Mayor Eric Garcetti today nominated the vice president of the National Sierra Club Board of Directors to join the Los Angeles Board of Water and Power Commissioners.
Susana Reyes, who previously served as the director of LADWP’s Low- Income Customer Access, would replace outgoing commissioner, Aura Vasquez.
Reyes’ nomination is subject to City Council confirmation.
“Susana has spent her life and career helping to build a more sustainable city that serves every Angeleno — no matter their zip code,” Garcetti said. “Her expertise in environmental policy, fiscal management and community engagement will be an invaluable asset to our utility.”
Reyes has also served as a senior analyst on Garcetti’s sustainability team, where she oversaw the implementation of Los Angeles’ first Sustainable City pLAn and helped the city secure a $1.7 million grant from the California Air and Resources Board to help launch BlueLA, an EV car sharing pilot program in low-income communities, Garcetti’s office said.
Vasquez, whose final board meeting was Tuesday, “brought a powerful voice for environmental justice and equity to the work of the DWP,” Garcetti said. “She is a dedicated activist, advocate and organizer who made it her mission to build a healthier, fairer city for everyone — and I have no doubt she will continue to be an outstanding partner in the march toward a greener, more sustainable Los Angeles.”
Garcetti’s office said Vasquez prioritized policies that increased equity and helped LADWP accelerate its transition to clean energy.
“Aura is a champion of equal access to LADWP programs and rebates, a champion for renewable energy for Los Angeles, and a supporter of sustainable and local water supplies,” Board of Water and Power Commission president, Mel Levine said. “She has also helped strengthen the department’s relationship with the customers we serve by taking time to meet with them one-on-one and speak at events to tell the LADWP story. We are very grateful for her time, dedication and public service.”
