City of Riverside, CA

09/11/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/11/2024 11:45

David A. Garcia Named General Manager of Riverside Public Utilities

Published: 9/11/2024



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Sept. 11, 2024

Contact:

Phil Pitchford

Public Information Officer

951-826-5975

[email protected]

David A. Garcia Named General Manager of Riverside Public Utilities

Water industry veteran had been Interim General Manager since April

RIVERSIDE, Calif. - David A. Garcia has been named General Manager of Riverside Public Utilities (RPU) after serving in the role on an interim basis since mid-April.

Garcia has three decades of experience in the Southern California water industry, most recently as RPU Interim General Manager and previously as the utility's Assistant General Manager, Water Delivery.

"Riverside Public Utilities is a great example of the benefit of publicly owned utilities, delivering very reliable electric and water service at the lowest utility rates in California for more than 100 years," City Manager Mike Futrell said. "David Garcia will continue that legacy of excellence as the utility General Manager. He understands the importance of RPU to our health and growth as a city, while being sensitive to the needs and concerns of our residents and businesses."

Garcia is in his second stint with the city's provider of water and electric power. He returned to the utility in August 2022 after working as Director of Water Operations at Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD) in Perris. Before going to EMWD, Garcia was RPU's Water Systems Operations Manager.

Prior to that first stint with RPU, Garcia served as Water Production and Regulatory Affairs Manager at Walnut Valley Water District and Water Quality Supervisor at Orange County Water District in Fountain Valley. He has a B.S. in Environmental Sciences from UC Riverside and an M.S. in Environmental Studies from Cal State Fullerton. He has earned many professional development achievements and certifications.

"I am honored to have the opportunity to take what I have learned as Interim General Manager and translate that into long-term success for RPU," Garcia said. "I look forward to working with our professional staff, our Mayor and City Council, and our Board of Public Utilities to create an even more professional and resilient RPU."

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