Saluted as a staunch advocate for ratepayer protection and an effective leader in strengthening the local electrical grid and planning for future needs, the Imperial Irrigation District Board of Directors unanimously elected Division 5 Director Karin Sol Eugenio to serve as the leader of the IID Board throughout 2026.
Eugenio, who represents the areas of Imperial, Holtville, part of Calexico, and eastern Imperial County, "is a proven catalyst who has helped lead in the strengthening of the IID electrical system, create innovative agreements to provide energy to IID’s growing service area, and continues to represent the District at the federal level," the California public power utility noted.
She is the fourth woman to serve as chairwoman of the IID Board of Directors.
“I humbly accept the Board chairwoman’s position for 2026 and will, to the best of my ability, lead the District through public service focused on benefiting our customers, strengthening our water and energy service reliability, and moving the District forward,” Eugenio said. “We have a great Board, and I am so honored to work with elected officials dedicated to serving the public good.”
An Imperial Valley native, Eugenio was elected to the IID Board in the June 2022 primary election and has been actively involved in the community.
She was appointed by Gov. Gavin Newsom to the 45th District Agricultural Association Board of Directors in July 2025, served as mayor for the City of Imperial, and contributes to such organizations as the Imperial Valley Food Bank, local chamber of commerce, and the philanthropic group P.E.O.B
Eugenio currently teaches English and Communications at Imperial Valley College and Rhetoric and Writing Studies at San Diego State University, Calexico. She also works as a Corporate and Government Affairs Specialist for the Anza Borrego Foundation.
She is a graduate of California State University, San Marcos, earning a bachelor’s degree in Literature and Writing Studies and a master’s degree in Rhetoric and Writing Studies from San Diego State University.
She will take over the reins at the Board’s first meeting, planned for January 6, at an off-site location in the Coachella Valley, which will be announced soon.
Recognizing the work of Board Chairwoman Gina Dockstader
The Board and members of the public congratulated current IID Board Chairwoman Gina Dockstader, an agri-business woman, on her leadership role in 2025.
She is recognized for her work in both the water and energy sectors, specifically her commitment to the Salton Sea, her service with the Association of California Water Agencies, and her involvement in Colorado River matters, where she serves as the District’s alternate on the Colorado River Board of California.
