Board for Sonoma Water appoints longtime official as interim general manager
The board for Sonoma Water has appointed a longtime executive at the county agency as interim leader starting in September.
Assistant General Manager Brad Sherwood will take over the role from General Manager Grant Davis, who is retiring Sept. 14 after 16 years with the agency.
Sherwood, who joined Sonoma Water in 2006, will be responsible for leading the region’s dominant water provider as it undertakes a number of critical projects. Those include implementation of a more cutting-edge, forecast-based release regime at Lake Sonoma, the North Bay’s largest reservoir.
Also ahead is Sonoma Water’s central role navigating Pacific Gas & Electric Co.’s controversial plans to decommission and remove its two Eel River dams, which the utility giant contends are outdated and inefficient.
The agency has an operating budget of $256.2 million and 266 full-time employees. Its five board seats are held by the county’s five elected supervisors.
“Sonoma Water is known for going above and beyond what a typical water utility does to better serve our environment and our future population,” Sherwood said in a Friday interview.
Before joining Sonoma Water about 20 years ago, Sherwood said he first became familiar with the agency in 2002 through his work for the Association of California Water Agencies. Even then, he said, Sonoma Water was “one of the most innovative water utilities in the state.”
He added that he wants to carry that legacy forward.
Sherwood said he applied for the interim general manager position and is interested in the permanent position.
The county plans to conduct a nationwide search, according to a press release.
The California Legislature established Sonoma Water as a special district in 1949 to provide flood protection and water supply services to the region. Those services were expanded in 1995 to include wastewater treatment and disposal. The agency now provides wholesale water supply to more than 600,000 residents in Sonoma and Marin counties, and provides wastewater treatment and collection services to more than 22,000 residents.
As Sonoma Water’s assistant general manager, Sherwood was responsible for overseeing business services and external affairs, including administration, finance, government relations, community affairs, human resources and project management. He has a master’s degree in political management from George Washington University and bachelor’s degrees in government and journalism from California State University, Sacramento.
“Brad brings extensive knowledge of Sonoma Water, strong relationships throughout the region and a clear commitment to public service,” board Chair Rebecca Hermosillo said in a county press release. “The board is confident he will provide steady leadership while keeping the agency focused on serving our communities.”
Sherwood’s salary as interim general manager will be $301,589.
You can reach Staff Writer Emma Murphy at 707-521-5228 or emma.murphy@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @MurphReports.