By Andrea Papagianis
The South Coast Water District has hired a new general manager, closing out a nationwide search that reopened in September after a mutual agreement ended contract talks with the district’s interim leader.
Andrew Brunhart, a retired U.S. Navy captain, comes to the district from the U.S. Department of Treasury, where he worked with the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. Brunhart has 30 years of experience managing and operating public utilities and infrastructure as a civil engineer corps officer. He also served as general manager of a sanitation district in Maryland.
“I am certain Andy has the leadership skills to see us through the challenging times that face the water industry, particularly in Southern California,” said Wayne Rayfield, SCWD board president.
Burnhart is slated to start his new position Monday, December 2.
The district’s interim general manager, Betty Burnett, and the board of directors agreed to stop discussions regarding her taking on the position permanently in September.
Burnett was selected by the board to assume the general manager position on an interim basis following the retirement of longtime general manager Mike Dunbar, in October 2012. Burnett previously served in the assistant general manager and legal counsel roles at the district, which she will resume.
The SCWD serves residents in Dana Point, south Laguna Beach and parts of San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano.
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