Los Angeles Names First Korean American Director of Sanitation and Environment Department

In a move that signals a new era of diversity, Los Angeles has tapped Joone Kim‑Lopez to lead the Sanitation and Environment Department (LASAN). The appointment is still pending confirmation by the City Council and, if approved, will take effect on July 27, 2026.

Kim‑Lopez becomes the first Korean American to head LASAN and the first Korean American to command any of the five departments overseen by the Board of Public Works. Her 14‑year executive tenure at the Moulton Niguel Water District (MNWD) in Orange County saw her serve as Chief Executive Officer and General Manager. Under her guidance, MNWD earned a spot among the Top 5 Public Utilities in the World at the 2026 Global Water Awards for its operational efficiency and innovation. Before MNWD, she was General Manager of the Calaveras County Water District.

Her public‑service record extends beyond water. Kim‑Lopez was a Commissioner on the California Seismic Safety Commission, where she helped shape statewide disaster preparedness and infrastructure resilience. Earlier in her career, she worked as a police officer with the Pasadena Police Department, earning the Silver Medal of Courage for bravery and service.

"Joone Kim‑Lopez is the ideal leader to guide the Sanitation and Environment Department, bringing with her a wealth of experience and proven expertise," Mayor Eric Bass wrote in the appointment letter. Steve Kang, President of the Los Angeles Board of Public Works, added, "The appointment of Joone Kim‑Lopez as the new leader of the Sanitation and Environment Department is a profoundly meaningful moment not only for the Korean community but for all of Los Angeles. She is a proven public servant with decades of outstanding leadership and innovation in public service. As the first Korean American to lead one of the Board’s major departments, this appointment demonstrates Los Angeles’ commitment to diversity and inclusion while serving as a powerful source of inspiration and hope for the next generation of Korean Americans."

LASAN is a large municipal utility that manages wastewater treatment, recycled water, and solid‑waste collection for the city’s 3,500‑person workforce and an annual revenue of more than $1 billion. The department operates a four‑bin curbside collection system that separates refuse, recyclables, organic waste, and horse manure, and it oversees the city’s extensive network of treatment plants and recycling facilities.

The appointment aligns with Los Angeles’ broader diversity and inclusion initiatives. The city’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion has been working to increase representation of under‑represented groups in senior leadership roles across all departments. Kim‑Lopez’s appointment is the latest example of that effort, following a series of recent appointments that have broadened the city’s leadership demographic.

Kim‑Lopez holds a Master of Public Administration from California State University, Northridge, and a Bachelor’s degree in Communication from the University of California, San Diego. She is fluent in Korean, English, and Spanish—a skill set that is valuable in a city with a large Korean‑American population and a diverse linguistic landscape.

The Los Angeles City Council will review the appointment in an upcoming meeting. If confirmed, Kim‑Lopez will begin her term on July 27, 2026, overseeing the city’s sanitation services, environmental protection initiatives, and the implementation of new sustainability goals. Her leadership is expected to bring fresh perspectives to LASAN’s operations and reinforce the city’s commitment to efficient, environmentally responsible public services.

The appointment marks a historic milestone for Korean American women in public service and signals a continued push for inclusive leadership across California’s largest city.