Santa Margarita Water District is pleased to welcome Jorianne Jernberg as our new Deputy General Manager, who will join the executive team, along with General Manager Robert Grantham and Assistant General Manager Kristine Day, in supporting the teams that deliver SMWD’s essential services every day. Jorianne has recently been focused on legislative and public affairs, where she is helping advance proposed legislation to help SMWD operate more efficiently.

Jorianne brings more than a decade of leadership in water and infrastructure finance, most recently from Washington, D.C., where she helped build the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) WIFIA Program from the ground up. Under her leadership, WIFIA grew into a nationally recognized government bank that delivered more than $22 billion in loans supporting nearly $50 billion in critical water infrastructure projects—including many right here in California. 

Jorianne’s work spans water reuse, desalination, stormwater, and wastewater improvements. Her experience will help guide SMWD’s future investments.

Prior to her role with the EPA, Jorianne spent a decade in the transportation sector, focusing on infrastructure finance. She also worked in local government for a County Commissioner in her home state of Ohio. 

What excites Jorianne most about joining SMWD? Helping the organization (SMWD) get results. She’s energized by collaborating with talented people and doing meaningful work—and she’s here to support the organization, strengthen partnerships, and help ensure SMWD continues delivering reliable, high-quality service to our 220,000 customers.

Outside the office, you might find her walking her dog along the beach, cooking with her husband, attending the orchestra, or learning to sail.

With her blend of water industry expertise, focus on collaboration, and approachable leadership style, Jorianne is a strong addition to the SMWD team—and another reason customers can feel confident that the industry’s best professionals are working on their behalf.