The chief deputy director for the State Council on Developmental
Disabilities was named interim general manager and chief executive
officer of the Santa Clara Valley Water District, a spokesperson
said Thursday.
SAN JOSE
The chief deputy director for the State Council on Developmental Disabilities was named interim general manager and chief executive officer of the Santa Clara Valley Water District, a spokesperson said Thursday.
Olga Martin-Steele will be available immediately, but her official start date is Jan. 14; she has committed to serving as interim chief executive officer for at least six months, said spokeswoman Susan Siravo.
Martin-Steele will manage the 850-employee district’s day-to-day operations until the board selects a replacement for Stan Williams, who announced on Tuesday he would retire effective Jan. 31, said Siravo. The board chose Martin-Steele in a closed session meeting Wednesday, Siravo said.
“I’m looking forward to returning to the district and welcome the challenge of leading an excellent organization through a time of change and uncertainty,” Martin-Steele said in a media statement. “I intend to work hard to leave the district in excellent shape for the next general manger that succeeds me.”
Before moving to the state government in November 2006, Martin-Steele served as the district’s chief administrative officer from 2004 until 2006. She was the deputy administrative officer of the Business Resources Division for two years prior and before that, worked for the California Conservation Corps as chief deputy director and in human resources.
Board chairman Tony Estremera said Martin-Steele has “experience and a comprehensive knowledge of the district.”
Martin-Steele has served on the board of directors of the Mexican Heritage Plaza, the San Jose Conservation Corps Charter School and the San Jose Conservation Corps, Siravo said.
“Olga is a strong leader with a deep background in finance, budget and personnel, and her background and service contributed to the stability of San Jose Conservation Corps,” said Bob Hennessy, the Corps’ executive.
The board of directors will begin a search for a permanent replacement early next year, Siravo said.
