Concord – On Wednesday, June 15, the Contra Costa Water District’s (CCWD) Board of Directors (Board) unanimously appointed Patt Young to fill a vacancy representing Division 1.
In April 2022, the Division 1 seat for CCWD became vacant following the resignation of former Board President, Lisa M. Borba. Division 1 includes the cities and communities of Bay Point and Clyde as well as portions of Concord, Pacheco and Pittsburg.
Four community leaders applied to represent Division 1 and were interviewed during a special June 1 CCWD Board meeting. On June 15, the Board reconvened at their regular meeting to have a public discussion of their recommendation and unanimously chose Patt Young, a Pittsburg resident, for the position.
“The Board was faced with a tough decision between four applicants that brought strong qualifications to represent CCWD customers,” said Board President Ernesto A. Avila. “After completing our own evaluations independently, we had a public discussion at the Board meeting and we all noted Ms. Young’s candor, public service experience and community involvement, which led to a unanimous vote for her appointment.”
Ms. Young is an active member of the community working in leadership roles on the First Baptist Head Start Board of Directors, City of Pittsburg Community Advisory Commission and the Los Medanos Community Healthcare District Board of Directors. She has an extensive background in public health with a focus on education and outreach within under-resourced communities.
Following the Board’s decision, Ms. Young shared, “I am honored to join the CCWD Board representing the communities in Division 1. I support efforts to expand local knowledge of water issues, and I want to help effectively communicate information about this precious and valuable resource. As a woman of color with years of public service experience, I will add to the diversity and efficacy of governance over local policy decisions on water issues.”
Ms. Young’s appointment is historic as she is the first African American to represent the community on CCWD’s Board of Directors. She will complete the oath of office before taking her seat at the next Board meeting on Wednesday, July 6, 2022.
