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Carolina Camarena, Director of Communications
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Jeff Provenzano
New Environmental Services Department Director An Experienced Utility Leader
City Manager Jennifer Maguire appoints Jeffrey Provenzano to lead the City’s world-class environmental and utility services that improve the City’s health, environment, and economy
SAN JOSE, Calif. (March 18, 2025) - After a nationwide recruitment, City Manager Jennifer Maguire has appointed, and the San José City Council has confirmed, Jeffrey (Jeff) Provenzano as San José’s new Director of the Environmental Services Department (ESD). Provenzano will assume the Director role on March 23, 2025.
“Jeff’s experience and leadership in the utility world will ensure we continue to provide dependable, resilient, and efficient utility services that protect our public health and environment while minimizing impacts on our rate payers, especially in our underserved communities,” said Maguire. “He will also bring his highly collaborative leadership approach to build stronger relationships with local partner agencies, wastewater treatment plant partners, and other regulatory and environmental stakeholders.”
“Jeff Provenzano’s deep experience in water resources and wastewater management, along with his work expanding recycled water use, will be a huge asset as we improve San José’s utilities and reduce the impact of unsheltered homelessness on our natural resources,” said Mayor Matt Mahan. “His leadership on climate resilience will help us face the environmental challenges ahead.”
Provenzano’s 26 years of experience in the private and public sectors with a focus on the environment will ensure that the city continues to be a world-class leader in providing environmental and utility systems as we face important challenges related to environmental sustainability, and climate adaptation and resilience now and in our future. He began his career with the ESD’s Regional Wastewater Facility in 2002 as a Sanitary Engineer. After several promotions, he became the Water Resources Division Deputy Director in 2014. In that role, he provided direction and leadership to both the Municipal Water System and South Bay Water Recycling. During that time, he led the City’s response to five drought-related water shortages which included drought response plans, leading community outreach and engagement, and developing enforcement strategies focused on communication and awareness. He also led efforts to expand recycled water use, increasing usage by 200%, and supplying over five billion gallons annually to industrial, irrigation, and municipal customers. He also served as a strong liaison between the City and various government regulatory agencies. In 2023, he became the Assistant Director of ESD where he provided strategic operations guidance and leadership to all core services with the exception of wastewater management. He also led the development of the City’s Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan, guided efforts related to reducing recycled material contamination, and provided leadership to cost-effectively implement provisions of the Stormwater permit to prevent pollutants from entering local waterways to align with the Clean Water Act and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit requirements.
“Over two decades, I have dedicated myself to providing excellent customer service as well as cost-efficient, reliable, and equitable utility services to all residents and businesses in San José,” said Provenzano. “I am committed to leading by example, having open communication, establishing a clear vision and objectives, encouraging collaboration with external stakeholders and across departments, and motivating staff to do their best work and provide the best customer service.”
Provenzano holds a Master’s and Bachelor of Science and Engineering in Civil Engineering from Loyola Marymount University, California.
With an annual operating budget of $471 million, a current capital improvement program totaling $1.4 billion, and 592 full-time equivalent employees, the City’s ESD Director oversees seven core services: potable water delivery; recycled water management; recycle and garbage services; stormwater management; sustainability and environmental health; wastewater management, and strategic support. The Environmental Services Department is also a vital member of the interdepartmental team leading the
Reducing Unsheltered Homelessness City Council Focus Area.
About the City of San José
With almost 1 million residents, San José is one of the most diverse large cities in the United States and is Northern California’s largest city and the 13th largest city in the nation. San José’s transformation into a global innovation center has resulted in one of the largest concentrations of technology companies and expertise in the world.
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