Special to the PRESS
The Laguna Madre Water District is marking the end of an era as General Manager Carlos J. Galvan, Jr. retires after nearly 40 years of service, concluding a career that began on the plant floor and rose to the district’s highest leadership position.
Galvan’s career with the district spanned from August 1980 to December 2025. During that time, he became known among colleagues and community members as a steady, behind-the-scenes leader whose work helped ensure safe and reliable water service for residents across the Laguna Madre area.
He joined the district as a water plant operator, working rotating shifts and overseeing water quality at a time when the utility was far smaller and less complex. Those early years laid the foundation for a career that closely followed the district’s growth into a modern public service provider facing challenges such as drought, population growth, aging infrastructure, and increased regulatory demands, including long-term planning for desalination.
Galvan steadily advanced through the ranks, becoming chief water plant operator in 1997, where he supervised plant operations and mentored younger staff. In 2001, he transitioned into administration as assistant to the director of operations, gaining experience in budgeting, planning, and policy development. Later that year, he was promoted to assistant director of operations, a role that allowed him to bridge day-to-day operations with executive decision-making.
In 2005, Galvan returned to plant operations as water plant manager before being reappointed assistant director of operations in 2009. He was named interim director of operations in 2010 and formally appointed to the position in 2011. From that role, he oversaw major investments and operational improvements as the district worked to meet growing regional demand.
In May 2013, Galvan was appointed general manager of the Laguna Madre Water District. As general manager, he led the district through extended drought conditions, conservation efforts, infrastructure upgrades, and evolving community needs. Colleagues describe his leadership style as calm, thoughtful, and rooted in firsthand experience.
“He was a great boss and always willing to share his knowledge,” said Eddie Salazar, the district’s director of finance. “He always took the time to share his experiences with us. He will be missed.”
Scott Friedman, president of the LMWD Board of Directors, also praised Galvan’s long service. “It has been a great pleasure working with Carlos,” Friedman said. “We extend our gratitude for his years of dedicated service.”
Throughout his career, Galvan often emphasized that while technology and regulations changed, the district’s core mission remained the same: protecting public health by delivering safe, dependable water every day. His impact can be seen in the reliability of service provided to Laguna Heights, Laguna Vista, Long Island Village, Port Isabel, and South Padre Island.
Galvan’s retirement comes alongside the departure of several other long-tenured district employees, reflecting the family-like culture within the organization. Those retiring or recently retired include Daisy Martinez, executive secretary, with 26 years of service; Jose Salinas, collections manager, with 29 years; Santiago Ochoa, superintendent of wastewater, with 35 years; Minerva “Minnie” Mata, customer service manager, with 24 years; and Robert Gomez, director of operations, with 13 years.
With Galvan’s retirement, the LMWD Board of Directors has appointed Noe Cantu as interim general manager. Cantu steps into the role as water supply, conservation, and infrastructure resilience remain key priorities for the coastal communities the district serves.
“Carlos was a very humble leader who was always willing to help,” Cantu said. “I’m excited for the opportunities on the horizon.”
District leaders say Galvan’s influence will continue through the staff he mentored and the systems he helped strengthen. As he enters retirement, the Laguna Madre Water District carries forward a legacy shaped by nearly four decades of dedication, perseverance, and quiet leadership — a reminder that some of the most impactful public servants work far from the spotlight, ensuring essential services are always there when communities need them most.
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