Alex Sanchez of La Quinta was sworn in on May 26 as a CVWD Board Member after being appointed to the vacant Division 4 seat previously held by Peter Nelson.
The CVWD Board appointed Sanchez after interviewing four candidates during a public meeting on Monday, May 18.
A long-time Coachella Valley resident, Sanchez brings more than 20 years of experience in agricultural operations, including working as a farm manager and ranch unit director. He serves in several regional leadership roles, including President of the Coachella Valley Irrigated Lands Coalition, Vice President of the Riverside County Farm Bureau and Vice President of the Darby Estates Homeowners Association.
Sanchez earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Plant Sciences from the University of Arizona.
“Water is essential for the Coachella Valley’s quality of life,” Sanchez said. “This Board has done a great job securing the water we have, and my priority is ensuring our community has resilient water supplies for generations to come.”
During the selection process, CVWD Board President John Powell Jr. emphasized the importance of selecting a board member committed to protecting CVWD’s imported water rights. “I see Alex Sanchez continuing the legacy of Peter Nelson to protect CVWD’s imported water supply. The community will benefit by having Alex on our Board of Directors,” said Powell.
Sanchez will serve in the Division 4 seat through the end of 2026. The seat will appear on the November ballot as a special election to fill the remaining two years of Nelson’s four-year term. Sanchez, along with any other qualified candidates, can choose to run in that election.
