Palmdale Water District has added a new member to their team.

Mike McNutt comes to Palmdale Water District from Columbus Ohio where he served as a Public Relations Specialist for Columbus Public Health, and a Watershed Coordinator for both Cuyahoga County Board of Health and Big Walnut Creek. McNutt’s new position of PIO/Environmental Manager for the Palmdale Water District was created by the Board of Directors to replace the older and more vague position of Environmental/Conservation Manager. Their hopes are to improve communications internally as well as with the community at large.

To assist in finding the perfect candidate, Palmdale Water District enlisted consultants from Mathis Group and Tripepi Smith & Associates. The search was nationwide and attracted many qualified candidates including municipal administrators and long-time veterans of the water industry.

“The selling point for us was Mike’s experience as a Watershed Coordinator in Ohio, and his experience as a Public Relations Specialist for Columbus Public Health,” said Dr. Bill Mathis, Owner at the Mathis Consulting Group. “Mike possessed bachelor degrees in both Public Relations and Environmental Science. He was the perfect combination of everything we were looking for.”

McNutt is a graduate from Ohio State University with Bachelors Degree’s in Public Relations and Environmental Science. His extensive experience in public relations, communication, emergency preparedness, and environmental conservation will facilitate his transition into the position.

“I have no reservation that Mike will be an outstanding addition,” said Mathis. “We expect that he will rapidly grow this program, and be able to attract the necessary people and grants for unique and innovative programs needed.”

As PIO/Environmental Manager, McNutt’s primary roles will include implementation of the district’s new outreach initiative. He will be working closely with the districts engineer and grant writer to ensure funding and efficient implementation of all new programs.

“I am excited to assist the Board of Directors in influencing positive change for the Palmdale Water District,” said McNutt. “I am dedicated to creating innovative programs and implementing them throughout the city.”

McNutt will step into his new role at the Palmdale Water District in Mid-August.