Congratulations to Assistant General Manager, Matt Underwood! 

The Special District Leadership Foundation (SDLF) is an independent, non-profit organization formed to promote and recognize excellence in the governance and management of special districts through certification, accreditation, and other recognition programs. Their vision is that every special district in California has well trained, knowledgeable decision-makers and engages the public through a transparent process. The SDLF is associated with the California Special Districts Association (CSDA) as a supported entity that promotes good governance through programs and certifications for special districts. CSDA supports the SDLF's activities, and the SDLF in turn partners with CSDA on initiatives.

The SDLF's Certified Special District Manager (CSDM) is a voluntary designation sought by individuals who strive to be the best. Managers with various academic and professional backgrounds, as well as from all sizes of special districts, can be candidates for the program.

The certification examination and study guide were developed through the participation of over 100 volunteer subject matter experts. Guided by the SDLF Board, Certification Advisory Committee, and under direction by a professional examination development firm, this certification gives successful candidates recognition unmatched by any other program.

To qualify for the examination, a candidate must have worked three out of the last five years in a position of management in a California special district. A total of 400 points is required to qualify for the opportunity to take the examination, to be obtained through professional special district and related work experience, continuing education courses, higher education background, and community service.

This certification helps document and recognize a candidate’s knowledge, skills, and capabilities as a CSDM. The two-hour examination requires a score of 70 or more to pass and consists of 100 total questions that cover all key aspects of special district management, including:

• Governance
• Legal Requirements
• Policy Development
• Ethics in Public Service
• Strategic Planning
• Public & Customer Relations
• Organization
• Budget and Finance
• Personnel and Supervision

Assistant General Manager Matt Underwood (AGM Underwood) submitted an application to take the CSDM examination and received notification on July 22, 2025, that his application had been approved. AGM Underwood successfully passed the CSDM examination on August 5, 2025.

The CSDM Certification is valid for four years and requires completion of 75 continuing education points for renewal of each 4-year period.

CSDA Senior Public Affairs Field Coordinator, Dane Wadle, attended our Board meeting on December 15, 2025, to present AGM Underwood with his CSDM plaque.

California has approximately 3,300 special districts, and there are only 81 Certified Special District Managers among all of those districts!

Congratulations to Operations Manager, Mike!

Mike becomes the 14th member of Sacramento Suburban Water District to graduate from the the Association of California Water Agencies/Joint Powers Insurance Authority (JPIA) Leadership Essentials for the Water Industry Program (Program). The Program is designed as a one-year, robust program that focuses on providing senior leaders with expanded skills to create a positive, engaged workplace. The Program is specifically formulated to help participants lead effectively across three leadership spectrums: Self-Leadership, Team Leadership, and Strategic Leadership.

The Program’s method of delivery is “blended,” i.e., in-person (classroom) and virtual (webinar). Both methods are instructor-led with practical application tied to proven theories, guided discussions, experiential activities, and back-at-work action to transfer what is learned to the workplace. Delivery elements include:

• Performance-based curriculum: Instructor-led training incorporates elements such as guided discussions, experiential exercises, case studies, small group activities, and back-at-work action planning. Participant engagement is maximized.
• Personal Assessments: Participants complete tools to provide them insight and feedback on their leadership style, strengths, and challenges.

JPIA has nearly 400 member agencies statewide. Since its inception in 2015, approximately 214 participants have graduated from the Program, 14 of which were District staff, the most from any JPIA member agency.