For Immediate Release
Contact: Elizabeth Jonasson
(559) 241-6233
Westlands Water District Welcomes Jeff Payne as New Assistant General Manager
Fresno, CA – Westlands Water District (District) is excited to announce Jeff Payne as Assistant General Manager. In this role, Jeff will primarily oversee the District’s legislative and regulatory affairs.
Most recently, Jeff served as the Deputy Regional Director in the Bureau of Reclamation’s California Great-Basin Region. Prior to that, Jeff was the Director of Water Policy at Friant Water Authority and a Principal Engineer for MWH Global. Throughout his career, Jeff has been at the center of highly visible, complex water resource issues facing California’s water supplies and ecosystems.
“Jeff has a unique background in both policy and water resources management that make him an excellent fit for our team,” said Allison Febbo, General Manager. “Jeff has been an effective advocate in collaborative forums on complex issues. I’m confident that his experience and approach will be of great service to Westland’s efforts to manage water scarcity, address climate change, and promote accountability and effectiveness for regulatory constraints on our water supplies.”
Jeff will represent the District in a wide range of governmental and public policy efforts to foster continued collaboration and progress.
“I’m thrilled to join the Westlands Water District team,” said Jeff Payne. “Westlands has a rich history and plays an important role in California water policy and long-term planning. I look forward to being a part of its exciting future, advancing sustainable solutions and seeking a reliable water supply for the San Joaquin Valley.”
Jeff holds a Master of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Washington, and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Kentucky. Jeff is also a licensed California Professional Engineer.
Mr. Payne began his new role on January 15, 2024.
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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 seven 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.