City of Fresno Announces New Director of Public Utilities

Mayor Lee Brand and City Manager Wilma Quan-Schecter today announced that Michael Carbajal has been named the City of Fresno’s new Director of Public Utilities, effective August 6, 2018.  He replaces Thomas Esqueda, who left the City earlier this year to join California State University, Fresno as its first associate vice president for Water and Sustainability.

“Mike has proven experience in managing large-scale water systems for the City of Fresno and his leadership during the $600 million Recharge Fresno water infrastructure program was instrumental in the project coming in on time and under budget,” City Manager Quan-Schecter said.  “He already understands the challenges facing our Public Utilities department and I am confident in Mike’s ability to bring a new perspective to an important position while continuing to provide our customers with top quality service.”

Mr. Carbajal began his career in the water industry in 2000 as a Junior Engineering Technician with the State of California Department of Water Resources and joined the City of Fresno’s Department of Public Utilities in 2002.  He was appointed Division Manager in 2014, where he managed the Water Division’s capital improvement program, including implementation of the Recharge Fresno Program.  Mr. Carbajal was named Planning Manager in 2016, with increased responsibility to oversee both the Water Division’s and Wastewater Division’s capital improvement programs.  In April 2018, he was appointed Interim Assistant Director of Public Utilities.

As the City of Fresno’s Director of Public Utilities, Mr. Carbajal will be responsible for the operation, maintenance, and long-range planning of water, wastewater, and solid waste.  He holds an Associate degree in Business Administration from Fresno City College and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from California State University, Fresno.