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The Valley Water Board of Directors recently announced that Rick Callender has been selected to serve as chief executive officer. Callendar will succeed Norma Camacho, who gave notice to the Board last November.
Camacho’s last day at Valley Water will be July 10, 2020. Callender, who has worked for Valley Water since 1996, is currently serving as the agency’s Chief of External Affairs.
“Congratulations to Mr. Callender,” said Nai Hsueh, Chair of the Valley Water Board of Directors. “There are many challenges ahead, and the board will work together with the new CEO to produce positive outcomes for the community.”
Callender was appointed Chief of External Affairs for the Santa Clara Valley Water District on May 8, 2017 and most recently served as Deputy Administrative Officer for the Offices of Government Relations and Communications.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to work with each member of the Board of Directors and our employees to jointly lead this great organization,” Callender said. “The large show of support from family, friends, mentors, mentees and our employees was truly humbling. I will continue to need all their support, good vibes and prayers when I take the helm in July. What we do for Silicon Valley is vital, and I am looking forward to working with the Board and our employees to help lead this great organization to be even better.”
Prior to joining the district, Callender worked as a Special Assistant to former City of San Jose Mayor Susan Hammer, as a Field Campaign Organizer for the California Democratic Party, as a Congressional Fellow for the United States House of Representatives, Subcommittee on Energy, and as a Congressional Fellow to Congressman Ronald V. Dellums.
He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering and Technology with an emphasis in electronic and computer technology from California State University, Chico, completed all coursework for his Master of Arts in Public Administration from San Jose State University, earned his Juris Doctorate from Northwestern California University School of Law, and is a member of the California State Bar. He has also attended and graduated from eight executive leadership programs at different universities throughout the nation.
