Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass on March 26 announced the designation of David Hanson to serve as Interim General Manager of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, part of a planned transition after the City announced that Janisse Quiñones will step down as LADWP Chief Executive Officer and Chief Engineer effective March 27, 2026.
The Los Angeles Board of Water and Power Commissioners on March 26 voted unanimously to appoint Hanson as Interim General Manager.
With more than two decades of experience within the Department -- first starting as an Electrical Mechanic after graduating from LADWP's Electrical Mechanic Training Program -- Hanson “is well-positioned to support Mayor Bass’ priorities in delivering reliable power and water service to millions of Angelenos and accelerating the transition to 100% clean energy,” the Mayor’s office noted.
He also played a leading role in the advancement of the Convention Center Modernization and Expansion Project and recently launched LADWP’s business concierge program to streamline building and development.
“I am pleased to designate Mr. Hanson to serve as Interim General Manager of LADWP, someone who has dedicated his career to public service,” said Mayor Bass. “I know Dave will be a strong partner in working to build a more resilient power grid, accelerating the transition to 100% clean energy, and cementing L.A.’s position as a global climate leader. He is ready to lead LADWP’s thousands of hardworking and expert employees."
“Having worked at LADWP for more than two decades, I am honored to continue serving the City that I love and LADWP’s millions of customers as Interim General Manager,” said Hanson. “It is an honor to be designated by Mayor Bass for this role, and I am committed to continuing the constant work to provide reliable service to LADWP customers and accelerating the transition to 100% clean energy of the country’s largest municipal water and power utility.”
“The members of the Board and I look forward to working with Dave Hanson to build on the progress we’ve made and continue to deliver for the people of Los Angeles,” said Allan Marks, President of the Board of Water and Power Commissioners. “As we continue to modernize our water, power and technology infrastructure, advance clean energy initiatives and local water supply development, and ensure equitable access to affordable utilities, his leadership and extensive expertise with LADWP will be invaluable.”
With more than 20 years of experience at LADWP, Hanson brings extensive knowledge and critical expertise to the position. He has held many roles at the department, including as Director of Power Construction & Maintenance where he oversaw facility management of all Power System substations, as well as Assistant Director of Power Transmission & Distribution, Safety Representative for Power System Safety, Superintendent of the Electrical Mechanic Training Center, and more.
Before joining LADWP, he served for 10 years in the United States Navy Nuclear Powered Submarine Force as an Electrician's Mate First Class, Sub Surface.
"This leadership transition has been coordinated to ensure stability, continuity, and uninterrupted service to Angelenos as the nationwide search for the next LADWP General Manager gets underway," the Mayor's office said.
