Page 52 - CSD - PUD 02 28 19

KENT NELSON, P.E.*
713 Emma Street | Unit 1
Key West, Florida | 33040
cell: (305) 849-7262
email: zanjeros18@gmail.com

February 16, 2019

Koff & Associates
Attn: Richard O’Donnell
2835 Seventh Street
Berkeley, CA 94710

Dear Mr. O’Donnell:
RE: City of San Diego, Public Utilities Director Recruitment

As a veteran of the water industry for over 20 years with over 10 years of utility management experience, I
am uniquely suited to lead the Public Utilities Department for the City of San Diego. Most of my professional
career has been spent in California where I am not only a licensed Professional Civil Engineer, but have
first-hand knowledge and understanding of California water issues. I also bring to the table national, private
sector business-minded approaches to utility management as well as local experience working nimbly and
effectively within the bureaucracy and political landscape in the City of San Francisco. This background
has provided me with experience in holistic integration of multiple influences and cultures, both internal and
external, to effectively guide overall managerial direction.
As a confident and proactive leader, I specialize in building teams by leveraging widely diverse talents and
abilities to achieve desired goals, and using proven performance management techniques based on data-
driven results, to empower the team, hold them accountable and drive positive change, innovation and
operational excellence without micro-managing. As a strategic planner, I maintain a long-term leading
vision, rather than lagging, to anticipate and prepare for potential issues and opportunities in the future,
without losing focus on the details.

My management style is positive and conducive to evaluating new ideas from all sources to help build
consensus. I encourage open and informed discussion to gather input and act quickly and decisively, when
necessary, to maintain a customer-centric focus. I am politically astute, yet work apolitically to achieve
mutual benefit. I strongly believe in effective communication, complete transparency, and consistency to
instill and maintain trust, and develop mutual respect from ratepayers, governing Board members, fellow
co-workers, and the public at large. Personally, I am even-tempered, easily approachable, good-humored,
and maintain a high level of personal integrity and honesty.
I welcome the opportunity to further discuss my skills, experience and details of this position. If you have
any questions or would like to schedule an interview, please contact me by phone at (305) 849-7262 or by
email at zanjeros18@gmail.com. Due to the highly sensitive nature of my current position, references will
be provided upon mutual agreement when a potential offer is being considered.
Thank you in advance for your consideration and I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Kent Nelson, P.E.*

*Licensed in the State of California, and the State of Florida