David Reyes (Photo – City of Pasadena)
City Manager Miguel Márquez has officially appointed David Reyes as the new General Manager of Pasadena Water and Power (PWP), effective today. Reyes takes the helm of the department, which operates with an annual budget of approximately $450 million and a workforce of 430 full-time employees.
By News Desk
With over two decades of public sector experience, Reyes has held several key executive roles within the City of Pasadena. In March 2023, he was promoted from Director of Planning & Community Development to Assistant City Manager. Following the unexpected departure of PWP’s General Manager Sidney Jackson in February 2024, Reyes was appointed as Acting General Manager of PWP.
In April 2024, following Jackson’s departure, the City Manager’s office launched a formal recruitment effort for the General Manager position. The process included community meetings, candidate screenings, and two rounds of interviews. However, after the final round, no candidate was selected, leaving the position vacant for several months. The City Manager’s office did not provide further details on why no candidate was chosen at that time. In February 2025, the recruitment process was restarted, with City Manager Márquez emphasizing the importance of community engagement in selecting the right leader for PWP.
“I’m humbled and excited to continue to serve the city of Pasadena in this new role and to strive to uphold the community’s expectations of excellence,” Reyes said. “ I would like to thank City Manager Marquez for this opportunity, my family for their continued support, and the talented team of professionals at PWP, without whom, the Utility could not function.”
“David has consistently demonstrated resilience, strategic foresight, and a strong commitment to both the technical and community service aspects critical to Pasadena Water and Power’s success,” said City Manager Miguel Márquez. “His proven leadership during complex events and his investment in building a high-performing team have laid a very strong foundation for his continued success and his investment in building a high-performing team have laid a very strong foundation for his continued success.”
Reyes brings more than 20 years of public sector leadership experience to the role. He has a proven track record of strategic thinking and collaborative leadership, having served as Assistant City Manager and Director of Planning & Community Development before taking on his interim role at PWP. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Urban Studies and Planning from California State University, Northridge.
In addition to his professional achievements, Reyes is a longtime boxing enthusiast, he finds balance and discipline through the sport, whether in the gym or shadowboxing at home. Outside of work, Reyes enjoys spending time with his wife of 25 years and their three children, who inspire him daily.
When not leading the utility, Reyes enjoys spending time with his family and pursuing his passion for boxing. Whether training in the gym or shadowboxing in his garage, he finds balance and discipline through the sport—traits he brings to both his professional and personal life. Reyes lives in Northridge with his wife of 25 years and their three children, all of whom inspire him daily.
Reyes’ appointment marks the end of a two-year saga and ushers in a new chapter for PWP.
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