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H. David Nahai was nominated as LADWP’s next general manager by Mayor Villaraigosa on October 29 and the Board of Water and Power Commissioners on November 20. Nahai took office on December 1 as temporary general manager and was confirmed by the City Council on December 5, 2007.Nahai is expected to lead LADWP on an ambitious path to modernize the utility's infrastructure and reduce its contribution to global warming.Previously, Nahai was appointed by Mayor Villaraigosa to the LADWP Board in September 2005 and elected both Vice President and President by his fellow commissioners. As President, Nahai led the effort to increase the Department's use of renewable energy sources. Since 2005, LADWP has nearly tripled its renewable energy portfolio from 3 percent to 8 percent, and the Department is on track to reach its ultimate goals of 20 percent by 2010 and 35 percent by 2020. While serving on the Board, Nahai led the effort to audit six divisions within the Department (including procurement, custodial, security, and equal employment opportunity) that resulted in the implementation of new and modern management practices. An overhaul of the LADWP's contracting practices is also underway to ensure no contract is awarded unless it is in the best interest of the ratepayers. Nahai also spearheaded efforts to expedite reviews of personnel complaints. Nahai and the Board of Commissioners have also begun to cut wasteful spending from the Department's budget. Hearings were held to cut spending from last year's budget and redirect money this year to fund the top priority of modernization. Nahai, an attorney, began his career in the private sector close to three decades ago working at some of the nation's largest and most respected law firms. For twenty of those years, he served as a partner or president, allowing him to hone his legal and financial skills, and earning him a reputation as a tough fiscal manager. Nahai is widely recognized throughout California as a leading expert in water issues. With over ten years on the state's Regional Water Quality Control Board, Nahai has been charged with safeguarding the quality of surface, ground and coastal waters while covering a jurisdiction of 11 million residents in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. At the Water Quality Board, Nahai served under both Democratic and Republican administrations first being appointed by Governor Pete Wilson, then re-appointed by both Governor Gray Davis and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Nahai was elected by his peers to an unprecedented four terms as Chairman of the Board in 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2006. Nahai expects to announce his resignation from the Regional Board shortly. Nahai has been the recipient of numerous awards and commendations. In 2003, he received the Environmental Champion Award from the Los Angeles League of Conservation Voters and was twice honored for community leadership. | 