The Yuba Water Agency Board of Directors recognized Brent Hastey today for his dedicated service to the agency. Hastey served on Yuba Water’s board from 1993-2001 as a Yuba County supervisor and from 2015 as an elected representative of South Yuba County. His term will conclude at the board’s first meeting in January.
“Brent has been at the forefront of many transformative initiatives in Yuba County,” said Yuba Water Board Chairman Gary Bradford. “From advancing critical flood risk reduction work, to pushing for improved water and wastewater infrastructure in the south part of the county, championing the agency’s Water Education Program and so much more, he’s a tremendous asset to our community.”
Hastey served as chairman of Yuba Water’s board from 2017-2019, where he successfully oversaw a significant period of growth for the agency. He also served on several formal and ad hoc committees, where his vision and leadership helped guide decisions on workforce development, the agency’s financials and reserves policy, its Community Impact Grant and Loan Program and other efforts.
During his tenure, Hastey also played an important role in shaping the agency’s Water Education Program, which aims to improve the quality of life and economic prosperity for the people of Yuba County and promote stewardship by helping students, residents and visitors develop an increased understanding of the region’s water and natural resources.
Additionally, Hastey is highly regarded by the broader California water community for his comprehensive and collaborative leadership on water issues, primarily through his work with the Association of California Water Agencies, the largest statewide coalition of public water agencies in the country, and the Northern California Water Association. He was elected as ACWA’s vice president in 2016, president in 2018 and he served as immediate past president in 2020, each two-year terms, and all positions he held while simultaneously serving on Yuba Water’s board of directors.
“Yuba Water is a premier leader in coming up with solutions that affect the entire state, and Brent is an extension of that,” said ACWA Executive Director Dave Eggerton in remarks honoring Hastey earlier this year. “He is a tremendous asset to the California water community and one of the finest leaders in the water business and local government.”
Hastey previously served on the boards of Reclamation District 784, the Yuba County Local Agency Formation Commission, the Regional Council of Rural Counties, the Sacramento Area Council of Governments and the California Community College Trustees. He is also a South Yuba County Rotary Club member and served as Governor for Rotary District 5180 in 2020.
“It’s been a privilege working with Brent during such a transformational time for this agency and during my initial years as general manager,” said Yuba Water General Manager Willie Whittlesey. “His deep understanding of and connections in the California water world have been so beneficial in helping us advance our missions and do some really unique, out-of-the-box thinking about how to best position Yuba Water and Yuba County for the future.”
“It has been one of the honors of my life to serve Yuba Water Agency,” Hastey said.
“I truly believe that there is more potential here in Yuba County than in any place in this world, potential that will be filled through the team at Yuba Water,” he continued. “This agency will continue to lead, and I don’t see the momentum of its efforts slowing down.”
The South Yuba County board seat will be filled on Jan. 3 by incoming director-elect Wayne Bishop.