Hetch Hetchy, San Francisco's secret engineering marvel (with Dennis Herrera, General Manager, San Francisco Public Utilities Commission)
In this episode of the Exec Exchange podcast, host Piers Clark interviews Dennis Herrera, the General Manager of the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC). Dennis shares his extensive background as a former City Attorney and his current role leading the SFPUC, a $3 billion enterprise serving millions of people in the Bay Area with water, wastewater, and power services. Dennis discusses the significance of the Hetch Hetchy water system, its historical background, and its importance to San Francisco's growth. The conversation also touches on environmental stewardship, the challenges posed by climate change, and the need for mentorship in professional growth.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:22 Dennis Herrera's Background 00:55 Overview of San Francisco Public Utilities Commission 02:35 California Wildfires and Climate Change 04:10 The Hetch Hetchy Project 06:44 Environmental Impact and Controversies 09:29 Mentorship and Career Advice 10:49 Conclusion and Farewell
