Janel Ancayan, Senior Public Affairs Representative, Water Replenishment District
Janel Ancayan is a Senior Public Affairs Representative for the Water Replenishment District, where she leads strategic outreach efforts and fosters key partnerships within the water industry. She is passionate about empowering communities to become environmental stewards through hands-on, culturally relevant, and interactive learning experiences focused on groundwater education.
Janel’s role involves coordinating the student art calendar program and developing initiatives that address the critical aspects of the water industry, such as workforce development and community engagement. She uses her expertise to design programming that not only educates but also inspires action towards protecting our limited water supplies.
Janel has a Master of Science in Science Education from CSU Long Beach and a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies from UC Santa Barbara. She leverages her academic experiences to distill complex technical topics for community members to understand.
Outside of work, Janel loves to spend time with her big Filipino family, tend to her vegetable garden, and practice yoga. She is an avid coffee drinker and enjoys making lattes at home or trying new and unique coffee shops.
Armando Arroyo
Director of Development Services, Eastern Municipal Water District
Armando G. Arroyo serves as the Director of Development Services for Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD), where he plans, organizes, directs, and implements strategies for development services programs that support EMWD’s infrastructure and services for commercial, industrial, and residential developments. Mr. Arroyo oversees, directs, and participates in all activities of the Development Services Department, including short- and long-term planning as well as development and administration of departmental policies, procedures, and services.
Prior to joining EMWD, Mr. Arroyo worked in the private engineering industry for 8 years, where he gained valuable experience in the fields of traffic and transportation, shoring and wall-forming, and land development.
Mr. Arroyo was born and raised in Purépero, Michoacán, México, and immigrated to California when he was 13 years of age. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Literature from the University of California at Irvine. Mr. Arroyo is a licensed Professional Civil Engineer.
Rommel Garcia
Supervising Engineer, Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts
Rommel Garcia is a first-generation Mexican American whose parents immigrated from Guerrero and Michoacan, Mexico.
Rommel earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of California, Los Angeles and a Master of Science in Civil Engineering from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, both with an emphasis in environmental and water resources. He has served at Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts for the past nine years as a field engineer in construction management and operations and was recently promoted to Supervising Engineer in the Construction Management Section.
As a child of immigrants and the oldest of three, Rommel has learned to appreciate the outside mentorship and guidance from teachers, members, and other non-family sources. A career in public service seemed a natural extension of that gratitude.
Outside work, Rommel enjoys running, hiking, and an active lifestyle. His favorite book genre is science fiction. He enjoys learning new and challenging skills and, a year and a half ago, started learning Brazilian jiu jitsu.
Brenda Heredia
Water Conservation and Outreach Supervisor, City of Oxnard
Brenda Heredia is the Water Conservation and Outreach Supervisor for the City of Oxnard Water Division, where she leads community outreach and education efforts focused on water conservation and sustainability. Brenda has experience developing bilingual programs, engaging diverse communities, and educating residents and students about water resources. She is passionate about strengthening her leadership skills, building connections within the water industry, and helping create a more water-conscious and resilient community.
Nancy Huynh
Mechanical Engineer, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power
Nancy Huynh is a licensed Mechanical Engineer at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), where she currently leads the Pump Station Retrofit Program, a citywide effort to modernize aging water infrastructure and improve the reliability and resiliency of the city’s water system. Over 17 years at LADWP, she has worked across the full cycle of water infrastructure — planning, design, construction, operations, and maintenance — giving her an end-to-end perspective on the assets she now helps steward. She also serves on LADWP’s Water Operations Emergency Response Team, providing engineering support to keep critical water systems running during emergencies, a role that builds on her earlier service with the Water Emergency Command Center, where she supported public water distribution during large-scale emergencies affecting Los Angeles residents.
Nancy champions modern technology, standardized processes, and data-driven decision-making to strengthen asset management, improve engineering and maintenance practices, and deliver capital projects more efficiently. She is equally invested in people. Through cross-training, knowledge sharing, and staff development, she works to build a workforce as capable and resilient as the system it maintains.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Master of Science in Product Development Engineering from the University of Southern California. Through her work, Nancy advances LADWP’s mission of safe, sustainable, and reliable water service for the communities of Los Angeles.
