The California Water Association is governed by an Executive Committee elected by CWA member utilities. The committee works in partnership with CWA’s Executive Director and Association Manager 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.
Evan Jacobs was elected to serve as CWA president in 2020. He got his start in the water industry in 2003 when he began consulting for American Water on local public policy issues. He currently serves as California American Water’s Director of Government Affairs.
Previously, Evan was the External Affairs Manager for American Water in Northern California, New Mexico and Texas. During the last drought, Evan managed California American Water’s state drought response team and led successful efforts to achieve a 26 percent reduction in water use. He also provides leadership as a board member for several Groundwater Sustainability Agencies in Yolo, Sacramento and Sonoma counties.
Evan holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and government from Trinity College in Connecticut.
Elizabeth Cardwell serves as CWA’s Administrative Director. As an Account Executive for Smith More & Associates, which provides association management services in support of CWA’s leadership and the Executive Director, Elizabeth oversees a team that is responsible for CWA’s day-to-day operations. This includes member relations, database maintenance, board and committee support, financial management, meeting planning, communications, PAC management and special projects.
In 2012, Elizabeth received the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation from the Events Industry Council (EIC), and also holds a certification as a Pandemic Compliance Officer. She is currently pursuing her Certified Association Executive designation with the American Society of Association Executives.
Elizabeth holds a bachelor’s degree in interpersonal communications from California State University, Sacramento.