Kern County Water Agency Names Taryn Ravazzini Assistant General Manager – Strategic Initiatives

Kern County Water Agency Names Taryn Ravazzini Assistant General Manager – Strategic Initiatives

BAKERSFIELD, CA — July 23, 2026— The Kern County Water Agency (Agency) today announced that Taryn Ravazzini has been named Assistant General Manager – Strategic Initiatives, effective August 16, 2026. Ravazzini will join the Agency’s Executive Management Team to lead the Agency’s strategic, regulatory, and legislative initiatives before the State Water Resources Control Board, the California Department of Water Resources, the California Legislature, and fellow State Water Project contractors.

Ravazzini’s new role, based in the Agency’s Sacramento office and reporting directly to General Manager Eric L. Averett, reflects the Agency’s continued focus on advancing its interests in statewide water policy, regulatory proceedings, and long-term water supply planning.

Ravazzini brings more than 20 years of executive leadership experience guiding California’s most significant water policy, regulatory, and infrastructure initiatives. Most recently, she served as Executive Director of the Los Vaqueros Reservoir Joint Powers Authority, where she led the executive, financial, and policy functions of an eight-agency joint powers authority overseeing a multi-billion-dollar reservoir expansion program. Previously, she served as Deputy Director at the California Department of Water Resources, where she led the statewide implementation of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). She also served as Acting Executive Officer of the California Water Commission, where she led implementation of the State’s landmark $2.7 billion Water Storage Investment Program, and as a senior water policy advisor to both the Brown and Newsom Administrations.

“Taryn has led some of the most consequential water policy and infrastructure programs in the state by building trust across agencies and stakeholders with very diverse interests,” said Eric L. Averett, General Manager of the Kern County Water Agency. “Her experience will strengthen our ability to protect and advance the Agency’s water supply and regulatory interests at the state level.”

“I’m honored to join the Kern County Water Agency at such a pivotal time for California water policy,” said Ravazzini. “I look forward to working with the Board of Directors, General Manager Eric Averett, and the Executive Management Team to advance the Agency’s mission and help ensure a reliable water future for Kern County.”

Ravazzini is an attorney and member of the State Bar of California.

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The Kern County Water Agency was created in 1961 by a special act of the State Legislature and serves as the local contracting entity for the State Water Project.

News Staff