35+ years across startups, Fortune 100 companies, and California state government — leading critical water and power infrastructure, 70+ engineers and IT professionals, and the civic organizations that hold communities together.
Folsom, California
I was born and raised in Bangalore, India, where an early fascination with technology turned into a lifelong drive to understand how complex systems work. That curiosity led me to pursue a Diploma in Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering from S J Polytechnic in Bangalore, graduating in 1989. I began my career as a Project Engineer at Cotmac Private Limited and later Control Engineers, working on automation and control system projects. In 1994, I founded Cimtech Automation Private Limited, leading a team of more than 20 engineers on projects spanning co-generation power plants, water treatment facilities, steel plants, and hydro-electric plants across India.
In 2000, I immigrated to the United States in pursuit of new opportunity, carrying with me a strong work ethic, deep family values, and a lifelong commitment to serving others. Today, Folsom is home, and I'm dedicated to giving back to the community that has given my family so much.
At the heart of it all is family. My wife, Shyla, and I have been married for more than 33 years. Together we raised our son, Aditya, now married to Anusha — their love and support continue to shape everything I do. The values of integrity, respect, compassion, and service that define our family are the same values I bring to every role I take on, professional or civic.
Whether I'm leading a team, mentoring an entrepreneur, or sitting on a nonprofit board, I believe leadership is about one thing: making a positive, lasting difference in the lives of others.
Today, at the California Department of Water Resources, I direct the control systems, communications, and energy management branches that keep the State Water Project running, and I understand every aspect of how a state department operates and functions. I'm an elected Democratic Party delegate, the 2025 President of the Folsom Area Democratic Club, and a 2026 Sacramento Top 60 Change Maker — and I lead with responsible planning, fiscal discipline, and people-centered service.
Department of Water Resources
Natural Resources Agency departments, State Water Resources Control Board, California Energy Commission
California Department of Technology and departments with large operational technology systems
Budgets, staffing, projects, and interagency work inside a major department.
Water, hydroelectric power, control, and energy management systems.
Extensive experience leading in both private and public sectors.
Founded two companies; former President, CEO, and CFO of PMI Sacramento Valley.
Elected officials and party, civic, and community leaders statewide.
A career built on automation, control systems, and infrastructure — from a small engineering firm in Bangalore to leading the branches that support California's water infrastructure today.
Leads three branches (control systems, communications, and energy management) and 70+ engineers and IT professionals supporting the State Water Project; directs managers and supervisors on programs, projects, and maintenance.
Directed the SWP Energy Management Systems Branch (20+ staff): water and power dispatching, utility accounting, and a secure Operations Control Center.
Managed the Plant and Aqueduct Control Section and control-system upgrades at pumping and generating plants.
Led a global team building engineering standards and control solutions for the water distribution industry.
Ran an engineering consultancy; lead consultant on a DWR plant SCADA system for aqueduct, fish facility, and hydroelectric unit control.
Upgraded Placer County Water Agency controls at 3 pump stations, 8 treatment plants, and 100+ remote sites; managed budgets, cash flow, hiring, and growth plans.
Delivered controls for a $100 million, 56 MGD wastewater plant upgrade; designed pump-optimization controls that cut energy use.
Built a system-integration company to 20+ employees and $5 million+ revenue serving power, water, steel, and manufacturing plants.
Early experience on automation and control system projects, following a Diploma in Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering from S J Polytechnic, Bangalore.
Decades leading the government bodies, nonprofits, and civic organizations that hold communities together.
Kannada Sangha of Sacramento — Person of the Year, 2024. Recognized for sustained leadership and service to the community.
Sacramento Top 60 Change Maker — 2026. Named one of 60 regional leaders shaping Sacramento by The Sacramento Bee and the Nehemiah Emerging Leadership Program.
Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) — 2021. Toastmasters International's highest educational award for communication and leadership.
A look at the people and events behind the record above.
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Open to executive appointment opportunities, speaking engagements, or just to connect — I'd love to hear from you.
