Division 1

Mark Wright, Director

Mark Wright joined the Water District’s Board in 2022.  Director Wright was born and raised in San Benito County and he has a Bachelor of Science degree from California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo.  He previously served on the following: San Benito County Farm Bureau, San Benito County Saddle Horse Show and North County Joint Union School Board.  Director Wright is currently serving on the San Benito County Fair Junior Livestock Auction, Leafy Green Marketing Agreement Audit Advisory (LGMA), the Hollister Future Farmers of America (FFA) Booster President and San Benito County Land Conservation Act Committee Board Member.  He is interested in serving on the Water District Board as he feels it plays a vital role for every person in our community.  Director Wright plans to work with his fellow Board members, District staff and management and the public, to expand water storage and help bring additional water to San Benito County through collaboration with local and state agencies. 

Division 2

John Freeman, Director

A native of Southern California, John has participated in San Juan Bautista civic and community activities since 2002.  Wanting to make a positive impact on the city’s water, he was elected to the city council in 2016. Previously, he served on the Strategic Planning Committee, coached basketball at San Juan School, served on the policy board of the Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments (AMBAG),  and on the Board of Directors of Central Coast Community Power. He was also President of San Benito County’s Integrated Waste Management Commission from 2020 to 2024 and isa member of the Bay Area Environmental Safety Group (BAESG).  John  is a specialist in hazardous waste removal, disposal, and remediation  with 20 years of experience in Industrial Water Treatment and he looks forward to working with the Board on water issues that affect San Benito County.

Division 3

Joe Tonascia, Director
Joseph “Joe” Tonascia joined the District’s Board in December 2008. Director Tonascia, who was originally from Santa Maria, is a graduate of Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and has been a resident of San Benito County for twenty-seven years. Director Tonascia has served previously on the Board for: the California Young Farmers, the Sugar Beet Association, the San Benito County Planning Commission and the Hollister Little League. He is a current member of the San Benito County Farm Bureau. As a farmer and active volunteer in San Benito County, he would like to bring insight and ideas to a board that he feels is extremely important to the future of our community.

Division 4

Doug Williams, Vice President

Doug Williams joined the District’s Board in 2018. Director Williams was born and raised in San Benito County and is a Farm Manager. Director Williams previously served on the Board of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). His interest in participating on the District Board is his concern for the current and future water needs in all of San Benito County. Moving forward into the future, Director Williams looks forward to working with District staff and the Board to maintain and expand current infrastructures, develop new water sources and water storage.

Division 5

Sonny Flores, Director

Sonny Flores joined the Water District’s Board in November 2004. Director Flores was born and raised in San Benito County, and continues to be a resident and active community member. Director Flores is currently the Executive Director of a local non-profit affordable housing company providing housing in San Benito County.