The Nevada Irrigation District Board of Directors on Wednesday (Jan. 9) announced the hiring of Remleh “Rem” Scherzinger as NID’s new general manager. He will join the district Feb. 4.

Scherzinger, a Healdsburg resident, attended Wednesday’s board meeting and said he was pleased and honored with his selection. “From everything I’ve learned, NID is a great organization,” he said. “I’m eager to get started and become part of the team.”

NID directors selected the new chief executive following an extensive search conducted by a Sacramento recruitment firm. He succeeds former longtime general manager Ron Nelson, who retired last year.

Scherzinger comes to the district from the City of Petaluma, where he serves as utilities engineering manager, supervising five managers and a staff of 64 working in water treatment, engineering, conservation and environmental activities. His department is responsible for the city’s water, wastewater, stormwater and recycled water operations.

Prior to joining the City of Petaluma in 2008, Scherzinger spent eight years as an engineer with the Sonoma County Water Agency and two years with the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.

He holds a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from Sonoma State University and Bachelors of Science degree in civil engineering from Cal-Poly Pomona. He is a licensed civil engineer who also holds state certifications in water treatment and water distribution. He is a veteran of the U.S. Navy.

“We had applicants from throughout the state and Rem was the unanimous choice of the board,” said NID Board President Jim Bachman. “We were all very much impressed with his experience and ambition. He’s very enthusiastic, he really wanted the job, and he’s looking forward to the challenge.”

As NID’s general manager, Scherzinger will oversee a staff of 170 involved in water supply, hydroelectric power production and public recreation, with a combined annual budget of $53 million.

Scherzinger, his wife, Suzanne; and daughters Sarah, 12, and Elsa, 9, are in the process of moving to Nevada County.

NID directors are planning to host an open house to introduce the new manager to members of the community. It is expected to be held in February.