Tom Coleman transitions to leadership role as long-time GM retires

Rowland Water District (RWD) has selected industry leader Tom Coleman to serve as the district’s next General Manager. Coleman will assume his position upon the retirement of long-serving GM Ken Deck, who has served RWD for more than 28 years. Mr. Coleman joined the district as Assistant General Manager in 2013, and he has worked closely with Ken Deck in supervision of the overall operation and maintenance of the agency.  He will assume all duties of General Manager on behalf of the district’s ratepayers.  The district currently delivers 14 million gallons of safe drinking water each day to a population of approximately 58,000.

“The increased demand for water and the difficult drought conditions call for a progressive management approach for Rowland Water,” says Ken Deck. “Tom’s expertise in managing complex water resources within the region is an ideal match, and he will excel as General Manager, as he has in his previous position. Succession planning is important for any district, and we’ve been focused on ensuring the continuity of our operations for some time.”

In early 2013, the RWD Board of Directors adopted its Strategic Plan: “Effective Action for Sustainable Progress.”  The plan identifies goals and priorities for the agency, including: a commitment to securing a long-term water supply for the region by proactively pursuing alternative supplies; limiting reliance on imported water; and prioritizing diversification of RWD’s water source portfolio. Since joining RWD, Coleman has been intimately involved in implementing the strategic plan.

“I am honored to take on the General Manager’s position,” says Coleman. “Ken has done an outstanding job as Rowland’s GM, and stepping into his shoes is no easy task, but we have been working towards this transition since I joined the agency. Our team here knows the mission and the vision we have for the future. This will be a seamless transition to our customers, our Board of Directors and other stakeholders.”

Coleman brings more than 20 years of water industry experience to Rowland Water, previously serving as the Executive Director of Bellflower Somerset Mutual Water Company in Bellflower, California.  He spent six years as General Manager of Orchard Dale Water District in Whittier, California, and eight years in various water management positions with the City of Alhambra.  Coleman holds certifications in multiple areas including treatment, delivery, resource management and leadership.

“We firmly believe Tom Coleman is the ideal person to lead Rowland Water at this pivotal time, says Szu Pei Lu-Yang, President of RWD’s Board of Directors, which made this unanimous selection in early November.  “We look forward to working with Tom for many years to come.”

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