Leading California's publicly owned utilities into a new era
Danielle Blacet-Hyden takes the helm at CMUA
As a college student dreaming of becoming a United Nations interpreter, Danielle Blacet-Hyden never imagined she would one day lead a statewide utility association. But a pivotal internship in Governor Pete Wilson's legislative office changed her trajectory, sparking what would become a 25-year journey in policy advocacy.
"I completely fell in love with politics," Blacet-Hyden said. "I fell in love with advocacy and how bills become law."
Now, as the newly appointed Executive Director of the California Municipal Utilities Association (CMUA), Blacet-Hyden will lean on her passion for advocacy to help address some of California's most pressing challenges. She succeeds Barry Moline, who retired at the end of 2024 after steering the organization through significant growth and change.
Since joining CMUA in 2014, Blacet-Hyden has already left an indelible mark on the organization. As Deputy Executive Director, she spearheaded the expansion of CMUA's water advocacy program, bringing in 20 new water agency members and implementing a new dues structure. Perhaps most notably, she played a pivotal role in securing $3 billion in customer bill assistance during the pandemic, an initiative that began with what Barry affectionately called "the cool billion."
"When COVID hit and people lost their jobs, we saw significant unpaid utility debt," she explained. "During a staff brainstorming session, we decided to ask the state for a billion dollars. The Senate became our early champion, and instead of one billion, we got two billion. When that wasn't enough, the state provided another billion the following year."
Her background in International Relations from UC Davis, with an emphasis on economic development, has shaped her approach to utility challenges, particularly regarding affordability and global energy policies. This perspective has proven valuable in her work, including during a recent policy delegation to Denmark.
Craig Miller, CMUA Board President and General Manager of Western Water, notes that Blacet-Hyden emerged as "the clear choice" to lead CMUA forward, citing her deep understanding of the challenges facing California's public utilities and her proven track record of advocacy and leadership.
Looking ahead, Blacet-Hyden's vision for CMUA emphasizes enhanced advocacy and member engagement. She plans to personally visit members’ facilities and meet with general managers, believing that this hands-on approach strengthens the organization's ability to serve its members effectively.
"We're facing significant challenges," she acknowledged, "from climate change and unprecedented wildfires to affordability issues. On the energy side, we're focused on transmission capacity, regional markets and meeting clean energy goals while always considering the impact to customers. For water utilities, infrastructure upgrades and water quality remain critical priorities."
Beyond her professional accomplishments, which include serving on the UC Davis Dean's Advisory Council and as Chair of the CA-NV AWWA Water Resources Division, Blacet-Hyden maintains balance through meditation and cooking for her family. And in a detail that might surprise her professional colleagues, she's an enthusiastic Taylor Swift fan.
"As Taylor Swift would say, this is the Danielle era," she said with a smile. "I want to focus on our great team and serve our members in ways that help them meet their goals for the future."
"I completely fell in love with politics," Blacet-Hyden said. "I fell in love with advocacy and how bills become law."
Now, as the newly appointed Executive Director of the California Municipal Utilities Association (CMUA), Blacet-Hyden will lean on her passion for advocacy to help address some of California's most pressing challenges. She succeeds Barry Moline, who retired at the end of 2024 after steering the organization through significant growth and change.
Since joining CMUA in 2014, Blacet-Hyden has already left an indelible mark on the organization. As Deputy Executive Director, she spearheaded the expansion of CMUA's water advocacy program, bringing in 20 new water agency members and implementing a new dues structure. Perhaps most notably, she played a pivotal role in securing $3 billion in customer bill assistance during the pandemic, an initiative that began with what Barry affectionately called "the cool billion."
"When COVID hit and people lost their jobs, we saw significant unpaid utility debt," she explained. "During a staff brainstorming session, we decided to ask the state for a billion dollars. The Senate became our early champion, and instead of one billion, we got two billion. When that wasn't enough, the state provided another billion the following year."
Her background in International Relations from UC Davis, with an emphasis on economic development, has shaped her approach to utility challenges, particularly regarding affordability and global energy policies. This perspective has proven valuable in her work, including during a recent policy delegation to Denmark.
Craig Miller, CMUA Board President and General Manager of Western Water, notes that Blacet-Hyden emerged as "the clear choice" to lead CMUA forward, citing her deep understanding of the challenges facing California's public utilities and her proven track record of advocacy and leadership.
Looking ahead, Blacet-Hyden's vision for CMUA emphasizes enhanced advocacy and member engagement. She plans to personally visit members’ facilities and meet with general managers, believing that this hands-on approach strengthens the organization's ability to serve its members effectively.
"We're facing significant challenges," she acknowledged, "from climate change and unprecedented wildfires to affordability issues. On the energy side, we're focused on transmission capacity, regional markets and meeting clean energy goals while always considering the impact to customers. For water utilities, infrastructure upgrades and water quality remain critical priorities."
Beyond her professional accomplishments, which include serving on the UC Davis Dean's Advisory Council and as Chair of the CA-NV AWWA Water Resources Division, Blacet-Hyden maintains balance through meditation and cooking for her family. And in a detail that might surprise her professional colleagues, she's an enthusiastic Taylor Swift fan.
"As Taylor Swift would say, this is the Danielle era," she said with a smile. "I want to focus on our great team and serve our members in ways that help them meet their goals for the future."