Jason Phillips is ending his decade-long tenure as the chief executive officer of Friant Water Authority to enter the private sector. His last day will be Jan. 19, 2026.

Lisa McEwen

SJV Water

The fact of his leaving was less a surprise than the timing, with the announcement coming out Tuesday, the first day of Friant’s annual off-site board retreat being held this year in Exeter.

“He’s been there more than ten years so it wasn’t unexpected,” said Friant director Brett McCowan, who represents Porterville Irrigation District, adding that the board knew he was looking at other opportunities. “Lots of directors and staff knew it was coming, but we were not sure it was going to happen that fast.”

Friant secretary/treasurer Josh Pitigliano agreed.

“I was shocked at the timing, I thought he

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