Turlock Mosquito Abatement District is saying farewell to its long-time manager Jerry Davis, and “hello” to replacement David Heft.

Davis is retiring after 24 years with the Turlock Mosquito Abatement District. Milton Richards, president of Turlock Mosquito Abatement Board, thanked Davis for his years as manager.

“Thanks to Jerry Davis, the Turlock Mosquito Abatement District is a model district for the eradication of Mosquitoes in the United States,” Richards said.

The Turlock Mosquito Abatement District Board of Trustees held a national search for the manager position, and formally approved Heft at their meeting on June 20. Heft currently serves as Scientific and Technical Services Manager for the Los Angeles County West Vector Control District. He received his M.P.A in Public Policy Administration from Long Beach State University in May 2009, and M.S. Entomology from UC Riverside in May 2000 and his B.S. Biology from Long Beach State University in May 1995.

“David has the experience, expertise and enthusiasm to continue the fine work Jerry and his staff have done protecting our residents for mosquitoes and mosquito borne diseases such as West Nile Virus,” Richards said.

Heft will officially replace Davis on Aug. 1. His previous office is located in Culver City.

“My family and I are very excited about moving to the Central Valley and I am personally honored to follow Jerry Davis in this position,” Heft said.