Management

Grant Davis, General Manager

Mr. Davis, as the General Manger of the Sonoma County Water Agency, is responsible for management activities related to the Water Agency’s core functions of water delivery, wastewater management, flood protection, and environmental sustainability.  An emerging focus of the Water Agency’s operations is the development of a secure, clean and renewable energy porftolio to insulate the region’s water supply from outside supply and price shocks, ensuring reliability. Currently, the Water Agency is working to expand their portfolio of renewables to offset their own energy use and to build an enterprise. Existing projects include a small hydroelectric facility at Warm Springs Dam, 2MW of solar PV and energy saved through water conservation efforts. In development for Water Agency power use is Farms 2 Fuel, a biogas plant utilizing chicken manure, a partnership with Sonoma Green Energy and wind power. Lastly, 10-20MW of solar PV are being developed to sell through an enterprise fund.

According to Mr. Davis, “It is incumbent upon the Agency to be looking ahead to find innovative solutions to the challenges we face today.  Projects the Water Agency are undertaking are intended to be multi-benefit, providing security to our water supply while supporting broader regional benefits, including the creation of local jobs.”

Prior to joining the Agency, Mr. Davis was Executive Director of The Bay Institute, a science-based nonprofit, dedicated to protecting the San Francisco Bay-Delta Watershed and improving water management in California.  Mr. Davis also worked for Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey from 1993-1997. Grant covered energy and water-related legislation. He was also an aide to State Senator Milton Marks of San Francisco and to Assemblywoman Lucy Killea of San Diego. Davis also operated a successful small business, specializing in strategic planning, public relations and campaign management.

Mr. Davis currently serves on the University of California President’s Advisory Commission, for the Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources. He is a member of the Governor of California’s Water Plan Advisory Commission and previously Vice Chair of the Bay Area Water Forum. In addition, Mr. Davis is a founding board member of the California Utility Executives and Managers Foundation and previous Chair of the San Francisco Bay Joint Venture.  Mr. Davis received his BA in political science from the University of California at Berkeley.

James Jasperse, Chief Engineer

Mr. Jasperse is a registered civil engineer and has been with the Water Agency since 1998. Prior to joining the Water Agency, he worked as an environmental engineering consultant specializing in groundwater characterization and design of remediation systems. Mr. Jasperse received a Bachelor of Science degree in geology from the University of California at Davis and master's degree in civil engineering from the University of California at Berkeley. Mr. Jasperse is an active member of the National Groundwater Association and the American Chemical Society.

Pamela Jeane, Assistant General Manager - Water and Wastewater Operations

Ms. Jeane is responsible for the continuous operation and permitting of the Water Agency's potable water and sanitation facilities. She completed her bachelor's degree in civil engineering at California State University at Chico. Upon graduation, Ms. Jeane worked overseas for two years. She has been with the Water Agency since 1991 and is a registered civil engineer in the State of California.

Michael Thompson, Assistant General Manager - Business Operations

Mr. Thompson manages the maintenance of the Water Agency's water supply and transmission system, flood protection channels, and wastewater collection and treatment systems. Mr. Thompson, a registered civil engineer, has been with the Water Agency since 1995. He received a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, and master's degrees in civil engineering and administration from the University of California at Davis.

Renee Theriault Webber, Division Manager - Environmental Resources and Public Affairs

Ms. Webber's educational background includes a degree in environmental studies with a specialized minor in water resources and she has been with the Water Agency since 1984. Ms. Webber oversees the work of the Natural Resources, Environmental Compliance, Endangered Species Act Compliance, Water Conservation, Public Information, Water Education and Governmental Affairs sections of the Water Agency. Ms. Webber is a member of the Association of Environmental Professionals.

Spencer Bader, Division Manager - Administrative Services

Mr. Bader joined the Agency in 2005 and is responsible for planning, coordinating, and administering the administrative, financial, and business operations of the Water Agency. Mr. Bader completed his undergraduate degree in Economics at the University of California, Santa Barbara; his masters in Business Administration at Harvard University; and his masters in Industrial Engineering at Stanford University. Mr. Bader spent over 35 years in operations management and consulting in the high tech industry before joining the Water Agency.