On Dec. 10, 2024, the Valley Water Board of Directors elected Tony Estremera as the board chair for 2025. Richard P. Santos was elected as vice chair.
Chair Estremera has been a member of the Valley Water Board since 1996 and is now serving his fifth term as chair. He previously held the chair position in 2001, 2007, 2014 and 2021. Chair Estremera represents District 6, which encompasses areas of Central and East San Jose, including the Mayfair neighborhood.
Chair Estremera has extensive experience in government, having served in both appointed and elected positions. He has participated in various task forces, committees and boards in Santa Clara County. Chair Estremera earned his Bachelor's degree from Santa Clara University and a law degree from UC Berkeley's Boalt Hall School of Law. He is an active member of the State Bar of California and the Santa Clara County Bar Association. In 2019, he retired from his role as the Directing Attorney for the Legal Aid Society of Santa Clara County.
Director Santos is beginning his fifth term as vice chair, having previously served in 2004, 2009, 2017 and 2024. A retired firefighter and native of Alviso, Vice Chair Santos represents District 3, which includes Alviso, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, Milpitas and Berryessa/Alum Rock.
Immediately after the election of the chair and vice chair, all the directors expressed their gratitude to outgoing chairperson Nai Hsueh for her leadership, service and commitment during 2024.
At the start of the meeting, Valley Water held a ceremonial swearing-in for newly elected Director Shiloh Ballard, representing District 2, re-elected Director Hsueh, the representative for District 5, and Director Santos. All three officially took the oath of office on Dec. 6, 2024.
Visit the Valley Water website for more information on the Board of Directors.