OCWD Leaders Among OC’s 100 Top Influencers for 2019
The Orange County Register recently named Orange County Water District (OCWD; the District) Director Ahmad Zahra and Executive Director of Water Quality and Technical Resources Jason Dadakis among Orange County’s 100 top influencers for 2019. This prestigious list recognizes those, both in and out of the spotlight, who have made notable actions and achievements in the county that hallmark this past year.
“This is quite an accomplishment and we are proud of the recognition that Ahmad and Jason received,” said OCWD President Vicente Sarmiento. “We’re fortunate to have these distinguished leaders as part of the OCWD family, working day in and day out to ensure that the 2.5 million people in the District’s service area have a reliable, high quality water supply.”
Ahmad Zahra, was elected to a four-year term on the Fullerton City Council in 2018, where they later appointed him to represent Fullerton on OCWD’s Board of Directors. Director Zahra was recognized by The Orange County Register for the great work that he has done on behalf of Fullerton—from the restoration of murals to the consideration of a rent subsidy program. On behalf of the Orange County Water District, he serves on the Water Advisory Committee of Orange County and its planning committee, and he is a representative to the Association of California Cities-Orange County and the Center for Demographic Research. To read more about Director Zahra and his work on the council, please visit https://www.cityoffullerton.com/gov/citycouncil/ahmadzahra.asp.
Jason Dadakis was recognized for serving as a leading regional expert on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of man-made chemicals, some of which are contaminants of emerging concern present in water supplies throughout the United States and in countless everyday consumer products. Jason has met several times this past year with key state leaders to help shape California’s regulation of these compounds. He is managing OCWD’s efforts to identify solutions to address this critical issue. Additional information about this work can be found at https://www.ocwd.com/what-we-do/water-quality/pfoapfos/.
To view the complete list of 2019 influencers, visit https://www.ocregister.com/2019/12/23/most-influential-meet-orange-countys-100-top-influencers-for-2019/.
OCWD staff and directors are consistently recognized and sought out for their leadership on important issues facing Orange County and the water industry.
“The District takes this role with the utmost responsibility and will continue to serve the residents and businesses of north and central Orange County to ensure a sustainable water future for today and for generations to come,” stated Sarmiento.