The panel overseeing the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power recommended Tuesday that David Wright, tapped to fill in as the utility’s temporary general manager, be appointed permanently to the position.
Wright’s proposed permanent appointment is backed by Mayor Eric Garcetti and the Board of Water and Power Commissioners. If confirmed by the City Council, Wright would replace Marcie Edwards, whose retirement is effective today, as the permanent general manager of the utility.
DWP board President Mel Levine said that given Wright’s “significant background in utilities and finance, and very importantly, his intent focus on improving customer service through the work he has begun under Marcie Edwards’ leadership,” he is the right choice for the job.
Garcetti said Wright has an “impressive track record” and “it’s clear to me that he isn’t just a proven customer service specialist — he’s the ideal candidate to lead LADWP into its next era.”
Wright has served as the DWP’s chief operating officer, and was formerly the assistant general manager of the power system.
He previously served for nearly 10 years as the general manager of Riverside Public Utilities, and was the chief financial officer for the Las Vegas Valley Water District, the Southern Nevada Water Authority and the Silver State Energy Association. He has also held other top municipal posts in Riverside.
–City News Service