Dan Denham

Dan Denham is general manager of the San Diego County Water Authority, an agency established by the State of California to provide wholesale water supplies for 22 member agencies, 3.3 million people, and a $262 billion regional economy.

Denham joined the Water Authority in 2006 to manage the multi-party Quantification Settlement Agreement. He later served as deputy general manager for five years before being appointed to his current post by the agency’s 36-member Board of Directors. As deputy general manager, he oversaw the MWD and Colorado River programs, along with the Engineering, Water Resources, and Operations & Maintenance departments.

As general manager, Denham’s priorities include continuing to enhance relations with the Water Authority’s member agencies, minimizing rate increases, executing new water exchange agreements in California and beyond, and ensuring long-term water supplies for the semi-arid San Diego region.

The General Manager’s Office manages and directs the activities of approximately 250 Water Authority staff. The office implements the Board’s Strategic Plan and policies through programs in the Business Plan; oversees the Water Authority’s extensive infrastructure system; communicates and advocates policy positions and programs of the Water Authority to local, state, and federal officials and agencies; and supports the Board of Directors.

Before joining the Water Authority in 2006, Denham served in various capacities at the City of San Diego’s Metropolitan Wastewater Department, Financial Management Department, and Mayor’s Office.

Denham holds undergraduate degrees in public administration and economics, and a graduate degree in public administration, all from San Diego State University. Denham sits on several regional boards, including the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corp., the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, the San Diego State University Alumni Board, and the Citizens Forum of the U.S. Section of the International Boundary & Water Commission.