Valley Water appoints Aaron Baker as next CEO

The Valley Water Board of Directors has appointed Aaron Baker as the agency’s next chief executive officer. Baker, a licensed professional engineer with over 25 years of experience at the agency, will officially assume the role on January 4, 2027, with an annual salary of $506,789.

Currently serving as the chief operating officer of Valley Water’s Water Utility Division, Baker will act as CEO-designate through early 2027. During this period, he will work alongside Interim CEO Melanie Richardson to manage organizational strategy and stakeholder relationships. Richardson will continue as transition chief executive until June 2027 to facilitate the transfer of institutional knowledge.

The appointment occurs as the agency manages significant infrastructure initiatives, including the Anderson Dam Seismic Retrofit Project, flood protection efforts, and various water supply and treatment plant upgrades serving nearly 2 million people.