Valley Water Executive and Leadership Team

Olga Steele, the Chief Executive Officer at Valley Water, directs the overarching strategic vision for the entire water resources system. This leadership role involves coordinating with the Board of Directors to ensure the delivery of clean, safe water to the residents of Santa Clara County. By overseeing the implementation of long-term infrastructure projects, the Chief Executive Officer maintains the integrity of the district's flood protection initiatives. Olga Steele drives organizational excellence by aligning departmental goals with the core mission of environmental protection and resource reliability. Through rigorous oversight of complex water supply operations, the Chief Executive Officer secures the future of regional water security. This executive position requires constant engagement with public stakeholders to foster transparency and trust. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer guarantees that all operational activities meet the highest standards of safety and efficiency for the community.

Theresa Chinte, the Chief of Staff To the Chief Executive Officer at Valley Water, facilitates the execution of executive priorities and manages the flow of information within the leadership team. This role involves coordinating high-level projects and ensuring that the Chief Executive Officer remains informed on critical operational developments. By organizing strategic meetings and tracking progress on key initiatives, the Chief of Staff To the Chief Executive Officer maintains organizational momentum. Theresa Chinte acts as a liaison between the executive office and various departments to ensure alignment with the district's mission. This leadership function requires exceptional organizational skills to manage the complex demands of the executive office. Through the effective management of internal communications and project timelines, the Chief of Staff To the Chief Executive Officer supports the overall efficiency of the district. The Chief of Staff To the Chief Executive Officer ensures that leadership decisions are implemented across all divisions.

Darin Taylor, the Chief Financial Officer at Valley Water, oversees the fiscal health and budgetary planning for the entire organization. This role involves managing the allocation of funds for critical infrastructure projects, flood protection, and stream maintenance. By directing financial reporting and audit processes, the Chief Financial Officer ensures compliance with regulatory standards and transparency for the public. Darin Taylor develops long-term financial models to support the district's capital improvement programs and operational requirements. This leadership position requires close collaboration with other executives to align spending with strategic priorities. Through prudent management of revenue streams and debt obligations, the Chief Financial Officer maintains the financial stability necessary for the district to fulfill its mission. The Chief Financial Officer provides the economic foundation that allows the organization to invest in sustainable water solutions and protect the community from flood risks.

Marc Klemencic, the Chief Operating Officer at Valley Water, manages the daily execution of critical water supply and infrastructure maintenance programs. This role focuses on optimizing the performance of the district's integrated water resources system to ensure consistent service delivery. By supervising technical teams, the Chief Operating Officer improves the reliability of water distribution networks across the region. Marc Klemencic coordinates with engineering departments to address aging infrastructure and implement modern upgrades. This leadership function involves monitoring operational metrics to identify efficiency gains and mitigate potential service disruptions. Through the application of advanced resource management strategies, the Chief Operating Officer supports the district's commitment to sustainable water usage. The Chief Operating Officer maintains operational continuity by balancing immediate maintenance needs with long-term capital improvement plans, ensuring that the district remains prepared for future environmental challenges.

Tina Yoke, the Chief Operating Officer, Information Technology & Administrative Services at Valley Water, directs the digital infrastructure and internal support systems that enable organizational productivity. This role involves modernizing data management platforms to improve the efficiency of water resource monitoring and administrative workflows. By overseeing cybersecurity protocols, the Chief Operating Officer, Information Technology & Administrative Services protects critical district data and operational systems from emerging threats. Tina Yoke manages the integration of new technologies to streamline internal processes and enhance service delivery. This leadership position requires balancing the needs of various departments to ensure that administrative services support the overall mission of the district. Through the implementation of robust IT strategies, the Chief Operating Officer, Information Technology & Administrative Services provides the technical foundation for effective water management. The Chief Operating Officer, Information Technology & Administrative Services drives innovation to keep the organization agile and responsive.

Christopher Hakes, the Chief Operating Officer - Watersheds at Valley Water, manages the protection and restoration of local stream ecosystems and flood control infrastructure. This role involves overseeing the maintenance of dams, reservoirs, and channels to ensure public safety and environmental health. By directing watershed management programs, the Chief Operating Officer - Watersheds mitigates flood risks while promoting the natural beauty of the region's waterways. Christopher Hakes coordinates with environmental agencies to ensure that all watershed activities comply with regulatory requirements and sustainability goals. This leadership position requires a deep understanding of hydrology and ecological management to balance flood protection with habitat preservation. Through the implementation of proactive watershed strategies, the Chief Operating Officer - Watersheds protects the community from natural disasters. The Chief Operating Officer - Watersheds ensures that the district's stream stewardship efforts remain effective and responsive to changing environmental conditions.

Cheryl Togami, the Division External Affairs Chief of Staff at Valley Water, manages communication strategies and stakeholder engagement initiatives. This role involves building partnerships with local government agencies, community groups, and the public to promote the district's water conservation and flood protection goals. By directing public outreach campaigns, the Division External Affairs Chief of Staff increases awareness regarding the importance of stream stewardship and resource management. Cheryl Togami coordinates the flow of information between the district and external entities to ensure alignment on key policy issues. This leadership function requires navigating complex public relations landscapes to maintain the district's reputation. Through the development of strategic messaging, the Division External Affairs Chief of Staff fosters community support for critical infrastructure projects. The Division External Affairs Chief of Staff ensures that all external communications reflect the district's commitment to transparency and environmental responsibility.