California Water Service Group (Group) (NYSE: CWT) today announced the election of Jeffrey Kightlinger, 63, to the Group’s Board of Directors, effective November 20, 2023.
Kightlinger has the distinction of being the longest-serving Chief Executive Officer of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, the nation’s largest municipal water supplier. In this capacity, he manages the agency’s $1.8 billion budget along with water and power operations serving 19 million Southern California residents. During his tenure, he negotiated strategic agreements on the Colorado River and the 50-year renewal of Hoover Dam hydroelectric power. He also took a leadership role in supporting a plan to build twin tunnels under the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to keep water flowing to Southern California while protecting endangered species.
A noted expert on water law, particularly Colorado River law, Kightlinger currently owns Acequia Consulting, LLC, which provides strategic advice on water and energy issues. He has an undergraduate degree from the University of California at Berkeley and a law degree from Santa Clara University.
“I am very pleased to have a water expert of Jeff’s caliber join our board. Throughout his distinguished career, he has demonstrated a deep knowledge and understanding of the water industry, including climate change, water supply challenges, and the politics surrounding natural resources. I know he will be a real asset to the board and the management team,” said Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Martin A. Kropelnicki.
About the California Water Service Group
California Water Service Group is the largest regulated water utility in the western United States. It provides high-quality, reliable water and/or wastewater service to more than 2 million people in California, Hawaii, New Mexico, Washington, and Texas through its regulated subsidiaries, California Water Service, Hawaii Water Service, New Mexico Water Service, and Washington Water Service, and its utility holding company, Texas Water Service.
What sets the group apart is its commitment to improving the quality of life for its customers, communities, employees, and vendors. Guided daily by their promise to provide quality, service, and value, the Group’s 1,200+ employees lead the way in working to protect the planet, care for people, and operate with the utmost integrity. Central to the group’s strategy is responsible investment in water and waste infrastructure, sustainability initiatives, and community well-being. The company has been named one of “America’s Most Responsible Companies” and the “World’s Most Trustworthy Companies” by Newsweek and a Good Place to Work®. More information is available at www.calwatergroup.com.
California Water Service received the highest score in the West Large segment of the JD Power 2023 US Water Utility Residential Customer Satisfaction Study of national customer satisfaction among US water customers.
