After six years of transformative leadership, the California Water Data Consortium is honoring two founding board members as they complete their tenure as founding Board members: Deven Upadhyay and Joone Kim-Lopez.
When Senator Bill Dodd’s AB 1755 launched California’s Open and Transparent Water Data Act in 2016, it took visionaries like Deven and Joone to transform legislative mandate into living practice. As part of the founding board in 2019, they helped build the Consortium from concept to California’s trusted partner in data-driven decision-making.
The journey from Senator Dodd’s vision to today’s thriving organization required more than technical expertise—it demanded relationship building, trust, and unwavering commitment during the early startup days when the Consortium had no staff. At their final board meeting in September, both Deven and Joone reflected on their time as founding board members, leaning on each other to navigate uncharted territory and establish the organizational foundations that would enable future growth.
Deven Upadhyay on Energy and Partnership
Tara Moran Deven Upadhyay brought deep expertise from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California and a calm presence coupled with an unwavering commitment to breaking down silos. Working alongside Warren Teitz, Lindsay McPhail, Jonathan Jordan, and Hannah Ake, he championed partnerships and innovation, not only in the urban water sector but across all areas of water management in California. His thoughtful approach helped shape our strategic direction through active participation in working groups, committees, and ongoing partnering.
“I have had the honor of serving on quite a number of boards in my career and the energy and passion of this group to drive things forward is unlike any other that I’ve been a part of.”
– Deven Upadhyay reflects on his board service
Deven also emphasized what sets the Consortium apart, “Technical competence is an absolute minimum bar, but the energy to go out and talk with folks and bring them on board is incredible. And to sell the vision is incredible.”
Joone Kim-Lopez on Building Foundations and Community
Joone Kim-Lopez brought unparalleled enthusiasm and engagement during her time with the Consortium, where she served as Treasurer, establishing the fiscal frameworks that enabled our evolution from a startup nonprofit to a statewide leader. Partnering with Johnathan Cruz at Moulton Niguel Water District, Joone brought more than financial acumen—she built relationships that expanded our community and co-hosted innovative engagement events, from data challenges to hackathons across California.
“We’re doing more than just developing data for water; we’re developing a community of people and launching the next generation of leaders that can take us through that next step.”
– Joone Kim-Lopez on the Consortium’s impact
A Culture of Collaboration
Tara Moran Both leaders served on our Organizational Committee, strengthening governance and helping us navigate critical growth phases, including a transition from fully remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic to in-person events and meetings, the expansion of our team and programs, and hiring a new CEO & President. Their leadership exemplified the collaborative spirit that defines the Consortium.
“I’ve told a lot of people over my career that California water is 90% relationships and 10% substance. And I’m really thankful for the relationships developed through this board.”
– Dave Orth, Board of Directors member
CEO Robyn Grimm and Board Chair Meredith Lee praised Joone and Deven’s dedication, noting that from the beginning, board members have put in everything asked of them and more because they believe in the mission—even before there was really a formal organization to serve.
Looking Forward
Although Joone and Deven are formally leaving our board, they emphasized this isn’t goodbye—they look forward to ongoing collaboration as the Consortium’s community of practice grows.
We’re grateful for their wisdom, partnership, and the foundation they’ve built. As we welcome new board members to carry this work forward, we celebrate Joone and Deven’s graduation to what the board affectionately calls the “top-shelf club” of Consortium Emeritus.