2024 Manager of the Year Randy Ray, Central Colorado Water Conservancy District
Congratulations to Randy Ray, our 2024 Manger of the Year award winner. Randy embarked on his professional journey with Central Colorado Water Conservancy District (CCWCD) in 1991, initially serving as an intern for a year before completing his bachelor’s degree in Agronomy from Colorado State University in 1992. Subsequently, he transitioned into the role of Field Operations Assistant at the District, where he took charge of a diverse array of groundwater recharge projects, surface water diversions, and maintained extensive communication with constituents.
His dedication and expertise led to his promotion to Operations Manager in 2002, a pivotal time for Central as it faced challenges related to water rights restrictions and the metering of 1,000 wells within the subdistrict. Randy’s leadership and commitment to the cause were further demonstrated when he assumed the role of Assistant Manager in 2010 and then Executive Director in 2011. Between 2001 and 2010, Randy, along with the Board and staff of the District, encountered significant challenges related to water supply. More than 1,000 irrigation wells were compelled to reduce or completely halt pumping, leading to a surge in legal and political pressures. This necessitated the exploration of innovative approaches for groundwater recharge and the implementation of gravel pit storage projects.
Randy’s proficiency in overseeing large-scale construction endeavors played a pivotal role in enabling Central and its subdistricts to execute the development and construction of numerous acre-feet of new reservoirs and recharge projects. These initiatives have resulted in the augmentation of water supplies, thereby enhancing the dependability of water provision for Central’s members.
Under Randy’s guidance, other significant milestones have also been achieved, including the approval of the “de-brucing” of the Groundwater Management Subdistrict and the successful securing of a $60 million dollar bond for water supplies and storage. Additionally, Randy’s instrumental role in obtaining voter approval for the “de-brucing” of CCWCD and a mill levy override in 2014 further solidified his impact on the organization’s growth and development.
In 2018, Randy spearheaded the initiative to secure voter approval for a $48.7 million bond and secured permission to borrow funds from the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB). Subsequently, CWCB sanctioned a $40 million loan to enhance water supplies, enabling Central’s wells to extract much-needed groundwater for irrigation. Additionally, he successfully secured various federal grants to support the construction of the Robert W. Walker Recharge Project, a groundbreaking endeavor aimed at replenishing 30,000 acre-feet of water to the South Platte Basin aquifer. Randy also fostered a partnership with the Town of Wiggins to facilitate the utilization of certain aspects of the Project to address their water requirements. Furthermore, he facilitated the use of part of the Project’s infrastructure to the Orphan Wells of Wiggins, a non-profit agricultural augmentation group that operates for the benefit of irrigation wells in Morgan County.
In his capacity as the Executive Director, Randy has also expanded his network of associations to work with a diverse array of irrigation, municipal, and environmental organizations. This collaborative effort has been instrumental in the formulation and delivery of additional water supplies for the benefit of the members of Central through a variety of notable projects, including the Chatfield Reservoir Reallocation Project in south Denver. Central acquired a water right in 1983 to store water in the recreational reservoir. When the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) announced the availability of additional water storage space for irrigation and municipal water uses, Central engaged in negotiations with various water users to secure the storage space. Randy actively participated in trips to Washington, D.C. with the Colorado Water Conservation Board, the Greenway Foundation, and other groups to meet with the USACE and Colorado’s Congressional delegation, ultimately leading to the successful storage of additional water in Chatfield Reservoir in May 2020. Following this achievement, Randy was elected as the President of the Chatfield Mitigation Company by unanimous vote, highlighting his leadership and expertise in overseeing the operation of the new water storage deliveries.
Randy possesses a remarkable talent for creating a warm and inclusive atmosphere for everyone he interacts with. He has a genuine interest in what others have to say, actively listening and responding with care and consideration. Growing up in the District, Randy has developed an extensive understanding of agriculture and Colorado’s intricate water systems. His knowledge of the South Platte River, its tributaries, and the network of ditches in Northeastern Colorado is unparalleled. Known by nearly everyone in the community, Randy values the relationships he has built and actively seeks input and guidance from Board members, constituents, and other stakeholders. Randy’s forward-thinking approach is evident in his vision for addressing the future needs of water users in the District and the staff at Central. With his expertise and dedication, Randy is well-equipped to lead initiatives that will benefit the community for years to come.