East Kaweah GSA is recognizing its water professionals for California Water Professionals Appreciation Week. Read more about our water professionals below.

Mike Hagman, Executive Director, East Kaweah GSA

There is a lot that goes on to keep a Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA) running! Mike Hagman runs the ship at East Kaweah GSA, organizing and managing the agency’s affairs. His seasoned role at Lindmore Irrigation District led him to his role as Executive Director of East Kaweah GSA. The two agencies signed a shared resources agreement, which allows employees’ work to benefit both agencies.

He believes that the best model for good leadership is honesty, integrity, and hard work. He leads by example and strives to keep East Kaweah GSA pursuing groundwater sustainability with transparency to its stakeholders. He says the most rewarding part of his job is helping East Kaweah GSA reach its groundwater sustainability goals.

When he’s outside the office, he spends as much time with family as possible, and loves to watch college football.

Chris Hunter, Program Manager, East Kaweah GSA

You’ll often find Chris Hunter behind the scenes hard at work managing grants, projects, the Water Dashboard, policy development, and technical work.

“My work at EKGSA is multi-faceted, challenging, and exciting,” Chris said.

When he’s not managing the goings-on of East Kaweah GSA, he enjoys time with his wife and three boys – especially if it’s outdoors.

The most rewarding part of Chris’s job is his one-on-one time with growers, stakeholders, and community leaders. His time connecting with people within the East Kaweah GSA boundary helps shape policy and provide solutions with stakeholders in mind.

“Even though pursuing groundwater sustainability is challenging, being a small part of a greater community that is striving toward sustainability on all fronts is time well spent,” he said.

Chris credits his journey to his current role first to prayer after 23 years serving Friant Water Authority.

“Though some questioned why I would want to take on the challenge of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), to me it was the perfect opportunity to dive in and do what I could to help by community,” Chris said. “Every dollar I have earned was funded by a farmer. I can think of no better place or time to apply my God-given time and talents then now, serving the community I call home.”

Chris advises young water professionals to look for opportunities to serve their peers, organization, and community. He says to surround yourself with people who are more talented, more skilled, and of good character.

Miguel Jimenez, Assistant Engineer, Provost & Pritchard

Miguel Jimenez assists with designing and preparing plans and specifications for groundwater recharge projects and infrastructure improvements for Lindmore Irrigation District. Lindmore Irrigation District is a member agency of East Kaweah GSA, so groundwater sustainability projects mutually benefit each agency.

During construction he works closely with contractors, sub-consultants, and project managers to ensure projects are built according to plan and on time. These groundwater recharge projects are all part of achieving groundwater sustainability by 2040 under the SGMA, which he says is the most rewarding part of his job.

His journey to the water industry started when working as an irrigation designer for six years. He was interested in expanding his knowledge of water and focus on open channel hydraulics. As for young water professionals, he advises finding a mentor or professional to talk about any sector of water such as design, policy, management, conveyance, or conservation.

“Try to get involved in anything and everything related to water,” Miguel said. “It will be extremely beneficial to give you an insight to the endless possibilities.”

Scott Maskell, Management Analyst, East Kaweah GSA

Scott Maskell hit the ground running at East Kaweah GSA when he came on staff in early 2023. He immediately jumped in to assist landowners with the Water Dashboard, helping them manage their accounts, handling water account invoicing, and answering questions.

The most rewarding part of his job, he says, is the connection he’s built with landowners.

“These projects more efficiently capture water within the basin and help improve groundwater levels,” he said.

When he’s not assisting landowners with their Water Dashboard accounts, he loves spending time with his family.

“I believe that the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) has created one of the most interesting times. SGMA has placed all water professionals into a position where we need to operate at higher levels,” Scott said.

Scott’s journey to the water industry started with an internship at Lindmore Irrigation District. His human resources experience helped develop LID policies during a time of growth, and he joined the East Kaweah GSA team to help the GSA provide customer support during a pivotal time implementing groundwater sustainability goals under SGMA.

Christopher Cervantes, Assistant Engineer, Provost & Pritchard

Groundwater recharge projects play a pivotal role in meeting groundwater sustainability goals. Thanks to Chris’s help with projects like the Lindsay Recharge Basin, the East Kaweah GSA is working toward meeting those goals.

For the Lindsay Recharge Basin, he assisted with project design, bidding, and construction. He worked with different local agencies and contractors to bring it to fruition. It’s part of what makes his job rewarding.

“The most rewarding part of my job is being able to work on projects that I know will have an impact to the local communities in the Valley,” he said.

His passion to help others and bring necessary resources to communities is what led him to the water industry. He advises young water professionals to take any opportunity they can to get on a project site.

“There is so much you can learn from being out on the field that you can’t get anywhere else,” Chris said.

In his free time, he loves to fly fish and spend time with his dogs.