Cal Water Selects Evan Markey to Lead Chico District

Cal Water has named Evan Markey the new District Manager for the utility’s Chico District. He succeeds George Barber, who most recently served as the Interim Director of Field Operations, and is leaving Cal Water on June 1, as he relocates to Oregon.

Markey—who has served as the Chico District’s Interim District Manager since August 2021, when Barber took a temporary assignment within the company—has been with the utility for 14 years and has extensive hands-on knowledge of water distribution, operations, and treatment systems. He started his Cal Water career as a Laborer and subsequently worked as an Operation Maintenance Worker, Meter Reader, Conservation Coordinator, Superintendent, and District Manager for Cal Water’s Willows, Marysville, and Redwood Valley Districts.

“Although we had many qualified applicants, selecting Evan as the District Manager for Chico was the obvious choice,” said Director of Operations Dan Armendariz. “He knows the system inside and out, has the leadership skills necessary to guarantee smooth operations, and will ensure our customers continue to receive the quality, service, and value that they deserve.”

Markey has Water Treatment Grade Two and Water Distribution Grade Four certifications from the State Water Resources Control Board. He also holds a bachelor of science degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara.

“We are grateful to George for his years of service and notably for his leadership during the Camp Fire, when he was personally impacted,” said Armendariz. “George led both our Oroville and Chico Districts with strength and determination, and the legacy that he leaves behind will not be forgotten.”