A Los Angeles City commission Tuesday honored Martin Adams, the general manager of the Department of Water and Power, for his 40 years of service.
The five-member Board of Water and Power Commissioners recognized Adams, who is set to retire but has agreed to postpone his departure to see the department through a period of transition as Mayor Karen Bass completes the selection process for the next general manager.
Adams took over leadership in 2019 after three years as the agency’s chief operating officer. He leads a department with more than 11,000 employees, which delivers water and power to 4 million residents across the city.
Commissioner Nurit Katz led the ceremony, thanking Adams for his four decades of a “remarkable and very impactful career.”
She highlighted Adams’ role in restoring water service during the 1994 Northridge Earthquake, planning and implementing the more than two decade-long $2 billion water quality improvement program, developing the Headworks Reservoir complex to replace Silverlake and Ivanhoe reservoirs, transformation of Owens Lake into a migratory bird sanctuary and leading efforts to establish green hydrogen as a key resource.
“Marty, during your time at LADWP, you have witnessed unprecedented growth, innovation and sustainability initiatives that have set new benchmarks for LADWP in the industry,” Katz said. “Personally, I am grateful to have been able to serve on this board during your last years here at DWP and learn from your wealth of expertise about the city and the department.”
Katz bestowed Adams with a pin honoring his many years of service.
“It’s been an honor to be able to serve the people of L.A. and work for this department for all this time,” Adams said. “We’re helping to make sure the next general manager gets off to a good start and great shape.”
Adams began his career with the utility in 1984 as an entry-level engineer in the water system, eventually becoming the senior assistant general manager of water.
During the course of his career, he also worked with the planning and implementation of changes to water storage, conveyance and treatment facilities to meet new water quality regulations, according to the LADWP’s website.
Adams spent almost half of his career in system operations, including 10 years as the director of water operations in charge of the day-to-day operation and maintenance of L.A.’s water delivery system, including the L.A. Aqueduct and other supply sources, pump stations, reservoirs, water treatment and management of water system properties.
He earned his degree in civil engineering from Loyola Marymount University.
Last week, President Joe Biden announced his intent to appoint Adams as a member of the National Infrastructure Advisory Council. The council advises the White House on how to reduce physical and cyber risks, and improve the security and resilience of the nation’s critical infrastructure sectors.
Adams will be among four new members joining a previously announced 26 members.
The council was established in 2001, and has conducted dozens of studies to address issues such as improving intelligence information sharing across government and industry and identifying and reducing complex cyber risks.