Riverside, Calif. – Western Municipal Water District’s seasoned Government Affairs Officer Lana J. Haddad has been selected by Leadership California for its prestigious 2016 California Issues & Trends (CIT) Program. Haddad is one of the diverse group of 60 women leaders chosen statewide who will learn about the complex issues facing California.
“Lana displays the proven ability to build strong, authentic relationships with stakeholders from the local level to the national level,” said Western General Manager John Rossi. “Coupled with her keen sense of leadership and expertise in government, she is an ideal candidate for Leadership California.”
Haddad has more than 30 years of professional experience in both the public and nonprofit sectors. In her current role as the government affairs officer at Western, she is responsible for advocating on behalf of the District and customers’ interest in Sacramento and Washington, D.C. In addition to her policy work at the District, Haddad serves as the project manager for the University of California Riverside, School of Public Policy Internship Partnership. She also plays a lead role in the Riverside County Water Task Force, helping to produce an award-winning regional Speakers Series highlighting regional water issues. Prior to her work at Western, Haddad spent nearly a decade at the City of Glendale where she implemented management programs and policies in the city manager’s office and the city’s public-owned utility department.
Currently, Haddad represents Western on multiple committees, including the Association of California Water Agencies Energy and Federal Affairs committees; the California Special Districts Associations Legislative Committee; and the California Association of Sanitation Agencies Federal Legislative Committee. In addition, she serves as the vice chair for the California Municipal Utilities Association Legislative Committee and is the past chair of the association’s regulatory committee. Haddad is a graduate of California State University, Long Beach with a bachelor’s degree in women’s studies. She is presently pursuing her master’s in public administration from California State University, Northridge with a long-term goal of receiving a doctorate in public policy.
“I am so honored to have been selected for Leadership California’s class of 2016. This program provides an exceptional opportunity to learn from diverse leaders across many industries.” said Haddad. “I look forward to an exciting year and being able to contribute more richly to the local community, this region and our state.”
The CIT Program provides focused programming for women leaders, exposing them to critical public and private sector issues and enhancing their competitive knowledge on California from state, national and global perspectives. Women leaders have the opportunity to connect with each other as well as top decision makers and thought leaders. The program also promotes creativity and innovation through the sharing of ideas and best practices. This year marks the CIT program’s 25th anniversary and provides a critical pathway for successful women who care about advancement, achievement and significance. It is held in four sessions across the state. To date, there are more than 1,500 alumnae.
Western Municipal Water District provides water supply, wastewater disposal and water resource management to the public in a safe, reliable, environmentally sensitive and financially responsible manner.
