CWA is governed by a Board of Directors, appointed by CWA member utilities. The board works in partnership with CWA’s Executive Director, External Affairs Director and Administrative Director to guide operational, advocacy and other initiatives in support of members and their customers.
Jennifer Capitolo was named CWA Executive Director in January 2020. In this role, she serves as CWA’s voice and leader, helping CWA member utilities continue their longstanding record of providing safe, reliable, high-quality drinking water to the communities they serve.
Jennifer has almost 20 years of experience working on all aspects of California water policy. Prior to her selection as CWA Executive Director, Jennifer served as lead government relations representative for the CWA as a senior policy advisor with Nossaman LLP. There, she advocated on behalf of public and private clients in the areas of water, infrastructure, housing and transportation. She successfully helped to shape significant legislative and regulatory policies through her work with the legislature, the California Public Utilities Commission, State Water Resources Control Board and Administrative officials under three governors.
Jennifer previously served in the Department of Finance under Governor Gray Davis and as a district representative for Congresswoman Barbara Lee and former Assemblymember Ellen Corbett.
She holds a master’s degree from UC Berkeley and a bachelor’s degree from Colorado State University.
Edward (Ed) Jackson is the president of Liberty Utilities, California. In his position, he is responsible for all operations in California, including both water and electric facilities. He is also a founding member of the Company’s Diversity, Inclusion and Equity Council.
Ed began working for Liberty (then known as Park Water Company) in 1993 as a Utilities Engineer and later as the Director of Rates and Regulatory Affairs. Prior to joining Liberty, he worked at the California Public Utilities Commission as a Utilities Engineer from 1990 – 1992. Ed earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from California State University, Los Angeles. He is a Grade 2 Water Distribution Operator in the State of California.
John Tang is Vice President of Regulatory Affairs and Government Relations for San Jose Water. With 30 years of experience in the areas of environmental engineering and public affairs, he currently leads the company’s regulatory affairs, customer service, and public affairs programs. As San Jose Water’s chief representative to the California Public Utilities Commission(CPUC), John is responsible for developing and executing the company’s regulatory policy and strategy. He also fosters relationships with community groups and organizations, business leaders, and governmental representatives. Previously employed by FMC Corporation as an environmental engineer, John managed the remediation of a diverse portfolio of contaminated industrial facilities, including state and Federal Superfund sites, in the United States and Canada. Active in the community and industry, he serves on the boards of the California Water Association, the CPUC’s Low Income Oversight Board, and the American Water Works Association’s Public Affairs Council. John is also the president of the Cupertino Chamber of Commerce in 2024. John holds BS and MS degrees in Civil Engineering from San Jose State University and an MBA from Columbia University. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in California and an adjunct professor in the College of Engineering at his alma mater.
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