MWD selects Hagekhalil as new general manager

The board of directors for the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California voted this week to approve a contract with Adel Hagekhalil, making him the 14th general manager in the district’s 93-year history.

Hagekhalil replaces long-time General Manager Jeffrey Kightlinger, who led Metropolitan since 2006 and maintained Metropolitan as a globally respected leader in the water industry.

“Mr. Hagekhalil is a highly respected leader on wastewater and water reuse who will help Metropolitan continue on its path to invest in sustainable water supplies. His commitment to innovation, sustainability and working together, as a united Metropolitan board, will be critical as we face the challenges climate change is bringing to Southern California’s water supplies,” Chairwoman Gloria D. Gray said.

Hagekhalil is a registered civil engineer and board-certified environmental engineer. He was appointed by Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti in 2018 to lead StreetsLA, the department that manages and maintains Los Angeles’ vast network of streets and urban forests. He also served for nearly 10 years as assistant director of Los Angeles’ Bureau of Sanitation.

“I am grateful to the entire Metropolitan board of directors for the opportunity to lead this organization, which is so important to the lives and livelihoods of Southern Californians,” Hagekhalil said. “As we move forward, I am determined to focus on what unites us and pursue a unified agenda that includes and works for every member agency. Working together, I believe Metropolitan can continue confronting the challenges we face to ensure water reliability for all our member agencies and communities we serve with focus on our underserved communities while engaging our diverse stakeholders and empowering our staff.”