Jodie Lanza
Assistant Departmental Engineer, Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts
Jodie Lanza is a licensed Professional Engineer with more than 20 years of experience, a majority of which has been with the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts. Jodie is currently a manager of the Technical Services Department, where she supports the agency’s compliance with wastewater, stormwater, and air quality regulations, oversees innovative research initiatives, and ensures the timely delivery of high-quality analytical data to support the agency’s operations. She does all this while also promoting a safe and healthy work environment to protect employees’ well-being.
Previously, Jodie led the Wastewater Planning section, focusing on providing timely and cost-effective planning, environmental clearance, permitting, and regulatory services to support existing and future wastewater facilities and programs. In that role, she also helped deliver effective Geographic Information System (GIS) tools to meet the agency’s day-to-day business needs.
Jodie holds a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering from UCLA and a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from UC Berkeley. She is driven by building strong relationships, streamlining processes, and delivering results.
Lily Lopez
External Affairs and Sustainability Director, Walnut Valley Water District
Orval Hernandez-Marcial is a graduate of California State University, Los Angeles, where he earned both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Civil Engineering with an emphasis in Water Resources and Environmental Engineering. He began his career in 2013 as a student volunteer at the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant with the Los Angeles Sanitation and Environment, and later interned as a Student Engineer with the City of Long Beach. In 2016, he returned to Los Angeles Sanitation as an Environmental Engineering Associate in the Permit Compliance group, conducting audits on City facilities to ensure compliance with the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System Permit.
Promoted in 2019 to Environmental Engineer III for the Low Impact Development Counter, Orval now serves as Section Lead and Civil Engineer, managing operations, overseeing a team of 16 staff and consultants, and reviewing plans for on-site stormwater mitigation. His work has included major projects such as the Automated People Mover Train System at Los Angeles International Airport and leading the bureau’s implementation of Executive Directive 1 to streamline approvals for affordable housing projects.
Orval also contributes to the engineering community as a licensed Professional Engineer, serving on the board of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers Los Angeles Chapter and volunteering with Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement at California State University, Los Angeles. In his spare time, he enjoys running and traveling.
Vivek Manickam
Project Manager, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
Vivek Manickam is a Los Angeles–based civil engineer, project manager, and water resource professional with over a decade of experience delivering complex public works and water infrastructure projects. He currently serves on the Colorado River Aqueduct Program Management Team at the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, where he supports one of the region’s most critical water infrastructure programs. He is a licensed Professional Civil Engineer (PE) and Project Management Professional (PMP), with expertise in capital projects delivery, construction oversight, and program management. Throughout his career, Vivek has worked across technical, operational, and organizational teams to deliver reliable and sustainable infrastructure. His professional interests include water policy, infrastructure innovation, public-sector leadership, and developing collaborative solutions that strengthen the long-term resilience of water systems and the communities they serve.
Outside of work, Vivek enjoys traveling, water sports, and spending time with his family. He particularly enjoys learning new languages and experiencing different cultures, food, and history.
Shatisha Mann
Administrative Services Supervisor I, Inland Empire Utilities Agency
Shatisha Mann joined Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA) in July 2025. She is an experienced nonprofit and public-sector leader, who has served in a range leadership roles supporting administration, operations and community-based programs and objectives. Her leadership philosophy is rooted in the elevation of people, strengthening systems, and creating environments where people feel valued and empowered to thrive.
When not working, Shatisha enjoys spending time with her family, being a foodie focused on swanky brunches, traveling and exploring the beauty of new beaches!
Amani Manning
Senior Human Resources Analyst, West County Wastewater District
Amani Manning is a Senior Human Resources Analyst with West County Wastewater (WCW), where she brings 10 years of human resources experience and a thoughtful, practical, and people-centered approach to public-sector service. Her work supports strong HR operations, employee engagement, workforce development, and organizational effectiveness.
