Employee Spotlight
Every month, we proudly introduce two of our dedicated team members who contribute to our company's success. Join us in highlighting their hard work, unique talents, and the passion they bring to their respective roles at the District. Get to know the people behind our achievements and learn what makes our team truly special.
Meet - Darrel Evensen
Darrel has been with Stockton East since June 2020 and serves as the District Engineer. He oversees the planning, design, and management of water infrastructure projects, ensuring compliance, supporting operations, and providing technical expertise to deliver safe, reliable water.
What Darrel values most about Stockton East is the people. Having worked across the western U.S., Mexico, Argentina, and Chile, he says he’s never been around a more skilled, dedicated, and caring group. He appreciates how the team comes together to serve the public—a mission he finds truly special.
Inspired by his father, a civil engineer and Water Superintendent in Tucson, Darrel developed his own passion for water and engineering. He takes pride in projects that benefit San Joaquin County, especially providing quality drinking water to families and irrigation for local growers.
Beyond work, Darrel enjoys kayaking on California’s lakes and coastlines—pastimes that connect to the resource he has devoted his career to. Having lived in five states and abroad in Argentina, he values the diverse experiences and perspectives gained along the way.
"Darrel’s passion for his work at Stockton East is evident in every meeting, project, and communication he’s involved in. As a key member of the management team, he’s valued for his tenacity, forward-thinking approach, and the energy and expertise he brings to making the District stronger."Juan M. Vega, Assistant General Manager
Meet - Gerardo Montero
Gerado , one of our talented and thoughtful Electrical Technicians, has been with Stockton East since September 2024. Gerado started his career as a painter, but a close friendship with an electrician set him on the path to the trade, and we’re glad it did.
He enjoys being at SEWD because he gets to do what he loves while working alongside good people. For him, there’s nothing more satisfying than getting things running again and fixing what’s broken.
Outside of work, he can usually be found fishing or out on his motorcycle. Gerado describes himself as an open book, and that openness shows he’s easy-going, driven, well-liked, and always open to learning.
Most recently, he’s taken on a new challenge by joining the District Dive Team, adding another dimension to his contributions here at SEWD.
"Gerado has been a great hire, and he’s quickly proven himself as a strong and important part of our team. His stoicism, hard work, and drive haven’t gone unnoticed, and it’s been rewarding to watch him grow here at the District. He’s easy-going, well-liked, and always open to learning, which makes him an asset not only to our work but also to the culture of our team."David Higares, Maintenance Manager