California Water Service Group Promotes Tamara S. Johnson to Vice President, California Operations and Gregory D. Shimansky to Vice President, Rates and Regulatory Affairs
Rhea-AI Summary
California Water Service Group (NYSE:CWT) promoted Tamara S. Johnson to Vice President, California Operations, and Gregory D. Shimansky to Vice President, Rates and Regulatory Affairs, effective July 1, 2026.
Johnson brings 40 years of utility experience; Shimansky succeeds retiring VP Greg A. Milleman.
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News Market Reaction – CWT
In the May 21 session, CWT declined 0.30%, reflecting a mild negative market reaction.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Key Figures
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | 24h Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 13 | Impact list recognition | Positive | +0.3% | Named to TIME’s inaugural World’s Most Impactful Companies list. |
| Apr 30 | CPUC rate decision | Positive | +0.3% | Final CPUC decision approving multi‑year revenue increases and investments. |
| Apr 29 | Q1 2026 results | Neutral | -6.9% | Reported Q1 2026 financials and revised California general rate case details. |
| Apr 29 | Dividend declaration | Positive | -6.9% | Announced 325th consecutive quarterly dividend of $0.3350 per share. |
| Apr 14 | Top workplace award | Positive | -1.0% | Earned 2026 USA Today Top Workplaces award with additional culture accolades. |
24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.
Recent history shows several positive reputation and dividend headlines followed by negative price reactions, while major regulatory wins have seen modest positive alignment.
Over the last six weeks, CWT has reported Q1 2026 results, received a favorable CPUC general rate case decision authorizing multi‑year revenue increases, and announced an ~$218M Nexus Water Group acquisition alongside an 8% dividend increase to $1.34 per share. It also highlighted workforce and impact accolades and its 325th consecutive dividend. Against this backdrop, today’s management promotions add to a narrative of operational scaling and regulatory execution rather than changing the financial profile.
Key Terms
regulatory affairs regulatory
water treatment operator license technical
water distribution license technical
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
SAN JOSE, Calif., May 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- At its meeting today, the California Water Service Group (CWT: NYSE) Board of Directors unanimously approved the promotions of Tamara S. Johnson to Vice President, California Operations, and Gregory D. Shimansky to Vice President, Rates and Regulatory Affairs, effective July 1, 2026.
Prior to joining the executive team, Johnson served as Director of Field Operations, Southern California Region. She brings 40 years of public water utility experience to the position, having started her career at California Water Service, Group's largest subsidiary, in 1985. Johnson holds a Master of Business Administration from California State University, Monterey Bay, a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of La Verne, as well as a Water Treatment Operator License Grade 3 and a Water Distribution License Grade 5 from the State of California. The Vice President, California Operations role is newly created.
"This new position reflects our company's growth and the increasing complexity of water utility operations. Tammy is not only a water utility operations expert, she's also an accomplished professional with a track record of getting things done. It's truly a pleasure to welcome to the officer team someone who has dedicated her entire career to the company," said Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Martin A. Kropelnicki.
Shimansky joined California Water Service Group in 2024 as a director focused on rates and regulatory affairs outside of California. Before joining the Group, he served as Rates and Regulatory Affairs Director at Indiana American Water and General Rate Case Program Manager at San Diego Gas and Electric. He holds a Master of Science in Management from Purdue University and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of California, Los Angeles. He succeeds Greg A. Milleman, who is retiring after a distinguished 10-year career at Group.
"Greg is results-oriented, and he has done a tremendous job for us thus far. I believe he will be a real asset to the Company as we continue to pursue regulatory mechanisms and rate designs that help keep our rates affordable for customers while allowing us to make the investments in water system infrastructure that help keep our water service safe and reliable," Kropelnicki said.
About California Water Service Group
Group is the parent company of regulated utilities California Water Service, Hawaii Water Service, New Mexico Water Service, and Washington Water Service, as well as Texas Water Service, a utility holding company. Together, these companies provide regulated and non-regulated water and wastewater service to more than 2.1 million people in California, Hawaii, New Mexico, Washington, and Texas. Group’s common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “CWT.” Additional information is available online at www.calwatergroup.com.
CONTACT: Shannon Dean, (408) 367-8243
