For Immediate Release
Contact: Elizabeth Jonasson
(559) 241-6233
Westlands Water Announces Promotion of Key Staff
Fresno, CA – Westlands Water District (District) is pleased to announce the promotions of Russ Freeman to Deputy General Counsel and Kiti Buelna Campbell to Deputy General Manager-Resources.
Russ Freeman has been promoted to the role of Deputy General Counsel after serving as the Deputy General Manager- Resources for more than seven years. Russ joined the District in 1997 and has been instrumental in developing some of the District’s key programs including supplemental water, land acquisition, power, and more recently solar development. Russ is a licensed California Professional Engineer and member of the State Bar of California. In his new position, he will provide legal guidance on key areas such as contracting, employment, and public financing laws. Russ will also continue to support the District’s leadership on water supply and resource matters, develop recommendations, and coordinate with external counsel.
Kiti Buelna Campbell has been with the District since 2010, serving most recently as Supervisor of Resources since 2018. In that role, she managed the implementation and regulatory compliance of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) for the Westside Subbasin. A licensed California Professional Engineer, Kiti has 15 years of expertise in water management, with a focus on water supply enhancement, groundwater management, and California’s power market. Her accomplishments include leading the efforts to recharge over 400,000 acre-feet of water in the District, securing more than $36M in grants to enhance water supply and support SGMA implementation activities, and overseeing the approval of the Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP). As Deputy General Manager of Resources, Kiti will continue shaping and executing the District’s goals, objectives, priorities, and policies around water distribution and supply.
“All of us at Westlands Water District are excited to see Kiti and Russ take on new roles and responsibilities as they continue to serve our growers,” said Allison Febbo, General Manager of Westlands Water District. “Their extensive expertise, dedication, and leadership will be invaluable as we address the evolving challenges facing our District.”
Both Kiti Campbell and Russ Freeman officially began their new roles on January 1, 2025.
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About Westlands Water District
Westlands Water District is recognized as a world leader in agricultural water conservation and has served the farmers and rural communities on the west side of Fresno and Kings counties for more than five decades. As stewards of one of California’s most precious natural resources, Westlands continually invests in conservation, and champions farmers deploying innovative irrigation methods based on the best available technology.