CMUA: Can you tell us a little bit about the progression of your career? Was being the leader of a utility always one of your goals?
Netniss: My interests were in people and technology, and I obtained an undergraduate degree in computer information systems, which is the intersection of business and technology. I spent the first four years of my career as a programmer in MID’s Information Technology Department before pursuing a master’s degree in business. I subsequently was promoted to MID’s Finance Department where I served in various roles through my tenure.  Two years ago, I was humbled and honored by the confidence the MID Board of Directors had in me to appoint me as General Manager.
I can’t say that being the leader of a utility was my goal; however, I have never shied away from additional responsibilities and view each challenge as an opportunity for growth.

CMUA: What is unique or interesting, in your opinion, about your service territory?
Netniss: MID was founded more than 135 years ago to serve the agricultural water needs of our community and evolved to serve electricity and drinking water. Our city’s motto is “Water, Wealth, Contentment and Health,” and MID is proud to be the foundation for this.

CMUA: What currently are MID’s 2 or 3 biggest ongoing projects?
Netniss: Protecting our water rights on the Tuolumne River and relicensing our Don Pedro Hydropower plant remain top priorities. We’re also always working to ensure we have the resources we need to continue to deliver safe, reliable water and power to our customers. Another ongoing project I’m passionate about is the cultivation of a dashboard framework to drive our decisions utilizing data. Much of MID’s success is due to our founders and their foresight to be looking not just one or two years ahead but also planning for the future that we ultimately inherited. In today’s information-rich environment, leveraging data as a strategic planning tool positions MID well for long-term success.

CMUA: What’s something you do outside of work that you enjoy?
Netniss: I enjoy getting outside and exploring all that our beautiful state has to offer.  And, though my heart has been broken recently, I am a [San Francisco] 49er Faithful through and through.

CMUA: What value and benefit do you get from serving on CMUA’s board?
Netniss: CMUA provides great value to its members and is positioned as a leading voice in the water and power industries. Serving on the CMUA Board of Governors allows me to have direct insight into the leadership and the opportunity to collaborate with my peers to influence our planning as we chart out the association’s future.