Carpinteria, Calif., January 20, 2026 – The Carpinteria Valley Water District (CVWD) Board of Directors has announced the appointment of Kelley Dyer as the District’s next General Manager following a comprehensive search. Dyer officially began her role on January 19 and will be formally recognized at her first CVWD Board meeting on January 28.

Dyer succeeds Bob McDonald, who will retire at the end of March after 26 years of service with the District. He will remain on staff through March to support a smooth transition.

With over two decades of water industry experience, Dyer joins CVWD from Casitas Municipal Water District where she served for over six years as Assistant General Manager.

During her time with Casitas Municipal, Dyer gained a strong reputation throughout the region for her leadership, technical expertise, and collaborative approach to water management. Her experience aligns closely with CVWD’s ongoing priorities of assuring a sufficient, reliable, and affordable water supply, while maintaining and modernizing the infrastructure necessary to convey water safely and efficiently to the community.

“The Board is extremely pleased to welcome Kelley Dyer as CVWD’s next General Manager,” said Case Van Wingerden, President of the CVWD Board of Directors. “Kelley is very well respected throughout the water industry, and we are familiar with her outstanding reputation from her work at Casitas. She brings the experience, judgment, and leadership style that we believe will serve our community exceptionally well.”

Dyer expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to lead the District amid major initiatives in water-supply reliability, infrastructure, and sustainability.

“I am honored to be selected as General Manager of the Carpinteria Valley Water District,” said Dyer. “CVWD has a strong foundation and a clear commitment to serving its community, and I look forward to working with the Board and staff to continue providing reliable, affordable water service while responsibly managing water resources and infrastructure that support our community.”

During his remarkable tenure, McDonald guided CVWD through significant infrastructure investments, long‑term water supply planning, and organizational stability, leaving the District well-positioned for the future.

Van Wingerden reflected on McDonald’s legacy and the importance of a smooth leadership transition.

“Bob McDonald’s 26‑year career with CVWD represents an extraordinary commitment to public service,” he said. “His expertise, thoughtful decision‑making, and steady leadership helped set the course for the next generation of leadership at the District. On behalf of the Board and the community, we thank Bob for his dedication and lasting contributions.”

The CVWD Board conducted a thorough, disciplined recruitment process. Dyer represents the high caliber of leadership the Board sought and the type of leader who can successfully guide a public water agency while earning trust at every level.

The executive recruitment was conducted by The Widroe Group, a firm specializing in public agency talent acquisition for cities, counties, and special districts. Kim Andrade of Spotlight LLC assisted the Board with the candidate selection process.

With Dyer’s appointment and McDonald’s planned retirement, CVWD enters a carefully planned transition that reflects continuity, strong governance, and a continued focus on serving the community’s water needs.