For Immediate Release: June 8, 2022
Contact: Jennifer Allen, (925) 688-8041 office, (925) 297-9739 mobile
Concord – After over 30 years working in the professional world of water, Contra Costa Water District’s (CCWD) General Manager, Steve Welch, has announced that he will retire at the end of September.
Welch came onboard with CCWD in 1997 as a Principal Engineer and was promoted twice to Director of Engineering and Assistant General Manager overseeing Engineering, Planning, Watershed & Lands and Operations & Maintenance. In November 2019, he was selected to become General Manager.
When asked about his decision, Welch said, “I have thoroughly enjoyed over 30 years working in the water industry as we provide an essential service to support healthy and thriving communities, but it is the right time for me to retire and transition to pursue another passion of mine in agriculture and wine making. It has been my privilege to work with the amazing team at CCWD that is dedicated to ensuring reliable water service to all customers.”
During Welch’s career at CCWD he was primarily focused on the design, construction, operation and maintenance of key infrastructure serving the communities in central and eastern Contra Costa County. In becoming General Manager in 2019, Welch continued that focus by providing leadership in furthering the expansion of Los Vaqueros reservoir in forming a Joint Powers Authority and championing the need to modernize the Contra Costa Canal. He also added focus to additional initiatives including Diversity & Inclusion, and Branding & Marketing. Under his leadership, even through a pandemic, both initiatives have advanced with strategic plans that will further CCWD’s presence in the local community and larger water industry.
“Under these unique and challenging times, Steve has actively looked for ways to build stronger connections with our customers, further develop our relationships with regional partners and expand the diversity of our workforce,” said Ernesto Avila, Board President. “The Board appreciates the leadership that Steve has provided and is challenged with the responsibility to identify an experienced professional to lead CCWD in its next chapter.“
The CCWD Board will initiate an internal/external recruitment later this month for the next General Manager.
6.8.22 CCWD News Release - Welch Retirement (PDF)