DC Water Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

DC Water has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, infrastructure management, operational oversight, and technology integration.

Committed to delivering reliable utility services to a dense urban population, DC Water prioritizes sustainable water management, infrastructure modernization, and the maintenance of critical environmental standards across the entire metropolitan region.

Leadership Roles at DC Water

  • Chief Executive Officer - Charlie Ragland
  • Lieutenant and Firefighter and EMT and EFO and Chief Financial Officer - Jeffrey Dickey
  • Chief Operating Officer - Hemchand Hemraj
  • HR Officer & Deputy Chief Operating Officer - Portia Shorter
  • Chief of Staff - Crystal Davis
  • Chief Information Officer - Nick Bhe
  • Chief Technology Officer - Pj Bright
  • Director, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer, Ofiice - Satya Kommuri
  • Traveling Chief of Staff - Dimosha Smith
  • Deputy Director - Cameron Edwards
  • Charlie Ragland - Chief Executive Officer

    Charlie Ragland, the Chief Executive Officer at DC Water, directs the overarching strategic vision for the entire utility organization. This leadership role involves managing complex water systems that serve dense urban populations while ensuring compliance with rigorous water quality standards. By overseeing the complete water cycle, Ragland drives initiatives focused on long-term infrastructure modernization and system optimization. The Chief Executive Officer coordinates with the Board to align operational goals with regional service requirements. Through the implementation of advanced engineering protocols, Ragland ensures the reliability of potable water distribution and wastewater treatment processes. This executive leadership position requires balancing fiscal responsibility with the technical demands of maintaining aging urban assets. Charlie Ragland maintains a focus on sustainable growth and operational excellence, securing the integrity of water delivery for the entire service area while addressing the evolving needs of the metropolitan region.

    Jeffrey Dickey - Lieutenant and Firefighter and EMT and EFO and Chief Financial Officer

    Jeffrey Dickey, the Lieutenant and Firefighter and EMT and EFO and Chief Financial Officer at DC Water, manages the financial health and fiscal planning of the utility. This role involves overseeing budget allocation for infrastructure modernization, pipe replacement programs, and system optimization efforts. By directing financial strategy, Dickey ensures that the utility maintains the capital necessary to support its extensive water management operations. The Lieutenant and Firefighter and EMT and EFO and Chief Financial Officer monitors revenue streams and expenditure to ensure long-term financial stability. Jeffrey Dickey collaborates with the Board to align financial goals with the technical demands of serving a dense urban population. This leadership position requires balancing the costs of maintaining aging assets with the need for reliable service delivery. Through the management of financial resources, Dickey supports the utility's ability to invest in critical capacity improvements. The Lieutenant and Firefighter and EMT and EFO and Chief Financial Officer drives fiscal responsibility, ensuring that the utility effectively manages its assets to meet regional needs.

    Hemchand Hemraj - Chief Operating Officer

    Hemchand Hemraj, the Chief Operating Officer at DC Water, oversees the technical execution of water treatment and distribution operations. This role involves managing the daily performance of treatment facilities to ensure consistent water quality for the metropolitan region. By directing the maintenance of the extensive network of fire hydrants and distribution pipes, Hemraj ensures the reliability of emergency response capabilities. The Chief Operating Officer coordinates the efforts of field teams to address challenges associated with aging urban water systems. Hemchand Hemraj implements sophisticated engineering protocols to optimize the efficiency of wastewater collection and treatment plants. This leadership position requires a focus on operational safety and environmental compliance during all phases of the water cycle. Through the management of physical assets, Hemraj supports the utility's commitment to service excellence. The Chief Operating Officer drives the operational strategy, ensuring that the utility effectively manages its infrastructure to meet the demands of a dense urban population.
    Hemchand Hemraj

    Portia Shorter - HR Officer & Deputy Chief Operating Officer

    Portia Shorter, the HR Officer & Deputy Chief Operating Officer at DC Water, manages the human capital and operational support functions necessary for utility success. This role involves overseeing workforce development programs that ensure the availability of skilled personnel for complex water management tasks. By aligning human resources strategy with operational needs, Shorter supports the maintenance of critical infrastructure and service reliability. The HR Officer & Deputy Chief Operating Officer coordinates internal training initiatives to enhance the technical expertise of the workforce. Portia Shorter collaborates with other leaders to optimize organizational structure and improve operational efficiency. This leadership position requires balancing the management of personnel with the technical demands of the utility's mission. Through the implementation of effective talent management strategies, Shorter ensures that the organization maintains the capacity to address the challenges of an aging urban water system. The HR Officer & Deputy Chief Operating Officer drives organizational performance, supporting the utility's commitment to service excellence.

    Crystal Davis - Chief of Staff

    Crystal Davis, the Chief of Staff at DC Water, facilitates communication and strategic alignment across all executive departments. This role involves managing the flow of information between the leadership team and the Board to ensure cohesive decision-making. By coordinating cross-functional projects, Davis supports the implementation of infrastructure modernization efforts and system optimization initiatives. The Chief of Staff oversees administrative workflows that enable the utility to maintain high service standards for the metropolitan region. Crystal Davis monitors the progress of key organizational goals, ensuring that departmental activities remain consistent with the broader mission of the utility. This leadership position requires a deep understanding of the technical and operational challenges inherent to managing urban water systems. Through the management of internal processes, Davis enhances the efficiency of the executive office. The Chief of Staff drives organizational effectiveness, allowing the utility to address the complexities of water management with agility and precision.

