The Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) has appointed Karla Nemeth, current director of the California Department of Water Resources (DWR), as its next Executive Director. The announcement was made by ACWA President Ernie Avila following a nationwide recruitment process and approval from the association’s Board of Directors.
Nemeth will assume the role on 1 September, succeeding the leadership of the organisation that represents around 470 public water agencies across California. ACWA members are responsible for delivering approximately 90% of the water supplied to cities, agriculture and businesses throughout the state.
Based in Sacramento, Nemeth will oversee a team of more than 40 employees, including staff in Washington D.C., supporting policy advocacy, educational initiatives and member services. Her appointment also marks the first time in ACWA’s 116-year history that a woman will serve as executive director.
“Karla Nemeth brings deep expertise and a proven track record navigating California’s most complex water challenges,” said ACWA President Ernie Avila. “Her leadership will strengthen ACWA’s role as a leading voice and advocate for water agencies across the state.”
Nemeth has led the California Department of Water Resources since 2018, after being appointed by Governor Jerry Brown and later reappointed by Governor Gavin Newsom. During her tenure, she directed efforts to address the impacts of climate change on water management, including investments in forecasting systems, groundwater management and infrastructure resilience.
In 2024, Governor Newsom assigned Nemeth responsibility for implementing several strategic projects under California’s “Water Supply Strategy – Adapting to a Hotter, Drier Future”, including initiatives linked to water conveyance modernisation, river restoration agreements and Colorado River supply stability.
Before joining DWR, Nemeth served at the California Natural Resources Agency as deputy secretary and senior advisor for water policy. She also managed the Bay Delta Conservation Plan project between 2009 and 2014.
