Valley Water Board Extends Interim CEO Appointment

February 25, 2026

On Feb. 24, 2026, Valley Water’s Board of Directors adopted a resolution extending Melanie Richardson’s tenure as interim CEO, effective March 12, 2026. She will serve in the role for up to one year from the date of her appointment.

Richardson brings steady leadership and a strong record of progress in the role. Since being appointed interim CEO in February 2025, Richardson has overseen the completion of Phase 1 of the Coyote Creek Flood Protection Project, reached a key milestone in the South San Francisco Bay Shoreline Project, and advanced the Pure Water Silicon Valley agreement, supporting long-term water supply reliability and regional partnerships. The Anderson Dam Seismic Retrofit Project advanced with the submission of the Final Environmental Impact Report and the 100 percent project design, and she recommended discontinuing the Pacheco Reservoir Expansion Project due to affordability and partnership challenges. She also oversaw successful negotiations for all three bargaining unit agreements for the next four years.

The extension of Richardson’s role as interim CEO will allow the Board to conduct an open recruitment for the next CEO.

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. The district 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 285 acres of groundwater recharge ponds and 333 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.