In this episode of JPIA Five, CEO Adrienne Beatty speaks with Ernie Avila, President of the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) and Board President of Contra Costa Water District, about leadership, partnership, and the critical role risk pools play in supporting California water agencies.

Ernie shares insights from his time serving on both the ACWA and ACWA JPIA leadership teams, exploring the strong connection between advocacy and risk management, and highlighting how collaboration between ACWA and ACWA JPIA helps agencies maintain reliable service 24/7.

Key themes include:

• Why the partnership between ACWA and ACWA JPIA forms a foundational support system for water agencies

• The value of prevention-focused risk management and safety culture

• How the risk pool model strengthens resilience within the water community

• Why JPIA should be viewed as a service continuity partner - not just a budget line item

Cybersecurity can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be.

In this episode, ACWA JPIA's Director of Pooled Programs Jennifer Jobe sits down with our very own Cybersecurity Risk Specialist, Hunter Sargent to break down what cyber risk really means for water agencies. Drawing from his experience in the U.S. Air Force and National Security Agency, Hunter explains how today’s threats to public infrastructure overlap with national defense concerns and why water agencies remain a key target.

More importantly, the conversation focuses on practical support. Hunter shares how ACWA JPIA partners with members to strengthen cyber resilience through external vulnerability scanning, phishing simulations, tabletop exercises, and ongoing training. Whether your agency has a full IT department or relies on a managed service provider, this episode outlines accessible steps to reduce risk and build confidence.

Join Jennifer Jobe, Director of Pooled Programs at ACWA JPIA, as she sits down with Alex Tokar, Managing Director at Aon, for an insightful conversation on the current state of California’s property insurance market. They’ll explore the latest trends in property insurance availability and pricing, challenges facing the industry, and how ACWA JPIA is strategically navigating this evolving landscape. Don’t miss this timely discussion packed with expert insights and practical takeaways for water agencies and risk management professionals.

Discover how an irrigation district is transforming workplace culture from the inside out. In this episode, we sit down with September Singh, Assistant General Manager, and Donaday Chapman, SPHR/SHRM-SCP, Human Resources Business Partner at Fresno Irrigation District, to explore their innovative in-house training initiative: CORE. Learn how this multi-dimensional core values training program is driving a slow but steady cultural shift, reducing employee turnover, and boosting engagement across the organization. They’ll share how the program was developed, is being implemented, and how other agencies can replicate its success. Whether you're in HR, agency leadership, or just passionate about organizational culture, this episode is packed with practical insights and inspiration.

Join ACWA JPIA Employee Benefits Manager, Adam Dedmon, as he explores the Carrum Health program benefit with Laures Stiles (Director of HR & Administration, San Louis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority) and Anjanette Shadley (Assistant General Manager, Western Canal Water District). The conversation explores the Carrum Heath member benefit from the perspective of a program administrator and user, offering unique insights into benefits for both water agencies and employees. More information about the Carrum Heath program can be found on ACWA JPIA's website under the "Benefits" tab.

In this episode, join ACWA JPIA Member Education Manager, Sarah Crawford, as she interviews three senior JPIA member water agency leaders, Stephen Lang, Betsy Miller, and Kevin Phillips, to learn about their senior leadership journeys and experience in the ACWA JPIA Leadership Essentials for the Water Industry Program.

In this episode, Member Education Manager Sarah Crawford discusses the 10th anniversary of the ACWA JPIA Leadership Essentials for the Water Industry Program, a transformative, year-long experience to develop strong, self-aware leaders in the water industry. She’s joined by Clint Camac, an experienced leadership and development trainer, to explore how the program’s small cohort model fosters deep personal and professional growth. Blending in-person retreats with engaging webinars, the program prioritizes a “people first” approach while staying firmly focused on results. The 2025-2026 cohort application period just opened. Learn more at:

https://www.acwajpia.com/training-2/#leadership-program

In this episode, we sit down with David Drake, a dedicated leader with over 11 years of service to ACWA JPIA, including his role as Vice President of the Executive Committee. David reflects on his impactful journey in water agency governance and risk management, starting from his time at Rincon del Diablo Water District. He shares pivotal moments in the development of the California Water Insurance Fund, the growth of JPIA into a leading risk pool, and the challenges faced in coverage disputes. With a focus on leadership, collaboration, and personal growth, David offers thoughtful insights as he prepares to step away from his official duties, while reaffirming his commitment to the water industry.

In the latest episode of the podcast, hosted by Adam Dedmon, Employee Benefits Manager at ACWA JPIA, guest Katie Wilcox, Client Success Manager from Progyny, discusses the transformative role of fertility benefits in employee health plans. Progyny offers specialized, comprehensive services for fertility and family planning. Offering innovative features like "smart cycles," Progyny provides members with a customizable package of services for individual fertility needs, as well as additional support programs, including reimbursement for adoption and doula expenses. Tune in to learn how these benefits make a difference for JPIA members!

For more on medical benefits available to members of ACWA JPIA's Employee Benefits program, visit: https://www.acwajpia.com/member-agency-benefits/#tab-dae1a9b8814e12d442e

For more about Progyny, visit: https://progyny.com/

In this episode of JPIA Five, ACWA JPIA's Sr. Risk Advisor Jesse Cota interviews Edward Castaneda, General Manager of Orchard Dale Water District, who shares valuable insights into the district’s operations and recent initiatives. He discusses their successful application for the ACWA JPIA Risk Control Grant and how it has helped improve efficiency and safety.

With a small but dedicated team of nine employees serving 25,000 residents, the district thrives on teamwork and communication. A key highlight of the conversation is the development of a customized service truck, designed to enhance safety and efficiency—saving the district substantial funds compared to traditional options.

Castaneda also offers practical advice for other districts, emphasizing the importance of staff involvement, open communication, and employee well-being. Tune in now for an engaging discussion on leadership, innovation, and cost-effective solutions in the water industry!