The San Joaquin Tributaries Authority announced the appointment of Andree Lee of EKI Environment and Water, Inc. as its first executive director.
Lee is a California water resources and policy leader, with nearly two decades of experience managing water resources projects for public water agencies. She brings extensive experience working across diverse interests to achieve collaborative solutions to complex water challenges.
“Ms. Lee’s insights will help support SJTA’s balanced approach to environmental, urban and farming interests in an ever-changing landscape. We’re excited she will move us towards resilient and innovative solutions for our region,” said Chair of the San Joaquin Tributaries Authority Glenn Spyskma.
Lee is a Vice President in the Water Resources group for EKI and specializes in facilitating solutions to complex water management challenges among agencies and stakeholders. She will be supported by additional members of the EKI team, bringing vast experience in water resources planning statewide.
Her work has been instrumental in building consensus for integrating water resources across the Bay Area region to achieve greater reliability. Lee also has worked with private and public water agencies to develop groundwater recharge and conjunctive use studies, water transfer strategies for rural agencies and water supply planning with agencies throughout Southern California. She has also supported her clients in securing grants and loan funding from federal and state sources.
"I am honored to be appointed as the first Executive Director of the San Joaquin Tributaries Authority," Lee said. "I look forward to working closely with our members and collaborators to collectively advance the long-term resilience of the San Joaquin River and its tributaries."
A five-year Strategic Plan completed in 2022 identified the need for an executive director to advance collaborative and sustainable water management while providing dependable water supplies for agriculture, the environment, and the communities served by the SJTA’s member agencies.
As executive director, Lee will oversee an approximate budget of $1.5 million. She will also serve as the voice of the SJTA, representing it before regional groups, legislative and regulatory bodies, organizations, and commissions. Lee will also focus on broadening relationships and partnerships for projects and science initiatives, and on increasing awareness and understanding of the water systems and resources managed by SJTA members.
Lee also serves as chair for the Urban Water Institute and is a former Water Education Foundation, California Water Leader, Class of 2017. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Geography and Environmental Studies, University of California, Los Angeles.
Established in 2012, the Joint Powers Authority was formed around a common purpose to ensure long-term water supply reliability for its customers and community, to collaborate on scientific research to maintain the health of the ecosystems on the tributaries, to operate its systems efficiently and cost-effectively and to promote protection of its members’ historic water rights. The Authority is comprised of the Modesto Irrigation District, Turlock Irrigation District, South San Joaquin Irrigation District, and the City and County of San Francisco.
