Press Release

Westlands Water District Announces Departure of Deputy General Manager for External Affairs, Johnny Amaral

FRESNO, CA – After almost 4 years of service to the farmers and communities on the westside of the San Joaquin Valley, Johnny Amaral, deputy general manager for external affairs, is leaving Westlands.

“During his time at Westlands, Johnny played a critical role in the District’s efforts to secure a more reliable and adequate water supply for farmers on the westside,” stated Tom Birmingham, the District’s general manager. “While his presence will be missed, we look forward to continuing to work with him in his new role with the Friant Water Authority. Johnny’s transition will reinforce the collaborative relationship between Westlands and Friant on a variety of issues that impact the water agencies, farms, and the communities on both the east and west sides of the Valley.”

“I have been fortunate to work with so many talented people at Westlands and am grateful for the incredible support from the Board of Directors and from general manager, Tom Birmingham,” said Amaral. “The decision to leave Westlands was difficult, but the timing was right. I live in the Friant service area and grew up on a dairy in Tulare, so the opportunity to work on eastside water issues is one that I am eager to start.”

Don Peracchi, Westlands’ President, stated “Westlands thanks Johnny for the four years of dedicated service, during which the water users of the California were able to see significant changes made in public policy and water management. We wish him success in his new role with the Friant Water Authority and look forward to continuing a close cooperative relationship with Johnny and his colleagues at Friant.”

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Westlands Water District is the largest agricultural water district in the United States, made up of more than 1,000 square miles of prime farmland in western Fresno and Kings Counties. Westlands provides water to 700 family-owned farms that average 653 acres in size.