Engineer · Executive · Mentor

Thirty-five years of
building systems
that work for people.

From control rooms to city commissions, I've spent a career solving hard problems and bringing people together to get results — now I mentor, coach, and serve the community that's been home since 2000.

Portrait of Jag Nagendra Folsom, California
35 yrs engineering & executive leadership
15+ yrs nonprofit & civic service
PMP · Project Management Professional
DTM · Toastmasters International
Jag Nagendra with his family
With my family — my source of strength and inspiration.
Bio

From Bangalore to Folsom, by way of every system I've learned to fix.

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.

IntegritySay what you mean, do what you say
Service15+ years across boards & commissions
ListeningThe best ideas come from others
Career

Engineer, executive, public servant — in that order.

A career built on automation, control systems, and infrastructure — from a small engineering firm in Bangalore to leading technology teams that support California's water infrastructure today.

1989 – 1994

Project Engineer

Control Engineers & Cotmac Pvt. Ltd. — early experience on automation and control system projects, following a Diploma in Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering from S J Polytechnic, Bangalore.

1994 – 2000

President & CEO, Cimtech Automation Pvt. Ltd.

Founded and led an engineering system integration company serving co-generation, water treatment, steel, and hydro-electric plants — growing to more than 20 employees.

2000 – 2003

I&C Engineer, CH2M Hill

Moved to the United States and designed pump optimization control concepts for wastewater treatment plants — algorithms that improved operational efficiency and energy use.

2003 – 2008

Program Manager, Meyer Control Corporation

Led engineering activities and strategic planning behind control-system upgrades at facilities across Northern California.

2008 – 2010

Program Manager, FluidIQs Inc.

Continued leading program and engineering teams through complex infrastructure work.

2010 – 2012

President & CEO, ADI 23 Solutions

Led strategy and operations for an engineering solutions firm, alongside a role as Senior Services Engineer at GE Intelligent Platforms (2011–2012).

2012 – Present

Principal Engineer, CA Dept. of Water Resources

Leading teams of engineers and IT professionals supporting reliable water and power dispatching — the critical infrastructure California depends on.

Credentials

Certifications & licenses.

Formal credentials earned alongside three decades of hands-on leadership, project management, and communication practice.

Project Management Professional

Project Management Institute

Change Management Professional

Acuity Institute

Distinguished Toastmaster

Toastmasters International

Certified Wicked Problem Solver

Project Management Institute

Certified Emotional Intelligence Coach

Transformation Academy
Community

Decades of showing up.

Public service began long before I ran for office — through boards, commissions, and nonprofits across Folsom and the greater Sacramento region.

Jag Nagendra receiving the Kannada Sangha of Sacramento Person of the Year award

Kannada Sangha of Sacramento — Person of the Year, 2024. Recognized for sustained leadership and service to the community.

2008 – 2013

Sequoia Villa HOA

President & Board Member

2010 – 2013

India Association of Davis

President & Board Member

2011 – 2013

City of Davis

Commissioner, Business & Economic Development

2013 – 2017

Sacramento County

Sheriff's Outreach Community Advisory Board

2013 – 2017

Sacramento County

Vineyard Community Planning Advisory Council

2014 – 2016

Kannada Sangha of Sacramento

President & Board Member

2016 – 2022

Toastmasters International

Club President · Area & Division Director

2016 – 2023

PMI Sacramento Valley Chapter

President & CEO · VP Finance · CFO

2016 – 2024

Cal Expo — California State Fair

Cultural Advisory Council

2018 – 2019

Cal IPGCA Alumni Association

President & Co-founder

2021 – 2023

Chico State

Engineering Leadership Program Advisor

2023 – Present

Sacramento Entrepreneurship Academy

Board Member & Mentor

2023 – Present

SCORE

Certified Mentor

2025 – Present

Friends of the Folsom Powerhouse

Board Member

2025 – Present

Folsom's HOPE

Mentor

2025 – Present

TAI Leadership

Chair & Board Member

Services

Where I can help.

I work with individuals, entrepreneurs, and organizations who want to lead with more clarity, confidence, and emotional intelligence.

Coaching

Leadership & EQ Coaching

One-on-one coaching for leaders who want to build self-awareness, communicate with more impact, and lead teams through change.

Mentoring

Entrepreneur & Career Mentoring

As a certified SCORE mentor and Sacramento Entrepreneurship Academy board member, I help founders and emerging leaders build confidence and a workable plan.

Speaking

Keynotes & Workshops

I speak at conferences, universities, and community events on leadership, communication, and organizational excellence — drawn from three decades in the field.

Consulting

Program & Infrastructure Advising

Strategic advising for engineering, water, and infrastructure organizations navigating complex programs, change management, or team turnarounds.

Book a conversation
News & Writing

In his own words, and in the headlines.

Contact

Let's start a conversation.

Whether it's coaching, mentoring, a speaking engagement, or just to connect — I'd love to hear from you.

Currently running for Folsom City Council, District 3. For campaign updates, volunteering, or donations, visit jag4folsom.com.