    Nick Bhe - Chief Information Officer

    Nick Bhe, the Chief Information Officer at DC Water, architects the digital infrastructure required to support modern utility operations. This role involves managing the data systems that monitor water quality, distribution networks, and wastewater treatment performance. By implementing advanced software solutions, Bhe ensures that the utility maintains real-time visibility into its physical assets. The Chief Information Officer oversees cybersecurity protocols to protect critical infrastructure from digital threats. Nick Bhe collaborates with engineering teams to integrate smart technology into pipe replacement programs and leak detection initiatives. This leadership position requires balancing the need for technological innovation with the stability of essential public services. Through the deployment of robust data analytics, Bhe supports informed decision-making regarding capacity improvements and system maintenance. The Chief Information Officer drives the digital transformation of the utility, ensuring that information systems effectively underpin the delivery of reliable water services across the entire service area.

    Pj Bright - Chief Technology Officer

    Pj Bright, the Chief Technology Officer at DC Water, leads the development and deployment of innovative engineering solutions for water management. This role involves researching and implementing new technologies to enhance the efficiency of treatment plants and distribution networks. By overseeing the integration of advanced sensors and monitoring equipment, Bright improves the utility's ability to detect leaks and manage system capacity. The Chief Technology Officer collaborates with operational teams to modernize infrastructure and reduce the impact of aging assets. Pj Bright drives the adoption of sustainable practices that align with the utility's environmental goals. This leadership position requires a focus on long-term technical strategy and the evaluation of emerging industry trends. Through the application of cutting-edge engineering, Bright supports the reliability of water delivery across the metropolitan region. The Chief Technology Officer ensures that the utility remains at the forefront of technical innovation, providing the tools necessary for effective urban water management.

    Satya Kommuri - Director, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer, Ofiice

    Satya Kommuri, the Director, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer, Ofiice at DC Water, manages the enterprise-wide technology systems that support utility operations. This role involves overseeing the maintenance of IT infrastructure and the implementation of software platforms that track water usage and system performance. By directing the IT team, Kommuri ensures that all digital tools remain functional and secure. The Director, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer, Ofiice collaborates with other departments to provide the data insights necessary for infrastructure modernization and leak detection initiatives. Satya Kommuri monitors the performance of technology assets to ensure they meet the needs of the metropolitan region. This leadership position requires a focus on system reliability and the integration of new technologies into existing workflows. Through the management of IT resources, Kommuri supports the utility's ability to deliver consistent service. The Director, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer, Ofiice drives the technological strategy, ensuring that information systems effectively support the utility's core mission.

    Dimosha Smith - Traveling Chief of Staff

    Dimosha Smith, the Traveling Chief of Staff at DC Water, provides operational support and strategic coordination across various regional projects. This role involves managing the logistics of infrastructure modernization efforts and ensuring that departmental activities remain aligned with the utility's mission. By facilitating communication between field teams and executive leadership, Smith enhances the efficiency of system optimization initiatives. The Traveling Chief of Staff monitors the progress of key projects to ensure they meet established timelines and quality standards. Dimosha Smith collaborates with other leaders to address the challenges of maintaining aging urban water systems. This leadership position requires a focus on operational agility and the ability to adapt to the needs of different service areas. Through the management of project workflows, Smith supports the utility's commitment to reliable water delivery. The Traveling Chief of Staff drives organizational coordination, ensuring that the utility effectively manages its resources to serve the metropolitan region.

    Cameron Edwards - Deputy Director

    Cameron Edwards, the Deputy Director at DC Water, manages the daily execution of utility operations and departmental coordination. This role involves supervising the collection systems and treatment plants that process effluent before environmental discharge. By overseeing these critical assets, Edwards ensures that all operational protocols meet strict regulatory requirements. The Deputy Director collaborates with engineering teams to execute pipe replacement programs and capacity improvements across the service area. Cameron Edwards monitors the performance of the distribution network to minimize service disruptions and optimize water delivery efficiency. This position requires constant attention to the physical infrastructure that underpins the utility's mission. Through the management of complex maintenance schedules, Edwards supports the reliability of fire hydrant networks and emergency response capabilities. The Deputy Director maintains a focus on operational continuity, ensuring that the utility effectively serves the dense urban population through precise resource allocation and technical oversight.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding DC Water Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads DC Water?
    DC Water is led by Charlie Ragland (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Jeffrey Dickey (Lieutenant and Firefighter and EMT and EFO and Chief Financial Officer) and Hemchand Hemraj (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of DC Water’s executive team?
    The executive team of DC Water includes leaders such as Charlie Ragland (Chief Executive Officer), Jeffrey Dickey (Lieutenant and Firefighter and EMT and EFO and Chief Financial Officer), Hemchand Hemraj (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does DC Water have?
    DC Water has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in DC Water’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of DC Water includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Lieutenant and Firefighter and EMT and EFO and Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, HR Officer & Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Chief of Staff.