Kevin Kelley, who served as General Manager of Imperial Irrigation District, for nearly eight years, and later as a consultant, died Jan. 19.
The lifelong resident of the Imperial Valley initially joined IID in 2006 to lead the public affairs office. He was General Manager from February 2011 through December 2018. Coachella Valley Water District’s neighbor to the south, IID is the largest irrigation district in the country and the third largest public power provider in the state.
“I learned this news with great sadness,” said Jim Barrett, CVWD General Manager. “CVWD appreciated our strong relationship with Kevin Kelley. He was a leading advocate for a smaller but sustainable Salton Sea and drought contingency planning. His influence and knowledge in water issues helped IID set historical precedents. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and IID employees and associates.”
Following his retirement as general manager, IID immediately hired Kelley as a consultant and he continued to work on Colorado River and Salton Sea issues.
Kelley was a 1984 graduate of the University of Southern California. The El Centro resident was known for his piano playing skills by colleagues and friends who knew him outside of work.
