State Water Board appoints Oppenheimer as Executive Director

The State Water Resources Control Board recently announced the selection of Eric Oppenheimer as its new executive director. He succeeds Eileen Sobeck, who is retiring after seven years with the board and nearly 45 years of public service in a variety of federal and state government roles.

“We are deeply grateful for Eileen’s resolute and calm leadership through the pandemic, historic drought, and the launch of so many groundbreaking efforts that are now central to our work. She has guided the State Water Board’s policies and programs to advance racial equity, safe drinking water, water rights modernization, wetlands protections and sustainable groundwater management, among many other priorities,” said Joaquin Esquivel, chair of the board.

Oppenheimer currently serves as one of the State Water Board’s chief deputy directors, with more than 25 years of experience, including with two regional boards. For the last eight years, his primary areas of responsibility have encompassed several of the board’s top policy priorities. These include planning solutions for the Bay-Delta, implementing the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, advancing racial equity, promoting water conservation and administering water rights.

“Throughout my time with the boards, I have gained a deep appreciation for the breadth, complexity and importance of the work we do, but even more significantly, for the profound responsibility that comes with it,” said Eric Oppenheimer. “I am honored to serve in this new capacity and committed to helping the board advance its goals while balancing diverse perspectives and prioritizing racial equity. Active engagement by all stakeholders in the board’s decision-making processes will be key to its success in meeting the challenges of our 21st century climate.”

Oppenheimer will begin in his new role on January 2, 2024.