Mr. Yamada is currently serving as the Special Projects Director for the San Diego County Water Authority. Prior to that, he served as the Director of Water Resources for the Water Authority. The San Diego County Water Authority is the regional water agency providing a safe and reliable water supply for 3.3 million people in San Diego County. Currently, Mr. Yamada is supporting the Water Authority’s engagement as the public sector partner in the Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant. During his tenure as Director of Water Resources, his responsibilities included leading the water supply planning, drought response, Integrated Regional Water Management planning, facility planning and environmental and regulatory compliance activities for the Water Authority. Mr. Yamada led the negotiation of the technical aspects of the Water Purchase Agreement for the Carlsbad Desalination Project and oversaw Water Purchase Agreement compliance for the Water Authority.

Mr. Yamada started his career with the Water Authority in 1992. Prior to that, he worked as a civil engineering consultant for 8 years. He holds bachelors and masters degrees in civil engineering from San Diego State University, and is a registered civil engineer in California. Mr. Yamada is a past president of the American Membrane Technology Association (AMTA).