Santa Ana Water Board appoints Eric Lindberg to its executive officer position

RIVERSIDE – Eric Lindberg, who served as the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board’s assistant executive officer since 2023, was selected to serve as the regional board’s new executive officer. He succeeds Jayne Joy, who retires after four decades in the environmental industry, including the last four years leading the Santa Ana Water Board.

Lindberg, who joined the board in 2017, has worked for more than 20 years in water resources management and hydrogeology. His areas of expertise include recycled water reuse, salt and nutrient management and groundwater replenishment.

"Our board members and staff are pleased that Eric was chosen as our new executive officer, " said board Chair Kristine Murray. "His extensive experience protecting and restoring water quality, leading teams to successful outcomes and fostering collaborative relationships with stakeholders make him the best choice to lead our agency. His selection also ensures continuity for staff, key projects, regional initiatives and programs. And, of course, our heartfelt thanks go to Jayne for her dedicated service and our best wishes for a well-deserved retirement."

Lindberg, a licensed professional geologist and certified hydrogeologist, served in the U.S. Marine Corps before beginning his career managing water resource and water quality projects at Wildermuth Environmental in Southern California. He later worked as a senior hydrogeologist at Geo-Logic Associates in Ontario, where his responsibilities included supervising hydrogeologic projects, groundwater contamination investigations at the Stringfellow superfund site, and regulatory compliance and corrective action projects at municipal solid waste disposal facilities.

At the regional board, he has held various leadership positions, including manager of the Groundwater Protection Branch and supervisor of the Agriculture Dairies and Cannabis Unit. He takes over his new role August 1.

“Our technical staff include incredibly talented and dedicated scientists, engineers, and geologists, and together, we will confront the water quality challenges facing our region,” said Lindberg. “I am honored and look forward to continuing the collaborative and innovative approach that has been the hallmark of our board under Jayne's leadership. I share her vision for seeking equitable outcomes for all our communities.”

During her tenure with the board, Joy oversaw a broad array of environmental programs and was known for her warm, inclusive managerial style and impassioned efforts to address water quality issues that disproportionately affect disadvantaged communities. She championed the Racial Equity Resolution that the board adopted in March 2024 and guided implementation of the subsequent Racial Equity Action Plan.

"It has been my privilege to work for the Santa Ana Water Board," Joy said. "I am proud of what we accomplished and confident Eric will continue to lead the organization with the same dedication and commitment to protecting our water resources."

The Santa Ana region, which extends from the San Bernardino and San Gabriel mountains to the north and east, to Newport Bay along the coast, is one of the fastest growing areas of the state. Though geographically the smallest of the Water Boards’ nine regions, the Santa Ana regional staff strives to protect, enhance, and restore water quality for almost 5 million Californians.