ACWA Announces Two Promotions

The Association of California Water Agencies is excited to announce the selection of two new directors who will lead ACWA's advocacy on state legislation and regulations starting in January of 2025.

Julia Hall has accepted the position of Director of State Legislative Relations. Julia came to ACWA in 2019 from the State, where she had most recently served as a Deputy Director at a state commission. Julia started at ACWA as a Senior Legislative Advocate and then became the Legislative Relations Manager. Julia serves as liaison to ACWA's State Legislative Committee.

Chelsea Haines has accepted the position of Director of State Regulatory Relations. Chelsea came to ACWA in 2017 from the State Water Resources Control Board, where she had served as a Legislative Analyst. Chelsea started at ACWA as a Regulatory Advocate. She became a Senior Regulatory Advocate and then the Regulatory Relations Manager. Chelsea serves as liaison to ACWA's Water Management Committee.

"Both of these government relations professionals have proven their political and policy skills in their years at ACWA. They also have excellent credentials," said ACWA Executive Director Dave Eggerton.

Julia holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from the University of California, Santa Cruz and a Master of Public Policy and Administration from California State University, Sacramento.

Chelsea holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Planning and Studies from Sonoma State University. Chelsea's Master's degree is in International Policy from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies. Chelsea also holds a management certificate from Harvard Business School.

Instead of having two separate departments as ACWA had several years ago, the approach for ACWA's State Relations Department is to maximize collaboration on advocacy on state legislation and regulations.

Both Julia and Chelsea enjoy working with ACWA's public water agency members and advocating on behalf of the agencies. Cindy Tuck, ACWA Deputy Executive Director, expressed, "I'm excited about these promotions. They are exceptional advocates and managers who will accomplish great work for ACWA's members,"