Angels Camp, CA — The Utica Water and Power Authority (UWPA) Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Joel Metzger has been hired as the new general manager of the Authority. The Board unanimously approved the contract at a Board meeting Tuesday May 26, and his first day on the job will be July 13. Metzger has worked as a manager at the Calaveras County Water District (CCWD) for the past six years, leading various teams, including grants, external affairs, legislative advocacy, customer service and water use efficiency. He is a lifelong resident of Calaveras County and lives in Vallecito with his wife Emily and two-year-old daughter, Kate.

Board Chairperson Amanda Folendorf stated: “This is a great opportunity for the agency to hire an outstanding individual with local roots in the community. The road ahead for the agency will be difficult but I believe we have the right individual to lead the Utica Water and Power Authority into the future”

A third generation Calaveras County resident — his grandfather Grant ran the Calaveras Cement Plant and his father Randy was the County assessor — Metzger was raised on his family’s farm in San Andreas. After obtaining his Associate’s Degree from Columbia Community College, he attended Sonoma State University and earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science. After graduation, he began work as a journalist for the Calaveras Enterprise newspaper, and worked his way up to editor of the paper. In 2014, Metzger made a major career change when he was hired at CCWD, and he has become increasingly involved in the water industry at the local, regional and state levels. Outside of work, Metzger enjoys spending time with his family, white water rafting, mountain climbing, gardening, skiing, photography, mountain biking, traveling and tennis.

“Being selected as the UWPA general manager is a great honor, and I am grateful to the Board members for their confidence in me,” Metzger said. “While there are challenges ahead, I am excited to embark on this journey and to lead a team of highly skilled and dedicated staff members. My passion for public service runs deep, and I am eager to continue serving my community and working toward a brighter future for UWPA members and Calaveras County as a whole.”

For more information, contact UWPA at (209) 736-9419 or email admin@uwpa.com.

About the Authority: UWPA was formed in 1995 and provides the raw water supply to its joint powers authority members — Union Public Utility District and City of Angels Camp. A staff of 10 operate two hydroelectric plants and convey Stanislaus River water through five reservoirs and 27 miles of flumes and ditches between Avery and Angels Camp.