Coaching

Special District Coaching Program

Designed for CSDA members to accelerate their advancement in local government management, the Special District Coaching Program was created in partnership with Cal-ICMA. Emerging leaders from member districts, at any stage of their careers, are invited to link with experienced local government managers (coaches) and use them as an educational and career development resource.

The program is operated on a volunteer basis, subject to the time constraints of the coach and the emerging leader. These individuals determine, and are solely responsible for, scheduling, content, and all aspects of the coaching relationship. CSDA provides this service as a resource only. Individual coaches are not endorsed by CSDA and have not gone through a specific screening.

Disclaimer: By accessing this program, members understand and agree that any advice given is designed to provide general guidance in career development, management, operations, governance, and other related topics based on the experience of the coaches and is not intended to be relied upon as legal advice. Information provided is not a substitute for individual judgment or legal opinions.

To get started, select a listed coach and fill out the contact form below. It's easy, free and confidential.

Coaches Corner

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Coaching Webinars

CSDA members are able to participate in a variety of career development webinars at no charge through CSDA’s sponsorship of the Cal ICMA Coaching Program:

View Program

Webinars can be viewed live or as recorded sessions and provide a resource that helps to prepare mid-career professionals to take their places in senior management roles.

Jean Bracy, SDA

Jean Bracy, CSDM  

Director of Administrative Services
Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District

Jean Bracy has over 25 years of experience working in local government, which has influenced many of her coaching interests. Bracy is passionate about topics such as women in leadership, supporting boards, and administrative and organizational transitions.

Bracy attained her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology from California Baptist University. She went on to achieve her master’s degree in Public Administration from Cal State San Bernardino. She has worked in non-profit social services as an assistant director at Yuma WORC Center and served as an administrative assistant for the City of Victorville, where she learned the importance of administrative and organizational transitions. Bracy went on to work in education as an Adjunct Professor at Victor Valley Community College and currently serves on the Special District Risk Management Authority and Special District Leadership Foundation Boards of Directors.

She is currently a Certified Special District Manager (CSDM).

Scott Carroll, SDA

Scott Carroll, CSDM  

General Manager
Costa Mesa Sanitary District

Scott Carroll attained his bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from San Diego State University and went on to achieve his master’s in Public Administration from University of La Verne.

Carroll has 20 years of experience in local government beginning as a management analyst for the City of Carlsbad. Carroll also worked as the Administrative Officer for the City of Claremont. Carroll advanced to the position of director of community services for the City of Claremont prior to his employment with Costa Mesa Sanitary District as general manager.

Carroll is currently a Certified Special District Manager (CSDM).

Tim Deutsch, SDA

Tim Deutsch, CSDM  

General Manager
Orange County Cemetery District

Tim Deutsch has 27 years of experience in local government. He received both his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Marketing and master’s in Public Administration from California State University Long Beach. He has served as a utilities aide, management analyst, and administrative manager for the City of Newport Beach. He has served as the general manager of the Orange County Cemetery District since 2006.

Deutsch is currently a Certified Special District Manager (CSDM).

David Aranda, SDA

David Aranda, CSDM  

General Manager
Mountain Meadows Community Services District

David Aranda most recently served as the general manager, board secretary and treasurer for North of the River Municipal Water District. For sixteen years he served in the same positions for Stallion Springs Community Services District.

Aranda was privileged to serve as a committee member working with the Legislature in drafting new CSD law.  He currently serves as president of the Special District Risk Management Authority and the Special District Leadership Foundation.  He was part of the original committee that drafted and produced the CSDA Special District Leadership Academy courses.

Aranda is currently a Certified Special District Manager (CSDM).

Kara Ralston, SDA

Kara Ralston, CSDM  

Chief Executive Officer
Camarillo Health Care District

Kara Ralston has 16 years of experience in local government. Ralston achieved her Masters of Business Administration with emphasis in Management from California Coast University. Her interests include communications, personnel and collaborations.

Ralston is currently a Certified Special District Manager (CSDM).

Ryan Clausnitzer, SDA

Ryan Clausnitzer, CSDM  

General Manager
Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District

Ryan has 20 years of experience in service beginning with his work as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Tonga and then as a Vector Control Specialist for the County of Santa Cruz. He has also served as a Vector Control Technician for the City of Berkeley and a Senior Environmental Health Inspector for the City and County of San Francisco. He holds a BA in Geography from Gustavus Adolphus College as well as a Masters of Public Affairs from UC Berkeley in 2017. Ryan currently serves on the CSDA Board of Directors and in 2019 serves as the Board Treasurer.

Ryan is currently a Certified Special District Manager (CSDM).

Pete Kampa, SDA

Pete Kampa, CSDM  

Kampa Community Solutions

Pete Kampa has 20 years of local government experience, beginning with Lake Don Pedro Community Services District as the general manager. He went on to serve as general manager for McCloud Community Services District, Twain Harte Community Services District and Tuolumne Utilities District. Kampa has also served on the California Special Districts Association Board of Directors. Kampa has a special interest in helping special districts develop their accountability and transparency strategies. He currently has his own consulting company, Kampa Community Solutions.

Kampa is currently a Certified Special District Manager (CSDM).

Dennis LaMoreaux, SDA

Dennis LaMoreaux, CSDM  

General Manager
Palmdale Water District

LaMoreaux has 25 years of experience working in special districts the majority with a water district but has also been employed with a community services district. He received his B.S. in civil engineering from the University of Wyoming. LaMoreaux has interest in coaching engineers interested in public water agencies.

LaMoreaux is currently a Certified Special District Manager (CSDM).

Richard “Rick” Howard, SDA

Richard "Rick" Howard, CSDM  

General Manager
Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District

Rick Howard received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from University of San Diego. He went on to achieve his master’s in Public Administration from the University of Southern California.

Howard has 29 years of experience in various positions within local government. He began his career as a management analyst for the City of Poway. Howard served as senior management analyst for four years, as an assistant to the city manager for three years and went on to serve as the deputy city manager for the City of Mission Viejo for seven years. Howard served as deputy executive director for the North County Transit District prior to his current position at the Town of Discovery Bay Community Services District.

Howard is currently a Certified Special District Manager (CSDM).

Sandi Miller, SDA

Sandi Miller, CSDM  

General Manager
Selma Cemetery District

Sandi Miller is the current general manager for the Selma Cemetery District. The district manages three cemeteries and recently purchased land to add another. Miller has recently created a district website as well as a mobile app. She currently serves on the California Association of Public Cemeteries Board.

Miller is currently a Certified Special District Manager (CSDM) and has earned her Certificate in Special Districts Governance.

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