By News release
Amador Water Agency General Manager Jim Abercrombie announced today that he is leaving AWA after 12 years to take the helm at the El Dorado Irrigation District in September. His last day at AWA will be September 4.
"I have very mixed emotions about leaving," said Abercrombie. "I have really loved being a part of the Amador Water Agency. We've had a great run together but it's time for me to move on."
Abercrombie added that he regrets leaving a number of unfinished projects. "There's a lot more work to be done - hopefully the new board will be able to work with a new general manager to make the critical decisions needed to get those long term infrastructure projects off the ground."
Among his many accomplishments at the Amador Water Agency, Abercrombie says he's most proud of overseeing the successful completion of the Amador Transmission Pipeline project, the Buckhorn water treatment plant, improvements at LaMel Heights and Gayla Manor, and the Plymouth pipeline, now under construction.
AWA Board President Terry Moore praised Abercrombie: "Jim is one of the most capable managers I've ever encountered in my career. It may take a few months to sink in, but sooner than later we're going to miss his leadership."
Moore added, "Jim is leaving AWA in better shape than when he arrived. He has cultivated a top notch staff and put in place a team-based management process that has resulted in cost reductions and increased customer satisfaction."
Abercrombie is recommending that the Board appoint Gene Mancebo, the Agency's manager of engineering and planning, to act as interim general manager until Abercrombie's position is filled. "Gene is a long-time employee, very capable, an absolute professional," said Abercrombie.
According to an EID press release, Abercrombie was chosen from "a field of forty-one well-qualified applicants and Jim clearly stands out in that excellent field. Jim's very knowledgeable about the water industry and the issues facing EID. And he knows this county well." Abercrombie and his wife are long time residents of El Dorado County.
Abercrombie was hired as the Amador Water Agency's general manager in 1998. Before joining AWA, he was El Dorado district manager with PG&E, where he worked for 20 years. When promoted to that position, he was the company's youngest-ever district manager.
