Mike Wade, Executive Director

Mike is the first Executive Director of the Agricultural Water Management Council since March 2002.  The Council is recognized as the lead organization overseeing agricultural water supplier water management planning and the advancement of agricultural water management in California.

Mike is also responsible for the day-to-day operation of the California Farm Water Coalition, the state's only educational organization dedicated to providing the public with factual information on agricultural water use. Duties include staff management and delegation of assignments and development of educational programs and public awareness activities on a statewide basis. The distribution of fact-based educational materials to the public is a major priority for the Coalition.

Kathryn Charlton, Assistant Executive Director

Kathryn is responsible for carrying out program activities for the Council since June 2002.  She developed the outreach strategy to reach agricultural water suppliers and effectively convey a message about the importance of district participation in the Council and water policy discussions.  As a result, Council membership increased over 50 percent, reaching membership acreage targets outlined in the Cooperative Agreement one year ahead of schedule.  Kathryn also administers the Council's technical assistance programs for preparing, implementing and reporting on water management activities.

Brandon Souza, Project Director

Brandon has been with the AWMC since November 2005.  Brandon developed the Online Agricultural Water Management Directory that connects members to a wide variety of information regarding agricultural water management practices and technologies relevant to California.  Currently Brandon is working on a number of projects including completing a state-wide study on the efficacy of water management practices in California irrigation districts, producing online water management planning software to facilitate district planning processes and expanding outreach programs to enhance the public's understanding of the complex issues facing California Agriculture.