NewsDrop-May-June-2026

Decades of Dedication:

Celebrating Milestones at the EAA

By: Ann-Margaret Gonzalez Senior Public Affairs Administrator

By: Felix Marquez Executive Director of Administration & Financial Services

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Nichelle Cunningham Margaret Ross Tamauj Thomas Brent Doty Isabel Martinez Anastacio Moncada

Senior Records Coordinator Human Resources Supervisor Water Resources Supervisor Associate Director, Research Senior Permit & Conservation Coordinator Environmental Science Technician III Deputy General Manager Senior Director, Water Resources Senior Permit & Conservation Coordinator Executive Director, Adm & Financial Srv General Manager Senior Director, Regulatory Affairs Field Inspection Technician IV

Roel Loera Ben Urbanczyk

Senior Aquifer Environmental Scientist Principal Regulatory Inspector Senior STEAM Outreach Educator Environmental Science Technician IV Executive Director, Aquifer Management Srv Special Projects Liaison Senior Geoscientist Principal Well Analyst Senior Aquifer Environmental Scientist Assistant to Board Secretary V Senior Director, Human Resources Services Automated Meter Systems Technician IV

Sarah Valdez David Gregory Mark Hamilton Javier Hernandez Gizelle Luevano Jeff Robinson Emily Thompson Jennifer Wong-Esparza Raquel Garza Jes Sterzenback Rob Esquilin Sandy Haglund

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Hear from some of our team as they share their sentiments celebrating many years of service at our agency! We have a team of dedicated staff that once upon a time embarked on a new beginning at the EAA and are now celebrating a decade or more at our agency! Oh, the places they’ve been, from going out in the field to trips across our jurisdiction and beyond, this team has carried out our mission for many years and we want to say – Thank you!

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Marc Friberg Omar Garcia Paul Aton Felix Marquez Roland Ruiz Roger Andrade Joe Gonzales

Senior Geoscientist Executive Assistant

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“Over the past 22 years, I’ve grown through the guidance and wisdom of those who came before me. Their passion for environmental stewardship has shaped how I approach my work, and I’m proud to carry that legacy forward.” - Sarah Valdez, Senior STEAM Outreach Coordinator, 22 years “While my role at the EAA is often out of the public eye, I’ve spent the last 15 years proud to be part of the bigger picture. Protecting the records that tell our story ensures the EAA’s legacy is preserved for generations to come.” - Nichelle Cunningham, Senior Records Coordinator, 15 years

“I believe that any success I have had in my 20 years at the EAA is largely due to all the support and dedication from EAA Management and Staff. Highly fortunate to have worked and collaborated with such a procession of incredibly professional individuals.” - Roger Andrade, Senior Director for Regulatory Affairs, 21 years “Twenty-six years in, I’m reminded that the most meaningful work, like water, quietly sustains everything around it. I’m proud to be part of a mission that manages, enhances, and protects; one that flows forward for generations.” - Jennifer Wong Esparza, Assistant to Board Secretary V, 26 years

“For all of us who have worked at the EAA for 15+ years – it’s not just a milestone, it’s a testament of unwavering dedication.” - Sandy Haglund, Executive Assistant V, 28 years

It’s been a great two decades working for a great agency and wonderful people, ................oh look a bird!!! - Roel Loera, Senior Aquifer Environmental Scientist, 21 years

Back Row: Roel Loera, Mark Hamilton, Brent Doty, Jeff Robinson, Tamauj Thomas, Ben Urbanczyk, Marc Friberg Middle Row: Nichelle Cunningham, David Gregory, Felix Marquez, Roland Ruiz, Rob Esquilin, Isabel Martinez, Jes Sterzenback Front Row: Javier Hernandez, Margaret Ross, Sarah Valdez, Jennifer Wong-Esparza, Sandy Haglund, Anastacio Mocada

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