The Board of Directors of the Laguna Beach County Water District is pleased to announce the appointment of Keith Van Der Maaten, P.E. as the District’s next General Manager. Van Der Maaten starts his new position on January 1, 2021. The selection culminates a nationwide recruiting process in which 50 well-qualified candidates applied for the position.

Van Der Maaten brings a wealth of relevant experience to the District with over 24 years of professional experience in civil engineering and the water-utility industry. Van Der Maaten is returning to the Orange County area after spending the past five years as General Manager of the Marina Coast Water District, located in the City of Marina in Northern California. Prior to that, he worked as the Public Works and Utilities Director for the City of San Juan Capistrano.

“Van Der Maaten’s background, previous work in Orange County, and experience at Marina Coast Water District make him very well qualified for the position,” stated Board President Bob Whalen. “We believe that he will continue the history of excellent leadership that we have had at the District.”

Van Der Maaten earned his Bachelor of Science in civil engineering at San Jose State University and a Master’s in Business Administration from Santa Clara University. He has been a registered civil engineer in the State of California since 2000.

“I’m excited to be a part of such an exceptional organization,” said Van Der Maaten “The District has a great history of overcoming water supply challenges and achieving a high level of service to the community. I am honored to be a part of the team and community and look forward to building upon those successes.”