The Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Paul Chan, PE, CEM, as the new Director of Water & Sanitation. Chan brings more than 30 years of distinguished leadership in engineering, construction, and facilities management, with an extensive career of service in the U.S. military.
Most recently, he served as the Executive Officer of the sole Warfare Center for NAVFAC in Port Hueneme, where he led 1,200 personnel worldwide to deliver science, technology, acquisitions, cyber, and engineering solutions across maritime and expeditionary domains.
His career began in the U.S. Navy, where he resolved some challenging engineering problems; In Iraq, he oversaw the reconstruction of the Kharkh Water Treatment Plant, restoring 70% of Baghdad’s drinking water supply after years of conflict. On the remote island of Diego Garcia, he led the rebuilt critical waterlines threatened by saltwater intrusion and rising seas. In Guam, he led a team of 200+ engineers to design, construct and operate a new U.S. Marine Corps base with a district cooling systems and microgrid capable of “islanding” while sustaining the island’s water and wastewater treatment plants.
His work has often extended beyond infrastructure to humanitarian response. After Super Typhoon Yutu devastated the Northern Mariana Islands, Chan established and led Task Force West, delivering clean water, temporary roofs, and life-saving supplies to thousands of families in Saipan.
Closer to home in Ventura County, Chan introduced innovative solutions at Naval Base Ventura County, including pioneering “ice pigging” technology to clean water lines while reducing waste, upgrading utility systems to sustain modern Navy ships, and working with community partners to protect estuaries and water rights.
“It is an honor to join such a dedicated team and to help ensure that our water and sanitation systems remain safe, reliable, and resilient for generations to come,” said Chan.
As Water & Sanitation Director, Chan will oversee the Agency’s critical work in delivering safe drinking water, managing wastewater treatment, and protecting the county’s water resources.