San Diego County Water Authority General Manager Sandra L. Kerl retired Thursday after more than 40 years of public service, with Deputy General Manager Dan Denham taking over on an interim basis.
Kerl’s tenure at the water authority included 10 years as deputy general manager and four years as the agency’s top staff member during a period of unprecedented drought regionally and nationally.
“Sandy’s vision and management skills have been crucial in successfully navigating the challenges of an extreme drought while ensuring stability through the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Mel Katz, chair of the water authority’s board. “Her deep experience with water issues, collaborative management style, and can-do spirit guided the agency through an unprecedented period of change.”
During a ceremony at the water authority’s Kearny Mesa headquarters, California Senate President pro Tempore Toni Atkins presented Kerl with a framed resolution recognizing her contributions to the region on behalf of the entire San Diego County delegation in the state Legislature.
Kerl played a pivotal role in securing financing for the nation’s largest seawater desalination plant, which started commercial operations in Carlsbad in 2015 and produces approximately 50 million gallons of water a day for the San Diego region.
“It has been my privilege to work with so many talented and dedicated people during my 14 years at the water authority,” said Kerl. “Enhancing our workplace culture, breaking down barriers to collaboration, and ensuring safe and reliable water supplies despite intense challenges would not have been possible without the dedication of staff, member agencies, and the board of directors.”
The water authority board formed a work group to lead the process of selecting a new general manager. During the interim, Denham will work closely with staff and the board to ensure continued execution of the agency’s priorities.
Denham has served in a number of leadership capacities with the water authority over the past 17 years. Before joining the authority, he worked at the city of San Diego’s Metropolitan Wastewater Department, Financial Management Department and Mayor’s Office.
