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The 2026 Mayoral election discussions on the empty reservoirs during the 2025 Pacific Palisades fire alludes to responsibility by LA DWP for the repair to the reservoir covers. The LADWP executive structure at the time was a Mayoral appointment for the CEO/Chief Engineer. That position was cancelled March 4, 2026 with the "stepping down" of Janisse Quiñones in favor of changing to a General Manager.
No discussion has detailed the change in responsibilities. Although an updated description of the Chief Administrative Office suggests that position will have responsibilities that encompasses what those of the Chief Executive Officer previously held:
"He will directly oversee Facilities Services, Fleet & Aviation Services, Security Services, Supply Chain Services, and Real Estate, and continue serving as co-director of the Utility Pre-Craft Training Program."
- CEO -
Janisse Quiñones
March 4, 2026 it was announced will step down as LADWP Chief Executive Officer and Chief Engineer effective March 27, 2026, following period of infrastructure and cultural transformation. City of Los Angeles Announces Transition of LADWP CEO Janisse Quiñones | Mayor Karen Bass
- Interim General Manager -
David W. Hanson
Mayor Karen Bass announced, on March 26, 2026, the designation of David W. Hanson to serve as Interim General Manager of the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power (LADWP), part of a planned transition. Mayor Bass Designates David W. Hanson as Interim General Manager of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power
- Chief Administrative Office (CAO)
John A. Smith, Jr. is the Chief Administrative Office (CAO) of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, the nation’s largest publicly owned water and power utility. He assumed this role in July 2024. In his capacity as CAO, Mr. Smith works closely with the Interim General Manager on the critical corporate services that support our overall Department in delivering water and power and that are foundational to enabling us to achieve our industry-leading goals to transition to 70 percent local water supply and 100 percent clean energy by 2035 equitably, affordably, and reliably. He will directly oversee Facilities Services, Fleet & Aviation Services, Security Services, Supply Chain Services, and Real Estate, and continue serving as co-director of the Utility Pre-Craft Training Program.
- President of the Board of Water and Power Commissioners
Allan Marks was appointed to the Board of Water and Power Commissioners by Mayor Karen Bass on November 26, 2025, and was confirmed by the Los Angeles City Council on December 10, 2025. His term ends on June 30, 2030. As a lawyer and strategic advisor, Marks has a lengthy career in international project finance, energy and infrastructure.
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