Rachel Murphy, General Manager, Contra Costa Water District

Since September 2022, Rachel has served as the General Manager for CCWD, and has been in the industry for 26 years. 

She was nominated by her peers and the members of BAYWORK for her commitment to service and passion for women in the water and trades. 

BAYWORK proudly honors Women Making Waves and their Commitment to Water

Rachel Murphy was appointed the General Manager (GM) of the Contra Costa Water District (CCWD) in September 2022, becoming the first woman to lead CCWD in the General Manager role. Her 26 years of experience includes the design, construction, operations, and maintenance of water systems, development of regional and local partnerships, effective management of significant operating and project budgets, success leading transformational organizational changes and operational initiatives as well as management of safety, budget, performance standards, incident response and daily operations. 

Length of time at your agency, and also in your career:

I began my career as an engineering intern with the City of Walnut Creek and during my ten year career in the Public Works Department, I worked my way up to Engineering Manager. After leaving the City of Walnut Creek, I spent the last fifteen years in various engineering, construction, operations and maintenance leadership positions, leading to my appointment to General Manager in late 2022. 

List of Certifications (or technical training needed to do your work): 

Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Santa Clara University and Master of Science in Engineering from University of California at Berkeley. 

What interested you to pursue a career in the field?

My dad was an electrical contractor so I grew up spending a lot of time on construction sites and visiting him in his construction trailer. I have always enjoyed being part of construction projects and, in particular, seeing facilities being built from the ground (or below the ground) up. After putting myself through college, I pursued an engineering career not only because of the exciting construction opportunities, but because this career path was an avenue to a great paying job that would allow me to pay off my student debt and provide for my family. My last fifteen years in the water industry have greatly expanded by perspective on the diversity of the workforce and expertise needed to operate a high performing water utility and deliver on the commitments to our customers. 

What is your philosophy about women in water/trades? 

Don’t doubt yourself, know that you have what it takes to meet whatever challenge you face. I never shied away from a new opportunity, regardless of how hard it seemed, and even if I was nervous about it. With grit, hard work and creativity, you can tackle whatever challenge comes your way. 

Our committee is passionate about our mission and meets monthly to work on initiatives that support, recognize, and create more interest for women in our field.  If you are interested in learning more about the BAYWORK’s Women and Trades Committee and want to join in on the excitement, email WIT@baywork.org.