COLUSA, CA (MPG) – The Family Water Alliance has named longtime water policy leader Tom Birmingham as its incoming president, the organization announced.
Birmingham, former general manager of Westlands Water District, will lead the group’s work supporting family farms and water stewardship across Northern California and Southern Oregon.
“We are pleased to welcome Tom Birmingham as our incoming president,” said Joh Lauwerijssen, current president of the Family Water Alliance. “Tom’s experience in water operations, policy coordination and community engagement makes him a strong leader to guide FWA during a critical period for agricultural communities and local water resources.”
Birmingham led Westlands Water District for more than two decades and is widely known for his work on water policy, planning and infrastructure development. He currently serves as director of water policy for the Hallmark Group CPM, a Sacramento consulting firm.
In his new role, Birmingham will work to strengthen partnerships among farmers, local agencies and regional water managers. The organization said he will also focus on programs that promote responsible water use and long-term economic stability for agricultural families.
“I am honored to be appointed as president of the Family Water Alliance and to work alongside local growers and community leaders who are deeply committed to responsible water management and family agriculture,” Birmingham said.
Birmingham said his perspective on water policy developed early in life while growing up in rural Northern California.
“I am a native of Siskiyou County and my appreciation for sound water resource management was born of my observations of how the availability of water, and often the lack of water, affected rural communities,” Birmingham said. “My goal is to listen to our members, build on FWA’s strong foundation and help develop practical solutions that support both productive farms and resilient water systems.”
The Family Water Alliance is a community-based organization that represents family farms and rural residents throughout California and Southern Oregon. The group advocates for policies and projects aimed at supporting sustainable water management, local agricultural economies and the long-term viability of family operated farms.
Among its initiatives is the Sacramento Valley Fish Screen Program, which works with farmers and water districts to protect fish while maintaining agricultural water supplies.
More information about the organization is available at familywateralliance.com.