The Friant Water Authority is promoting one of its top executives to lead the agency.
The Friant Water Authority announced that Johnny Amaral is taking over as the agency’s CEO, succeeding Jason Phillips.
Flashback: Phillips announced last November that he planned to step down as CEO in January to take a position in the private sector.
- He served as the agency’s CEO since 2016.
Driving the news: Amaral has been with the Friant Water Authority since 2019, serving first as Chief of External Affairs.
- He was appointed as Chief Operating Officer in 2022.
- Before joining the agency, Amaral was the Deputy General Manager for External Affairs at Westlands Water District. Prior to making the jump into water agencies, Amaral was the Chief of Staff for former Rep. Devin Nunes (R–Tulare) for over 13 years.
What they’re saying: “We welcome Johnny in his new role as he brings a strong understanding of Friant operations, water policy, and the needs of Valley farmers and communities,” said Friant Water Authority Board Chairman Rick Borges.
