BOD Profiles
Our five member Board of Directors are elected by the residents of San Benito County. Our Board meets on the last Wednesday of every month at 5:00 p.m. (unless otherwise specified) at the District office Board Room.
Division 1
Mark Wright, Director
Mark Wright joined the Water District’s Board in 2022. Director Wright was born and raised in San Benito County and he has a Bachelor of Science degree from California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo. He previously served on the following: San Benito County Farm Bureau, San Benito County Saddle Horse Show and North County Joint Union School Board. Director Wright is currently serving on the San Benito County Fair Junior Livestock Auction, Leafy Green Marketing Agreement Audit Advisory (LGMA), the Hollister Future Farmers of America (FFA) Booster President and San Benito County Land Conservation Act Committee Board Member. He is interested in serving on the Water District Board as he feels it plays a vital role for every person in our community. Director Wright plans to work with his fellow Board members, District staff and management and the public, to expand water storage and help bring additional water to San Benito County through collaboration with local and state agencies.
Division 2
Joe Tonascia, Director
Joseph “Joe” Tonascia joined the District’s Board in December 2008. Director Tonascia, who was originally from Santa Maria, is a graduate of Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and has been a resident of San Benito County for twenty-seven years. Director Tonascia has served previously on the Board for: the California Young Farmers, the Sugar Beet Association, the San Benito County Planning Commission and the Hollister Little League. He is a current member of the San Benito County Farm Bureau. As a farmer and active volunteer in San Benito County, he would like to bring insight and ideas to a board that he feels is extremely important to the future of our community.
Division 3
Andrew Shelton, President
Andrew Shelton joined the Water District’s Board in 2020. Director Shelton was born and raised in San Benito County and has a Bachelor of Science degree from Cal State Chico. He is an insurance broker and owner of Shelton Insurance. He previously served on the following: United Way of San Benito County, Leadership San Benito, City of Hollister Parks and Recreation Commission, Rotary Club of San Juan Bautista, San Benito High School District Citizens Oversight Committee and the Hollister Free Lance Editorial Board. Director Shelton is currently serving on the San Benito District Boy Scouts of America Finance, Silicon Valley Monterey Bay Council Boy Scouts of America Investment Committee and the Economic Development Corporation of San Benito County. As a parent, resident and small business owner in San Benito County, he realizes the large impact water has on the community. Director Shelton feels it is important to be involved locally in future developments and growth as the county expands the current infrastructures while developing new water sources and water storages for the needs of the community.
Division 4
Doug Williams, Vice President
Doug Williams joined the District’s Board in 2018. Director Williams was born and raised in San Benito County and is a Farm Manager. Director Williams previously served on the Board of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). His interest in participating on the District Board is his concern for the current and future water needs in all of San Benito County. Moving forward into the future, Director Williams looks forward to working with District staff and the Board to maintain and expand current infrastructures, develop new water sources and water storage.
Division 5
Sonny Flores, Director
Sonny Flores joined the Water District’s Board in November 2004. Director Flores was born and raised in San Benito County, and continues to be a resident and active community member. Director Flores is currently the Executive Director of a local non-profit affordable housing company providing housing in San Benito County.