June 29, 2023
The West Basin Municipal Water District (West Basin) Board of Directors announces the appointment of Edward J. (E.J.) Caldwell as general manager. As the District’s chief executive, he will oversee a staff of more than 50 employees, and an agency that serves nearly one million people in 17 cities in Los Angeles County.
The West Basin Board unanimously approved the hire at its June 26, 2023 Board Meeting, authorizing a three-year employment agreement with Caldwell.
“The appointment of E.J. Caldwell to this important leadership position recognizes his many years of commitment to this agency and industry,” said West Basin Board President and Division IV Director Scott Houston. “The institutional knowledge, strong relationships and professionalism E.J. demonstrates is of great value to the District and communities we serve.”
Caldwell has served in various leadership roles at West Basin for more than 17 years and is a long-time resident of the service area. He most recently served as Assistant General Manager (AGM), under former general manager Gregory Reed, where he led the District’s internal operations, including water resources planning, legislative affairs, communications, human resources, and administrative services. As AGM, Caldwell provided executive-level direction for the District’s annual budget process, legal affairs, and external relations, and served as a strategic advisor to the West Basin Board in developing, implementing, and evaluating organizational policies and programs. As a West Basin staff member, Caldwell has previously held the titles of Interim General Manager, Manager of Water Policy and Resource Development, and Government Affairs Program Manager.
“It is an honor to serve as general manager at West Basin Municipal Water District, an agency and community I am proud to call home,” said Caldwell. “I look forward to working closely with the Board of Directors to continue implementing a strategic vision for this agency that provides ongoing water reliability to the region, meets the specific needs of our many unique customers and communities, and further establishes West Basin as a leader in the water industry.
Caldwell brings to the role extensive experience in water resources, sustainability, and community leadership. His involvement includes serving as the chair of Water Utility Council with the California-Nevada American Water Works Association, a member of the Central and South Santa Monica Bay Watershed Area Steering Committees, alternate on the Santa Monica Bay Restoration Commission, and a long-time member of the state legislative committees for the Association of California Water Agencies and WateReuse California.
He holds a Juris Doctor degree from Willamette University College of Law, and a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Arizona. He is a member of the State Bar of California.
