Montecito Water District: New Staff for 2017
The Montecito Water District starts the year with several new staff members, all with local and international experience.
Tom Sheil assumed the role of Business Manager on January 3, replacing Edward Lyons who accepted a position with Cachuma Operation and Maintenance Board (COMB). Mr. Sheil is responsible for the finance, accounting, data processing, and personnel functions of the District and will oversee Business Department staff. Mr. Sheil served prior as Chief Financial Officer for profit and non-profit corporations, including a 10-year role for Mission Without Borders International. He also ran his own consulting firm and has earned professional licenses as Stock Broker and Life Agent, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Accounting from California State University, Northridge. Mr. Sheil brings expertise in a wide range of corporate accounting functions and negotiations with government agencies, nationally and internationally. His strengths include fiscal and operational development, business finance modeling and analysis, annual strategic/profit plan, and monthly forecasting.
Adam Kanold is now the District’s Engineering Manager. A licensed civil engineer specializing in water, wastewater, and storm water utility design and construction, Mr. Kanold served for more than ten years as a Civil Engineer for Tetra Tech, the top-ranked water consulting firm according to ENR (Engineering News-Record). He earned two degrees from University of Colorado, Denver, a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and Master’s in Water Resources Engineering.
Mr. Kanold's project management, engineering and design experience spans water projects around the world, including locations throughout the United States and overseas in Honduras, Nicaragua, Peru, Korea, Afghanistan, Cambodia, Tanzania, and Kenya. He is also the founder of the Santa Barbara / Ventura Engineers Without Borders chapter, which provides engineering solutions in water crisis situations to developing countries around the world.
Laura Camp takes on the new role of Public Information Coordinator. Ms. Camp has communications experience in a variety of sectors, including education, engineering, manufacturing, and public service.She holds a Master's Degree in International Business from Pepperdine University and a Bachelor’s from Brown University.
Top priorities for the District in coming months involve conservation efforts, desalination, recycled water, groundwater management, rate evaluations and capital improvement projects. "The individuals we are adding to our team all possess depth of experience in their fields and have track records that demonstrate versatility," says Nick Turner, the District’s General Manager. "These skills are essential for us as we provide water for our customers through changing times."
