Pasadena Finds New Acting General Manager For Water And Power

PASADENA, CA — The city of Pasadena has found its new acting general manager for the Department of Water and Power.

Jeffrey Kightlinger will oversee Pasadena Water and Power, city officials announced Wednesday. He takes over for Gurcharan Bawa, who retired earlier this month.

"We are experiencing challenging times with the drought, water shortages and the need for infrastructure investment," Cynthia Kurtz, interim city manager, said in a statement. "Jeffrey’s leadership and experience will be very beneficial — especially for our immediate priorities."

As part of his duties, Kightlinger will help search for a permanent general manager to help lead the department, officials said.

Kightlinger previously served as the chief executive officer for the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California from 2006 to 2021.

He has served on the boards for the USC Price School of Public Policy, the UCLA Sustainability Advisor Board and the California Foundation on the Environment and the Economy.