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Past Presidents of LABS

A record of the leaders who have guided the Los Angeles Basin Section of CWEA through the years.

Leadership Through the Years

The Los Angeles Basin Section has been shaped by dedicated volunteers who stepped forward to serve as president. Each brought their expertise, vision, and commitment to advancing the water and wastewater profession across the greater Los Angeles area.

Volunteer Leadership

LABS presidents are elected by the section membership and serve alongside a committee of fellow water industry professionals. Their leadership has sustained the section's tradition of monthly presentations, facility tours, workshops, and the annual awards banquet — all cornerstones of the LABS community.

Annual Past President's Picnic

One of the section's cherished traditions is the Past President's Picnic, an annual gathering that brings together current and former leaders for camaraderie and reflection. In August 2019, the picnic was held at the Aquarium of the Pacific, continuing a long-standing custom of honoring those who have served.

A Continuing Legacy

Past presidents remain an integral part of the LABS community, offering guidance and institutional knowledge that strengthens the section. Their contributions span decades of service to water quality, environmental stewardship, and professional development in the Los Angeles Basin.

The section's board continues to be elected by members, with virtual elections held in recent years to ensure broad participation. Each new president builds on the foundation laid by those who came before.

The past presidents of the Los Angeles Basin Section of CWEA represent a remarkable lineage of volunteer leadership within the water and wastewater profession. Each individual who has held the office brought a distinct perspective shaped by their work across Southern California's treatment plants, reclamation facilities, and municipal agencies. Their collective service has helped foster a strong sense of community among section members, encouraging collaboration, knowledge sharing, and professional growth. The section's ongoing success in hosting events, conferences, and technical presentations owes much to the groundwork laid by these dedicated leaders who gave their time generously to advance the industry.

Serving as president of LABS is more than a ceremonial role; it carries real responsibility for guiding the section's programming, supporting committee work, and representing members within the broader California Water Environment Association. Many past presidents have gone on to hold influential positions in regional water agencies and industry organizations, reflecting the caliber of leadership the section has attracted over the years. Their tenure often coincided with significant milestones in water recycling, treatment innovation, and environmental stewardship, and their decisions helped position the section as a valued voice in regional water conversations.

The record of past presidents stands as an invitation for future members to consider stepping into leadership themselves. Every current officer and committee chair builds upon the foundation laid by those who came before, and the section encourages members at all career stages to get involved. Whether through serving on the board, contributing to newsletters, or helping organize monthly meetings and special events, there are many pathways to meaningful participation. The legacy of past presidents reminds current members that leadership is not about titles but about the collective commitment to advancing clean water and a sustainable environment for the Los Angeles region.

A line of people walking along a winding dirt trail through dry grassy hills, some holding light blue balloons, overcast