Valley Water Board of Directors appoints Aaron Baker as its next CEO

September 8, 2026

The Valley Water Board of Directors has appointed Aaron Baker as the agency’s next Chief Executive Officer, effective Jan. 4, 2027.

Baker is a licensed professional engineer and Valley Water’s current Chief Operating Officer of the Water Utility Division. He brings more than 25 years of operational and leadership experience at the agency to the role.

“This appointment reflects the Board’s confidence in Aaron’s proven leadership and deep understanding of Valley Water’s mission,” Board Chair Tony Estremera said. “He knows our infrastructure, our communities and the importance of delivering these critical investments responsibly for the nearly two million people who rely on Valley Water.”

The appointment provides stable, experienced leadership as Valley Water moves forward with major projects to improve water supplies, reduce flood risk, make dams safer, and upgrade aging facilities. Key efforts include the Anderson Dam Seismic Retrofit Project, purified water initiatives, flood protection projects, and upgrades to aging treatment plants, pipelines and other essential facilities.

“Our community depends on Valley Water every day for reliable water, flood protection and a healthy environment,” Baker said. “As we undertake some of the most significant investments in our history, my priority will be to deliver them efficiently, transparently and responsibly. The decisions we make today must serve Santa Clara County for generations.”

Baker will serve as CEO-designate through Jan. 3, 2027, while continuing in his current role as Chief Operating Officer of the Water Utility. During that time, he will work closely with Interim CEO Melanie Richardson on important organizational and strategic issues, as well as relationships with the Board, community members and stakeholders.

The Board’s transition plan aims to maintain continuity of Valley Water’s essential services and major initiatives while ensuring an orderly transfer of leadership responsibilities.

“I have worked with Aaron for more than 20 years here at Valley Water and have seen his integrity, technical knowledge and collaborative leadership up close,” Richardson said. “Aaron brings the experience, stability, and vision needed to lead the organization into its next chapter as CEO.”

Beginning Jan. 4, 2027, Baker will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer. Richardson will serve as Transition Chief Executive through June 2027, continuing to lead designated functions and supporting the transfer of institutional knowledge, relationships and key initiatives.

This transition structure provides Valley Water employees, partners and the public with continued leadership attention on reliable water supplies, flood protection, environmental stewardship and responsible delivery of major capital projects.

“Melanie’s leadership, experience and institutional knowledge are tremendous assets to Valley Water,” Baker said. “We share a commitment to a seamless transition that keeps our employees focused on serving the public and delivering the important work ahead.”

Valley Water manages an integrated water resources system that includes the supply of clean, safe water, flood protection and stewardship of streams on behalf of Santa Clara County's 2 million residents. Valley Water effectively manages 10 dams and surface water reservoirs, three water treatment plants, an advanced recycled water purification center, a state-of-the-art water quality laboratory, nearly 280 acres of groundwater recharge ponds and 350 miles of waterways. We provide wholesale water and groundwater management services to local municipalities and private water retailers who deliver drinking water directly to homes and businesses in Santa Clara County.