Amani joined West County Wastewater in 2022 as a Human Resources Analyst. She began her HR career with the City of Berkeley, where she developed a strong foundation in HR operations, employment practices, and public agency services. Since joining WCW, she has led and supported a wide range of strategic and operational initiatives, including recruitment and selection, employee training and development, classification and compensation, workforce and leadership development, and internship program development. Amani also serves as Chair of WCW’s RISE Committee, a workplace culture initiative centered on Respect, Inclusion, Support, and Engagement. Through RISE, she has helped develop the RISE Strategic Plan to advance efforts that strengthen employee connection, promote an inclusive and supportive work environment, and encourage meaningful engagement across the organization.
Amani earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from California State University, East Bay. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, dancing, listening to music, watching good TV series, and spending time with family.
Jared Mataalii Manager of Water Services, Long Beach Utilities
Jared Mataalii is the Manager of Water Services for the Long Beach Utilities Department, where he leads water utility operations and supports the development of supervisors and field staff. With more than 24 years of progressive experience in the water utility industry, he has advanced from field-level water utility mechanic positions into frontline supervision, senior supervision, and management. That progression has given him a practical understanding of both day-to-day field operations and the organizational leadership required to deliver reliable public service.
Throughout his career, Jared has focused on improving field execution, standardizing workflows, strengthening accountability, and maintaining regulatory compliance. His experience includes water distribution operations, Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) deployment, meter operations, Cross-Connection Control, Recycled water, workforce management systems, supervisor development, and operational planning. He has helped develop and implement field workflows for AMI and mobile workforce systems, reorganized backflow activities to improve efficiency and compliance, and supported technology and process improvements designed to strengthen service reliability and cost control.
Jared’s leadership approach emphasizes clear expectations, accountability, employee development, safety, follow-through, and high-quality customer service. He values practical solutions that help employees succeed while ensuring operational responsibilities are carried out effectively and consistently.
Jared is committed to developing the next generation of water professionals and advancing operational excellence in public service. Outside of work, he enjoys golfing, hiking, and spending time with family.
Jacquelyn Mercado
Senior Government & Regional Affairs Representative, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
Jacquelyn Mercado is a Senior Government & Regional Affairs Representative with the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, the nation’s largest wholesale drinking water agency. Metropolitan is a state-established cooperative that delivers water to 26-member public agencies, serving 19 million people across Southern CA.
Jacquelyn represents Metropolitan in the San Gabriel Valley, Gateway Cities, and San Bernardino County areas, partnering with community and business leaders to advance government relations and address regional water issues. Jacquelyn has over 15 years of local government and water industry experience and holds both a B.A. in Business Administration and an M.B.A. from the University of La Verne.
Bryan Orozco
Civil Engineering Associate, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power
Bryan D. Orozco, P.E., PMP, LEED AP BD+C, is a Civil Engineering Associate at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. He supports the delivery of major water infrastructure projects involving groundwater treatment, reservoirs, trunk lines, and operational facilities. His work includes coordinating with engineering and operating groups, regulators, consultants, contractors, executive leadership, elected
officials’ offices, and community stakeholders. He also has experience presenting and communicating technical and project information to City Hall, Council District offices, community groups, and Neighborhood Councils.
Bryan holds a Master of Science in Civil Engineering from UCLA and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from UC Irvine. He is a licensed California Professional Civil Engineer, certified Project Management Professional, and LEED Accredited Professional in Building Design and Construction.
In addition to his professional responsibilities, Bryan serves as President of LADWP’s Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers chapter and as a member of the LADWP Green Team Council. He has also held several leadership positions with the American Society of Civil Engineers Los Angeles Younger Member Forum.
A first-generation Guatemalan American raised in Los Angeles, Bryan is committed to public service, inclusive leadership, professional development, and expanding opportunities for future generations of engineers and water-industry leaders.
