MSWD Seats New Board President & Vice President
Honors Former President Russ Martin
During its regularly scheduled Study Session and Board of Directors Meeting this month, Director Ivan Sewell assumed the role of Board President, and Director Robert Griffith assumed the role of Vice President of the Mission Springs Water District Board.
"I'd like to acknowledge the outstanding service of former MSWD Board President Russ Martin, whose efforts have contributed immeasurably to the well-being of our community," said President Sewell. "I am honored to follow in his footsteps and dedicate myself to the important task of leading this Board and serving our community."
President Sewell served as the Board's Vice President for the past two years and has been an MSWD Director since 2017. He was born and raised in Desert Hot Springs and graduated from Desert Hot Springs High School. After receiving his bachelor's degree in visual communications from Westwood College, he returned to the City and started a printing business in Desert Hot Springs.
President Sewell was appointed to the Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District by late Riverside County Supervisor John Benoit and continues serving as a Commissioner. He is an active member of the DHS Rotary and was recently named Volunteer of the Year by the City and Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce. His term on the MSWD Board expires at the end of 2024.
Vice President Robert Griffith joined the MSWD Board of Directors in September 2022. With a proven history of leadership and giving back to the community, Vice President Griffith previously served as a Desert Hot Springs Councilmember and as the Mayor Pro Tem. He also chaired the Desert Hot Springs Planning Commission and was President of the DHS Hotelier's Association. Currently, he serves as President of the DHS Historical Society and is spearheading efforts to restore and open the famous DHS "Historic Rock House" to the public. His term on the MSWD Board expires at the end of 2024.
"As the incoming Vice President, my vision revolves around expanding our outreach and educational offerings," said Vice President Griffith. "I am committed to fostering a deeper understanding of our water and wastewater services within our community so that we can better create awareness and engagement for the sustainable well-being of our residents."
During other business, Board members were assigned the following standing committee responsibilities:
Executive Committee
- Chair: President Sewell
- Member: Vice President Griffith
Finance Committee
- Chair: Director Duff
- Member: Director Mayrhofen
Public Affairs Committee
- Chair: Vice President Griffith
- Member: President Sewell
Engineering Committee:
- Chair: Director Mayrhofen
- Member: Director Martin
Human Relations Committee
- Chair: Director Martin
- Member: Director Duff
The Board of Directors meets on the third Monday of each month and the Thursday before that Monday for a study session. Workshops and Committee Meetings are scheduled as needed. For more information, please visit www.mswd.org.