The California Water Institute at Fresno State has established its inaugural External Advisory Board, bringing together leaders from state agencies, local government, nonprofit organizations and private industry as water agencies across the state address groundwater sustainability, infrastructure and drinking water access.
Laura Ramos, director of the California Water Institute, said the formation of the External Advisory Board strengthens the institute’s long-standing role as a bridge between academia and the broader water community. She said the advisory board will provide input on the institute’s strategic priorities, research activities and partnerships, and is intended to strengthen its coordination with water agencies, community organizations and industry partners.
“Water challenges in California require solutions that are grounded in both science and community,” Ramos said. “This advisory board brings exactly the kind of cross-sector expertise and perspective that will help us sharpen our strategic priorities and ensure our work is making a meaningful difference for the people and communities we serve.”
The California Water Institute supports applied research, education, outreach and collaboration related to water resources in the Central Valley and throughout the state. Staff, faculty and students work with public agencies and community partners on projects related to groundwater management, water supply reliability and access to safe drinking water.
The founding members of the California Water Institute’s External Advisory Board are:
- Kassy Chauhan, North Kings Groundwater Sustainability Agency
- Dorene D’Adamo, State Water Resources Control Board
- Rain Emerson, Bureau of Reclamation
- Austin Ewell, Ewell Group
- Melissa Frank, The Wonderful Company
- Aaron Fukuda, Tulare Irrigation District
- Paul Gosselin, California Department of Water Resources
- Ann Hayden, Environmental Defense Fund
- Nathan Magsig, Fresno County Board of Supervisors
- Eddie Ocampo, Self-Help Enterprises
(Story by Julissa Zavala, California Water Institute)
