BOARD AGENDA MEMORANDUM
Government Code § 84308 Applies: Yes ☐ No ☒
(If “YES” Complete Attachment A - Gov. Code § 84308)
SUBJECT: Title
*Adopt Two Resolutions: the First Appointing the Chief Executive Officer and Authorizing the Associated Compensation and Employment Agreement; and the Second Extending the Appointment Date for the Interim Chief Executive Officer.
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RECOMMENDATION: Recommendation
*A. Adopt the Resolution APPOINTING AARON BAKER THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE SANTA CLARA VALLEY WATER DISTRICT, APPROVING THE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT AND AUTHORIZING THE ASSOCIATED COMPENSATION; and
*B. Adopt the Resolution PROVIDING FOR THE EXTENSION OF EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN SANTA CLARA VALLEY WATER DISTRICT AND MELANIE RICHARDSON.
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SUMMARY:
The Board of Directors (the Board) is responsible for appointing the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), who is a Board-Appointed Officer and an Unclassified employee of the Santa Clara Valley Water District (Valley Water).
On February 24, 2026, the Board approved the appointment of Melanie Richardson as the Interim CEO, effective from March 11, 2026, to March 11, 2027, to address the March 1, 2026, CEO vacancy. Simultaneously, the Board directed the initiation of the recruitment process to permanently fill the CEO vacancy and establish a transition plan for the position.
*The recruitment process has concluded with the Board now selecting Aaron Baker as Valley Water’s next CEO. Mr. Baker will serve as the Chief Executive Officer beginning on January 4, 2027, with a salary to be established by the Board and in compliance with the employment agreement attached to the Resolution herein.
To support the transition, the Interim Chief Executive Officer’s agreement is being extended through June 30, 2027. Prior to the Effective Date, the Board, Interim Chief Executive Officer, and Mr. Baker shall establish a written transition plan defining the respective authority and responsibilities of the Employee and the Interim Chief Executive Officer, including decision-making authority, reporting relationships, and Board communication protocols.
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE IMPACT:
There are no environmental justice impacts associated with the agenda item.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Compensation associated with appointing the CEO is budgeted through the Chief Executive Officer budget, Project 60131007.
CEQA:
The recommended action does not constitute a project under CEQA because it does not have the potential for resulting in direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.
ATTACHMENTS:
*Original Board Agenda Memo
*Supplemental Board Agenda Memo
*Supplemental Attachment 1: CEO Resolution
*Supplemental Attachment 2: Interim CEO Resolution
UNCLASSIFIED MANAGER: Manager
Patrice McElroy, 408-630-3159