afforded me an opportunity to deeply understand the rich history and critical importance of this special organization. Since its inception, CVWD has been led by men and women who have passionately guided the organization to its position of prominence in the water community, both in the State and National arenas. I'm honored to have been able to contribute in some small way to the writing of that history." CVWD will appoint someone to fill the Division 1 board vacancy. On Tuesday, Nov. 10, the district's board discussed an option to hold a special election to fill the seat but agreed to an appointment as the more cost-effective option. The board authorized the district to publicize the vacancy at least 15 days before the board makes the appointment no later than Jan. 4, 2021. A person appointed to fill the seat must be a resident of, and otherwise qualified to be a director from, Division 1. The boundaries for Division 1 are shown at CVWD's district boundary map. Anyone interested in being appointed is required to submit a letter of interest and/or a resume setting forth a brief summary of interest, qualifications, background and information regarding residence in order to verify Division 1 residency. Letters of interest and/or resumes must be delivered or mailed to CVWD so that they are received no later than 4 p.m. on Nov. 25, 2020. Letters of interest and/or resumes can be mailed to P.O. Box 1058, Coachella, CA 92236. They also can be delivered to the Steve Robbins Administration Building, 75515 Hovley Lane East, Palm Desert, CA 92211. Prior to delivering in person, contact Sylvia Bermudez, Clerk of the Board, at 760-398-2651 ext. 2217 or [email protected] to arrange a delivery time as district offices are currently closed to the public. Bermudez can also provide additional information if needed. CVWD will contact applicants to confirm receipt of interest and may follow up regarding time, date and location of open and public board meeting(s) during which interviews will be conducted and the board will potentially make a decision regarding an appointment. The board may elect to schedule additional meetings if necessary. The Coachella Valley Water District is a public agency governed by a five-member board of treatment and reclamation services, regional storm water protection, groundwater management and water conservation. It serves approximately 108,000 residential and business customers across 1,000 square miles, located primarily in Riverside County, but also in portions of Imperial and San Diego counties.