California’s water community mourns the passing of Stephen K. Hall, former executive director of the Association of California Water Agencies and a respected leader who played a central role in some of the biggest achievements in recent state water policy history.
ACWA members and others who knew Steve are invited to share memories and tributes in the comment space below.
Stephen K. Hall
Stephen K. Hall, a respected water leader who played a central role in some of the biggest achievements in recent California water policy history, has died after a lengthy battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. He was 58.
Hall served as executive director of the Association of California Water Agencies from 1993 until his retirement in 2007. During his 30-year career in water, he worked to bring diverse interests together and advance policies to address the state’s water supply challenges.
“Steve Hall made a lasting mark as a water professional,” ACWA President Paul Kelley said. “He brought a unique brand of leadership to the table when it was needed most and forged relationships that transcended political and ideological circles. Steve’s ability to bring people together was a determining factor in some of the key water successes of our time.”
Timothy Quinn, who succeeded Hall as ACWA’s executive director in 2007, called him a tireless advocate for a comprehensive water policy for the state. “Steve spent decades fighting for solutions that work for farms, cities and the environment. I’m honored to have worked beside him for many of those years. His contributions helped set the stage for the historic water legislation enacted last fall.”
