The Avila Beach Community Services District has accepted General Manager John Wallace’s request to modify his district responsibilities. Wallace will continue his contract as the district engineer but will step away from general manager duties, according to District Board President Pete Kelley. “We have depended heavily on John and his firm for the district’s services for the last 17 years, and while we hate to lose him as general manager, we’re very happy he’s staying on as our district engineer,” Kelley said. “The district is now very stable and John’s leadership was an integral part of the district’s success in getting through the rebuilding of Avila.” Wallace recently made the request to the board, asking for a target date of October 1.
Wallace echoed Kelley’s sentiments that the decision was a difficult one. “The Avila Beach CSD has been a big part of my focus for many years,” he said. “It’s a role I’ve loved and enjoyed, but now I need to give more of my time to the Wallace Group organization.” He noted that Wallace Group is enjoying an uptick in the economy, is growing in staff and extending into new market areas. “New sectors like renewable energy and reclaimed water projects are growing rapidly and call for me to shift my focus, and to service other geographical areas,” he said.
Chris Helenius, District Board President from 2000-2008, added comments on Wallace’s performance and commitment, noting that Wallace “brought a set of skills and a work ethic that enabled the district to achieve a level of competency and professionalism that had never before been seen in this district.”
The Avila Beach CSD oversees water and sewer services for 350 business and residential users in Avila Beach. During John Wallace’s tenure as general manager the district has gone through the revival of Avila with the completion of major improvements to its infrastructure. Kelley said John will assist the CSD in its search for a new general manager. “Our new GM and Wallace Group will work closely together, and with John’s help, we’ll find the right fit,” Kelley said.