RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif., Jan. 9, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The California Utility Executive Management Association (CUEMA) Board of Directors is building on its industry leadership position with the recent addition of two public agency managers to its board. Gary W. Darling, general manager of Delta Diablo Sanitation District and Joone Lopez, general manager of Moulton Niguel Water District, officially joined CUEMA's Board of Directors at its fall 2012 meeting held in Northern California. As water or wastewater utility general managers, the new directors bring leadership and experience to an organization devoted to developing and educating the professional executives of the California water industry.

"CUEMA's great strength is the experience of its members," said John V. Rossi, president of the CUEMA board and general manager at Western Municipal Water District in Riverside. "Our collaborative approach with our membership capitalizes on this strength, allowing water industry managers to share best practices, strategies, resources, and vision. I am confident that Gary and Joone will be invaluable as we work to improve the California water industry."

As general manager of Moulton Niguel Water District (MNWD), Joone Lopez brings substantial experience running major utility operations. Prior to moving to MNWD, which provides water and wastewater services to 165,000 residents in Southern Orange County, Lopez served as general manager of Calaveras County Water District. During her time at Calaveras, she was instrumental in the effort to construct a new Operations Headquarters facility, collaboration with other water agencies for annexation with CCWD, and negotiations with employees and unions.

Gary W. Darling has served since 2003 as general manager of Delta Diablo Sanitation District (DDSD), a provider of wastewater and pollution prevention services to nearly 200,000 residential and industrial customers across three cities in East Contra Costa County. Darling's commitment to enhancing California's sustainable water resources includes overseeing the environmental review for the $650M Freeport water project on the Sacramento River, and serving as program manager on the $450M Los Vaqueros Reservoir, which received the 1999 American Society of Civil Engineers Outstanding Achievement Award.

"CUEMA is unique in its approach, with water leaders working together in an informal environment, focused on practical problem solving," said Rick Gilmore, vice president of CUEMA's board and general manager of Byron Bethany Irrigation District. "As we identify the future direction of our industry, we look forward to input from Joone and Gary."

SOURCE California Utility Executives Management Association