Water district names interim chief executive officer

SAN JOSE --The Santa Clara Valley Water District Board of Directors today named Olga Martin Steele as interim chief executive officer. Martin Steele will manage the district's day-to-day operations until the board selects a replacement for Stan Williams, who retires on Jan. 31, 2008.

"Olga comes to us with outstanding experience and a comprehensive knowledge of the district," said Chairman Tony Estremera "I'm confident that with her strong leadership and management skills, we will continue to make excellent progress to serve the people of our community without missing a beat."

Martin Steele brings 38 years of public service to her new role, most recently as Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's appointee as the chief deputy director for the State Council on Developmental Disabilities.

Before moving to the state government in November 2006, Martin Steele served as the water district chief administrative officer from 2004 until 2006 and the deputy administrative officer of Business Resources Division from 1999 to 2004. She also worked for the California Conservation Corps as chief deputy director from 1998 to 1999 and chief of Human Resources from 1996 to 1998.

"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," said Martin Steele. "I intend to work hard to leave the district in excellent shape for the next chief executive officer that succeeds me."

"Olga has the background and qualities needed to be a strong chief executive officer; she truly understands what makes government work well. The selection of Olga as interim chief executive officer is an excellent move to provide continued stability for the district," said Santa Clara County Supervisor Blanca Alvarado.

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 as the vice-chair, personnel committee chair and budget and finance chair.

Bob Hennessy, CEO of the San Jose Conservation Corps 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. Olga has a deep commitment to public service and passion for helping others in need."

Martin Steele is also the recipient of a 2004 Tribute to Women in Industry award. The award is presented annually by the YWCA of Santa Clara Valley to women executives they consider the best of the best, and to the companies that employ them.

Martin Steele will be available immediately to begin the transition at the water district, but her official start date is Jan. 14, 2008. She has committed to serving as interim chief executive officer for at least 6 months. The board of directors will begin a search for a permanent replacement early next year.

The Santa Clara Valley Water District manages wholesale drinking water resources and provides stewardship for the county's five watersheds, including 10 reservoirs, more than 800 miles of streams and groundwater basins. The water district also provides flood protection throughout Santa Clara County.