The California Water Institute [CWI] at Fresno State has established its inaugural External Advisory Board, reinforcing its commitment to collaboration and continuous engagement with the broader water community. By bringing together leaders from state agencies, local government, nonprofit organizations and private industry, the board reflects the California Water Institute’s approach of seeking input and guidance from those directly working on California’s most pressing water challenges, including groundwater sustainability, infrastructure and access to safe drinking water.

The advisory board will provide insight on the institute’s strategic priorities, research activities and partnerships, helping to ensure its work remains relevant, responsive and grounded in real-world needs. Laura Ramos, director of the California Water Institute, emphasized that the strength of institute lies in its ability to listen, learn and adapt through collaboration. By actively engaging external partners, the California Water Institute continues to advance applied research, education and outreach efforts that support practical, community-informed solutions for water issues across the state.

Row one L to R: Eddie Ocampo, Melissa Frank, Nathan Magsig. Row two L to R: Ann Hayden, Aaron Fukuda, Doreen O’Damo, Rain Emerson. Row three L to R: Kassy Chauhan, Austin Ewell and Paul Gosslin.

The founding members of the California Water Institute External Advisory Board are:

• Kassy Chauhan, North Kings Groundwater Sustainability Agency
• Dorene D’Adamo, State Water Resources Control Board
• Rain Emerson, Bureau of Reclamation
• Austin Ewell, Ewell Group
• Melissa Frank, The Wonderful Company
• Aaron Fukuda, Tulare Irrigation District
• Paul Gosselin, California Department of Water Resources
• Ann Hayden, Environmental Defense Fund
• Nathan Magsig, Fresno County Board of Supervisors
• Eddie Ocampo, Self-Help Enterprises