LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Board of Water and Power Commissioners today appointed Martin L. Adams as LADWP’s General Manager. Adams is a 35-year veteran of the Department and most recently served as Chief Operating Officer, where he oversaw LADWP’s extensive water and power operations. Adams was nominated to the post by Mayor Eric Garcetti in June, replacing outgoing General Manager David H. Wright. He will begin serving as Interim General Manager effective immediately. His formal appointment is subject to City Council confirmation.
“Marty’s depth of knowledge of LADWP’s operations coupled with his unwavering commitment to our city makes him the leader that this utility needs,” said Mel Levine, Board of Water and Power Commission President. “Throughout his many years as an engineer, complex problem solver and relationship builder, he has proven that he has the experience and vision that LADWP needs, and I know many at LADWP, across the industry and in the community agree.”
“LADWP is at the center of a generational transition toward a more sustainable Los Angeles, and our utility needs a leader with the experience and vision to help us realize that promise,” said Mayor Garcetti. “Marty has played a critical role in navigating the department through some of its toughest challenges, and I know that he is the right person to lead LADWP forward.”
Adams is a well-respected utility executive locally and throughout the United States. Before becoming COO, he led the LADWP Water System as Senior Assistant General Manager overseeing water infrastructure, water resources and water quality. At the time, he helped reduce Los Angeles’ water use by nearly 20 percent through implementation of LA’s industry-leading water conservation ordinance and oversaw the creation of numerous customer rebates and programs for customers, while also accelerating LADWP’s replacement of aging infrastructure.
“It will be a great honor to lead an organization that I have been dedicated to for the last 35 years,” said Adams. “LADWP is, and always has been, at the core of the city’s very existence, and I take our responsibility of ensuring the city’s future success very seriously. It is both the challenge and the opportunity of a lifetime.”
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