Keith Reynolds
Captial Programs Supervisor, West County Wastewater District
Keith Reynolds is a results-oriented leader and Capital Programs Supervisor with 20 years of experience in the construction industry and is a PMP and Certified Scrum Master. He is driven by a passion for delivering exceptional results and navigates complex projects, builds future-oriented teams, and optimizes processes. His deep understanding of environmental best practices and his adaptable leadership style allow him to deliver projects on time, within budget, and tailored to specific contexts.
Jennifer Rojas
Senior Director of Customer Service Field Operations, Long Beach Utilities
Jennifer Rojas is the Senior Director of Customer Service Field Operations for the Long Beach Utilities Department, overseeing the Water Services, Gas Services, and Sewer Operations divisions. With over 15 years of experience across multiple areas of utility operations, she has also led a variety of cross-functional teams, including pipeline construction, facilities maintenance, fleet, warehouse operations and procurement.
Throughout her career, Jennifer has demonstrated success leading major strategic initiatives and driving innovation and efficiency to achieve organizational goals. She prioritizes data-driven decision-making, implementing technologies that enhance efficiency and improve service reliability. She has led several Department-wide initiatives, including the replacement of the mobile workforce management system and the establishment of the Utility Workers Academy to enhance workforce readiness. She also guided the development of the Department’s inaugural Business Plan, aligning divisional priorities into a unified strategic framework. Jennifer is responsible for ensuring compliance with several regulatory requirements, including the Cross Connection Control Plan and Sewer System Management Plan.
Jennifer holds several professional certifications, including a California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Collection System Maintenance Grade 4 Certificate, a State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Water Distribution Operator Grade 3 (D3) Certificate, and a SWRCB Water Treatment Operator Grade 2 (T2) Certificate. She serves as the Collection Systems Representative for CWEA’s Technical Certification Program and has been a speaker at several industry conferences and community events.
Prior to her career in the utilities industry, Jennifer enjoyed success in the private sector, working in the competitive fields of pharmaceutical sales and retail management. She earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, graduating Summa Cum Laude, majoring in Psychology with a specialization in Business and Administration.
Robyn Surney
Secretary to the District, West County Wastewater District
Robyn S. Surney is a Certified Municipal Clerk and governance professional with nearly three decades of experience spanning public administration, executive support, and the legal field. She currently serves as Secretary to the District/District Clerk for West County Wastewater, where she works closely with the Board of Directors, executive leadership, legal counsel, and staff to support effective governance, policy development, strategic priorities, transparency, and public engagement.
Prior to joining West County Wastewater, Robyn spent more than a decade with East Bay Municipal Utility District, where she served as an Executive Assistant and Legal Secretary. Her career has provided her with broad experience in public agency governance, regulatory compliance, organizational processes, and the connection between policy direction and implementation.
Robyn holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management, as well as a Certificate in Human Resources Management from California State University, East Bay. She earned the Certified Municipal Clerk designation from the International Institute of Municipal Clerks and completed the California Special Districts Association’s Special District Board Secretary/Clerk Program.
Outside of work, Robyn values her roles as a wife, mother, and daughter. She is a naturally curious, hands-on learner who enjoys exploring new hobbies and learning new skills. For her, the enjoyment often comes from discovering how to do something new rather than mastering one pursuit for a lifetime. That curiosity also informs her professional life and her commitment to continuous learning, growth, and public service.
Shavonne Turner
Administrative Services Manager, Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority
Shavonne Turner is the Administrative Services Manager at the Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority (SAWPA), where she leads a team responsible for Communications, Clerk of the Board, Administrative Services, and all Human Resources functions, including policy development, recruitment, employee relations, and performance management.
With nearly 20 years of experience in the water sector beginning in March 2006, Shavonne has built a career spanning Customer Service, Public Affairs, Water Efficiency, Water Resources, Strategic Communications, and Organizational Leadership across Orange County and the Inland Empire.
Shavonne is passionate about building strong workplace cultures, developing people, and creating inclusive environments where everyone can thrive. She holds a Master’s in Public Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Human Services, and has earned certifications in Cultural Intelligence, Public Agency Leadership, and Water Efficiency.
