Clifford C. Chan earned both a B.S. (1992) and a M.S. (1993) in Civil Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, specializing in geotechnical engineering. Mr. Chan initially served as a Senior Staff Engineer at Woodward-Clyde Consultants for four years before joining the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) in 1997. In 2020, he made history as EBMUD's 11th General Manager, notably the first Asian American in this role.
Mr. Chan is widely acknowledged as a national leader in implementing innovative programs within water utilities. Noteworthy among his achievements is the establishment of a research and innovation initiative at EBMUD, contributing to the development of industry publications such as the American Water Works Association’s (AWWA’s) "Guidance for Developing a Water Utility Innovation Program" and the AWWA’s M82 Manual of Practice on Water Utility Innovation. Mr. Chan’s leadership extended to overseeing EBMUD’s Pipeline Rebuild Program, aimed at creating a sustainable and resilient pipeline replacement program. The program included technical details such as the use of advanced materials, construction techniques, and innovative technologies to enhance pipeline performance, reduce water loss, and increase efficiency.
Throughout his career, Mr. Chan has held leadership positions in several professional societies and committees, including serving as a Board Director for the Bay Area Council, and as a Board Member for the California Urban Water Agencies and Water Reuse California. Additionally, he has been a staunch advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, exemplified by his efforts in establishing the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Culture at EBMUD.
Mr. Chan's contributions to Berkeley CEE are significant, particularly in establishing the Berkeley Center for Smart Infrastructure (CSI). This center addresses critical industry challenges, securing substantial funding and advocating for contributions from leading utilities, including the Alameda County Water District, Contra Costa Water District, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, and San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, to further its work.