SMWD Recognizes Two Directors for Their Lasting Impact on the Community

Santa Margarita Water District proudly recognized two remarkable leaders during its June 11 Board Meeting.

Director Betty H. Olson, Ph.D., was honored for more than 30 years of service to SMWD, and Director Saundra F. Jacobs was recognized for her 30 years of dedicated leadership on the Board of Directors.

Together, their six decades of service have helped shape policies, infrastructure investments, water reliability initiatives, environmental stewardship efforts, and financial decisions that continue to benefit SMWD customers today.

Thank you, Directors Olson and Jacobs, for your leadership, expertise, and unwavering commitment to providing reliable, sustainable, and high-quality water and wastewater services for our communities.

Representing the Office of Orange County Supervisor Don Wagner, Scott Voigts, District Director, and Saga Conroy, Community Outreach Director, presented official declarations recognizing Directors Olson and Jacobs for their contributions to the region's water future.

During the presentation, Voigts offered heartfelt remarks highlighting the essential role SMWD plays in delivering high-quality drinking water and wastewater services that are often unseen by the community, as well as the importance of strong leadership in guiding those efforts.

Directors Olson and Jacobs also received recognition from US Senator Adam Schiff, Congresswoman Young Kim, Congressman Mike Levin, State Senator Catherine Blakespear, and Assemblywoman Kate Sanchez.

Read more at https://smwd.com/m/newsflash/home/detail/424.



Photo (L to R): Santa Margarita Water District Board Vice President Frank Ury, Board Director Saundra F. Jacobs, Board Director Betty H. Olson, Ph.D., Board President Laura Freese, Board Director Margaret Novak, and General Manager Robert Grantham. During the June 11, 2026, Board of Directors meeting, Directors Jacobs and Olson were recognized for 30 years of dedicated service to Santa Margarita Water District.