Board Of Directors
Our Board Of Directors
VRWD is overseen by a panel of five Directors, all of whom are elected by the public and collectively referred to as the Board. Regular public elections are conducted every two years to choose Directors, and each Director serves a four-year term. The terms are staggered to ensure that there is continuous governance and oversight.
These five elected officials play a vital role in shaping District policies and making significant decisions. They actively participate in monthly Board meetings and may occasionally convene for special meetings to address specific matters.
The Ventura River Water District Board of Directors holds their monthly meetings on the third Wednesday of each month. These meetings take place at the District office, conveniently located at 409 Old Baldwin Rd, Ojai, CA. We extend an open invitation to the public to attend these meetings and stay informed about District affairs. For more details on the upcoming Board meeting, please click here. Your involvement is encouraged, and we look forward to your participation.
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Jack Curtis, an Ojai resident since 1958, brings over four decades of dedicated public service to the community. Jack has served as an elected member of the Ventura River Water District Board since 1977. His leadership extends to roles such as Past President of the Association of Water Agencies of Ventura County and as a Director of the Ojai Valley Sanitary District. Jack's expertise also includes past roles as a member of the Ventura County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) and Director of the California Special District Association. In addition to his public service, Jack retired as an Operating Engineer.
Ed Lee, a proud Ojai resident since 1972, and has been an integral part of the community for over four decades. In 1989, Ed's commitment to community service led to his appointment to the Ventura River Water District Board. His dedication to water governance and community welfare is reflected in his years of service on the board. In addition to his public service, Ed had a successful career as an insurance broker, bringing a valuable skill set to his role in water management, with a strong emphasis on customer service. His wealth of experience and community engagement underscores Ed's significant contribution to the Ojai Valley.
Bruce Kuebler, a resident of Oak View since 1999, has been an integral part of the community's water management landscape. Appointed to the Ventura River Water District Board in 2013, Bruce brings a wealth of expertise as a retired Civil Engineer from the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. His extensive background in water supply, quality, distribution system maintenance, water use efficiency, environmental analysis, and organizational management uniquely positions him to contribute significantly to the District. Bruce's commitment to effective water governance is a testament to his dedication to the District.
Dr. Laurie Lary, an Oak View native and Ojai resident since 2001, was appointed Director on the Ventura River Water District Board in September 2023. Laurie served as an Executive Director at the Ventura County Office of Education and as a teacher and administrator in various school districts, including Santa Paula, Ojai, Ventura, and Pleasant Valley prior to her retirement from public education. An Educational Consultant, Laurie brings a wealth of knowledge to her role, supported by her EdD in Leadership and Innovation from New York University. Laurie's wealth of experience, commitment to education and community roots uniquely position her to contribute to the District and the community.
Peggy Wiles, an Oak View resident since 2009, has been serving on the Ventura River Water District Board since 2015. A graduate of Jacksonville State University with a BS in Secondary Education; Biology & English with focus studies on Marine Microbiology, Peggy has a diverse background. She is currently self-employed as the Managing Partner of California Natural Pools and Wiles Wine Consulting. Before business ownership, Peggy spent 18 years with a leading company in cancer diagnostics, Dako North America/Agilent Technologies, as National Director of Sales. Peggy's commitment extends to volunteer work for The Nature Conservancy, Relay for Life, and The Partnership Against Domestic Abuse and the Humane Society. Her unique blend of education, business acumen, and community engagement makes Peggy a valuable asset to the Ventura River Water District Board.