Northern California Water Association (NCWA) is pleased to announce that Roger Cornwell has been elected as Chair of the NCWA Board of Directors. A dedicated water leader and lifelong advocate for Northern California. Roger brings a wealth of experience in both farming and water management to this role.
As Chair of the Board of Directors for Reclamation District 108 for the past eight years and the inaugural Chair of the Sacramento River Settlement Contractors, Roger has been deeply involved in ensuring reliable water supplies for farms, communities, and the environment. He has also played a key role in shaping regional water policy, serving in leadership positions for the Yolo County Groundwater Sustainability Agency and the Sacramento Valley Ecological Restoration Foundation. Roger has been a leader in floodplain reactivation and Sacramento Valley salmon recovery. See his personal story here. Roger also serves as the General Manager of Sutter Mutual Water Company, RD 1500 and the Basin Irrigation and Drainage Authority (see statement).
Roger’s deep ties to agriculture come from decades of farming in the Sacramento Valley. He farmed at River Garden Farms for 20 years, including 17 years as General Manager, leading a large, diversified farming operation that emphasized sustainability and innovative water management. Prior to that, he farmed for T.A. Hatanaka for seven years, serving as General Manager for four years. His firsthand experience growing food and managing water resources gives him a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing the region’s agricultural community.
Roger participated in the NorCal Water Leaders Program and served in the second cohort of the Watershed Solutions Network. A native of Esparto, California, Roger holds a BS in Agricultural Business from Cal Poly – San Luis Obispo. He has three grown children, including his son, Hayden, who is following in his footsteps serving as General Manager of South Sutter Water District. Roger loves to fish and play golf on the weekends and is an avid San Francisco Giants fan.
As he steps into this new role, Roger’s leadership will help guide NCWA’s ongoing efforts to advance a vibrant region that grows food, supports communities, and sustains the environment.
Please join us in welcoming Roger Cornwell as NCWA’s new Board Chair!
