The California Farm Water Coalition (CFWC) announced that longtime Executive Director Mike Wade will be stepping down in February 2026. Wade has led the organization since 1998 and has played a pivotal role in expanding public education and outreach efforts around the importance of reliable water supplies for California agriculture.

“It has been exciting to see the growth and success the Coalition has achieved over the years, thanks to the leadership of our current board and prior leaders who had the vision to create this unique organization. None of what we do would be possible without the generosity of our members who provide the support for our activities,” said Wade in a press release. “The talented people who work here, now and in the past, have helped the Coalition achieve what its founders envisioned over 35 years ago.”

The CFWC’s Board of Directors has begun the search for a new executive director, with Wade staying on to support a smooth transition. Requests for applications can be found here.

You can read the press release in its entirety here.