The Sonoma County Water Agency’s former general manager Grant Davis returned to his old job last week after a nearly five-month absence serving as director of the California Department of Water Resources.
Davis was appointed by Gov. Jerry Brown last summer to take over the state’s oversight of California’s vast State Water Project supplying water for agriculture as well as Bay Area and Southern California customers.
Though honored to be appointed director by Governor Brown, Davis “wished to serve his community” in the aftermath of October’s catastrophic fires, said a county media release announcing Davis’ return.
“My home and passion is Sonoma County, and I am dedicated to helping the Water Agency achieve its ongoing goals while restoring our watersheds impacted by the wildfires,” said Davis.
Davis returned to his Water Agency post on Jan. 24, taking over from Mike Thompson, who had moved into the top position as interim general manager.
“Mr. Davis recently approached the county to request consideration to return to his former position, stressing his desire to serve in his home community in the wake of our catastrophe,” said Sonoma County Board of Supervisors chairman James Gore, who represents the north county’s Fourth District. “His local and regional experience, combined with his statewide relationships, will serve the Water Agency and the entire county well.”
Davis joined the county Water Agency in 2007 as the assistant general manager and became general manager in 2010. Prior to joining the Water Agency, Davis was executive director of the Bay Institute, a nonprofit, dedicated to protecting the San Francisco Bay-Delta Watershed and improving water management in California.
