SAN DIEGO–The City of San Diego selected Shauna Lorance as its new Director of Public Utilities. Her first day will be Aug. 1.
“Ms. Lorance brings the skills, discipline and experience at reforming agencies that Public Utilities needs,” said Kris Michell, the City’s Chief Operating Officer. “We’re committed to getting this department right for the public, and she’s the person to make that happen.”
Lorance currently serves as Interim General Manager of the Monterey County Water Resources Agency. From 1996 to 2016, she held executive management positions at the San Juan Water District.
She will be taking over a department that is in the process of addressing unreliable meter performance, inconsistent billing statements, and customer criticisms. Last summer, at the direction of Mayor Kevin Faulconer, the City initiated a comprehensive analysis of water systems and processes.
Operational changes are underway to make the department more reliable and customer-focused, including: Strengthen reform efforts, build new management team, improve customer service, and improve city employee training.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to lead the Public Utilities Department and intend to continue transforming the agency to better serve the public,” Lorance said. “There have been a lot of positive steps taken, but there’s still more we can do. Our job is to earn back the trust of San Diego’s communities, and I am looking forward to getting started.”
Lorance remains in her current position until the end of June.
The Public Utilities Department provides water service and wastewater collection for City of San Diego customers, as well as wastewater treatment and disposal services for City of San Diego customers and regional partners.
The department has more than 1,600 employees and an annual budget of $1.65 billion.
