California Water News Daily Your Source For Water News in California
California Water Service Group (Group) (NYSE: CWT) today announced the promotion of Michael S. Mares, Jr. from Vice President, California Operations to Vice President, Operations. Effective January 1, 2021, Mares will oversee field operations for California Water Service (Cal Water), Hawaii Water Service (Hawaii Water), New Mexico Water Service, and Washington Water Service.
Mares has risen through the ranks, starting as a temporary Operation Maintenance Worker in 1992 before moving into other positions with increasing responsibilities. Mares also served as Local Manager of Hawaii Water’s Big Island, Hawaii Water General Manager, and Cal Water’s Bakersfield District Manager before transitioning into his current role as Vice President, California Operations in January 2019.
“Having worked in numerous related roles with the company over the past three decades, Mike is an incredibly knowledgeable and experienced leader in water utility operations,” said President and CEO Martin A. Kropelnicki. “Under his direction, our California operations teams are thriving, ensuring that our distribution, production, maintenance, and other field programs are implemented effectively and that customers continue to receive a reliable supply of water for their everyday and emergency needs, both now and for decades to come. Mike’s additional oversight of our Hawaii, New Mexico, and Washington subsidiaries will enhance the quality and consistency of our operations Group-wide.”
Mares holds a bachelor’s degree in organizational communications as well as California Distribution Operator D-5, Drinking Water Treatment T-2; Hawaii Distribution Operator D-4, and Drinking Water Treatment T-1 certifications.
