Valley Water Executive and Leadership Team

Olga Steele, the Chief Executive Officer at Valley Water, directs the overarching strategic vision for regional water resource management. Steele oversees the implementation of long-term infrastructure projects while ensuring compliance with state and federal environmental mandates. By coordinating with the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer aligns organizational goals with the critical need for reliable water supply and flood protection across the county. This leadership role involves managing complex stakeholder relationships and driving operational excellence across all departments. Olga Steele maintains a focus on sustainable water practices, ensuring the district meets the evolving demands of the population. Through rigorous oversight of capital improvement programs, the Chief Executive Officer secures the future of local water security. Ultimately, Steele fosters a culture of accountability and innovation, positioning the district as a leader in public utility management and environmental protection.

Theresa Chinte, the Chief of Staff To the Chief Executive Officer at Valley Water, coordinates executive operations and facilitates communication between the leadership team and the Board of Directors. Chinte manages the flow of information regarding water supply projects, flood protection strategies, and environmental stewardship initiatives. By streamlining administrative workflows, the Chief of Staff To the Chief Executive Officer ensures that organizational priorities receive immediate attention and resources. This leadership role involves managing high-level projects that require cross-departmental collaboration and alignment with the district's core mission. Theresa Chinte drives the execution of strategic directives, ensuring that all operational units remain focused on the primary goals of the district. Through proactive problem-solving and rigorous project tracking, the Chief of Staff To the Chief Executive Officer enhances the efficiency of the executive office. Ultimately, Chinte supports the successful delivery of essential water services to the residents of Santa Clara County.

Darin Taylor, the Chief Financial Officer at Valley Water, manages the fiscal health and budgetary integrity of the entire water resources system. Taylor oversees the allocation of capital for infrastructure development, flood protection initiatives, and ongoing maintenance of stream ecosystems. By directing financial planning and analysis, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the district maintains a robust credit rating and sufficient liquidity to fund critical projects. This leadership role involves coordinating with external auditors and regulatory bodies to guarantee transparency in all fiscal reporting. Darin Taylor drives cost-efficiency measures that allow the district to maximize the impact of ratepayer funds. Through strategic investment of reserves and careful debt management, the Chief Financial Officer supports the long-term viability of regional water services. Ultimately, Taylor provides the financial foundation necessary for the district to fulfill the mission of providing safe, clean water to the community.

Tina Yoke, the Chief Operating Officer, Information Technology & Administrative Services at Valley Water, directs the digital infrastructure and internal support systems essential for water resource management. Yoke oversees the implementation of advanced data analytics and cybersecurity protocols to protect critical utility assets. By managing administrative services, the Chief Operating Officer, Information Technology & Administrative Services ensures that all departments possess the tools required for efficient operation. This leadership role involves modernizing legacy systems to improve the delivery of clean water and flood protection services. Tina Yoke drives the adoption of new technologies that enhance operational transparency and public engagement. Through the integration of robust IT frameworks, the Chief Operating Officer, Information Technology & Administrative Services supports the district's ability to respond to environmental challenges. Ultimately, Yoke maintains the technological backbone that allows the district to serve the community with reliability and precision.

Christopher Hakes, the Chief Operating Officer - Watersheds at Valley Water, manages the physical maintenance and environmental health of the regional stream network. Hakes oversees flood protection infrastructure, including dams, levees, and bypass channels, to ensure public safety during extreme weather events. By directing watershed restoration projects, the Chief Operating Officer - Watersheds preserves the natural beauty and ecological function of local waterways. This leadership role involves coordinating with environmental agencies to balance flood control needs with habitat conservation. Christopher Hakes drives the implementation of capital projects designed to mitigate flood risks across the county. Through the management of field operations and engineering teams, the Chief Operating Officer - Watersheds ensures the integrity of the district's water conveyance systems. Ultimately, Hakes protects the community from flood hazards while promoting the sustainable stewardship of the natural environment within the Santa Clara region.

Cheryl Togami, the Division External Affairs Chief of Staff at Valley Water, directs public engagement and intergovernmental relations to support the district's water resource objectives. Togami oversees communication strategies that inform the public about water conservation, flood protection, and environmental stewardship. By managing relationships with local, state, and federal stakeholders, the Division External Affairs Chief of Staff ensures the district maintains a strong voice in regional policy discussions. This leadership role involves coordinating outreach programs that educate the community on the importance of sustainable water management. Cheryl Togami drives the development of messaging that aligns with the district's mission to provide safe, clean water. Through the management of external partnerships, the Division External Affairs Chief of Staff secures support for critical infrastructure initiatives. Ultimately, Togami fosters public trust and transparency, ensuring the district remains responsive to the needs of the diverse population within the service area.