Jeffrey Kightlinger is general manager and chief executive officer for The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.  As general manager, he is responsible for directing the activities of the District to fulfill Metropolitan’s mission of delivering high-quality water to 19 million residents in Southern California.  The general manager reports directly to the Board of Directors and provides leadership and management of the District’s public policies and strategic initiatives, assets and resources, and all administrative, operational and financial activities for Metropolitan. 

Prior to his appointment in 2006 as general manager, he was general counsel for the Metropolitan.  Mr. Kightlinger was responsible for directing Metropolitan’s legal staff and consulting attorneys; leading the District’s legal strategies in pending and potential litigation; and protecting Metropolitan’s interests in all legal matters. 

Mr. Kightlinger earned a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of California, Berkeley in 1981 and a law degree from Santa Clara University School of Law in 1985.