Metropolitan Board Seeks Public Input on Selection of New General Manager

Meetings scheduled for Nov. 19, Nov. 21

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Metropolitan Water District’s Board of Directors invites the public to help shape its search for a new general manager through participation in two virtual meetings to be held from 6-7 p.m. on Nov. 19, and from 10-11 a.m. on Nov. 21. Register to attend one of the meetings here.

The open forums are part of a broad engagement plan aimed at gathering input from the public, member agencies, businesses, environmental groups, employees and other stakeholders on the background, experience and qualities desired to successfully lead Metropolitan following the retirement of longtime General Manager Jeffrey Kightlinger.

“The selection of a general manager is one of the most important decisions we can make as a board. It will shape the future of this organization,” Metropolitan board Chairwoman Gloria D. Gray said. “By including stakeholders in this process, we’re ensuring transparency and inclusivity while hearing their valuable and diverse perspectives.”

The board in August approved a $160,000 contract with The Hawkins Company to assist in a national search for Kightlinger’s successor. The search firm, a certified, minority-owned business, has over 30 years of experience in recruitment services for private and public organizations, having completed more than 700 searches and consulting assignments across the United States. The firm also helped in Metropolitan’s recruitment of its previous and current general counsels, and general auditor.

In addition to the public engagement meetings this month, The Hawkins Company will receive input from stakeholders through an electronic survey and meetings with Metropolitan’s board, executive management, bargaining units and employee resource groups. The electronic survey will be available on Metropolitan’s website beginning Monday.

The Hawkins Company will use this input to guide its recruitment strategy, update Metropolitan’s general manager job description, and define core competencies to identify, screen and evaluate candidates.

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California is a state-established cooperative that, along with its 26 cities and retail suppliers, provides water for 19 million people in six counties. The district imports water from the Colorado River and Northern California to supplement local supplies, and helps its members to develop increased water conservation, recycling, storage and other resource-management programs.