Tommy Faavae was appointed as the Division I Director of the West Basin Municipal Water District in February 2025. A lifelong resident of Carson, California, Director Faavae has spent more than 25 years of championing workforce development, environmental advocacy and equitable access to water and energy resources. His commitment to public service is reflected in his career, where he has worked extensively to bridge the gap between labor, business and government to promote sustainable infrastructure and economic opportunities.
Director Faavae’s professional background is rooted in infrastructure development, labor advocacy and environmental sustainability. He has been a proud member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 11 for over 25 years, where he currently serves as Business Development Manager, representing more than 11,000 members and 350 electrical contractors. In this role, he has worked to support job creation, fair labor practices and the advancement of clean energy projects throughout Southern California.
In addition to his labor leadership, Faavae has played a pivotal role in securing funding for large-scale clean energy and sustainability initiatives. He was instrumental in the establishment of ARCHES (Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems), which secured $1.2 billion in federal funding to advance California’s hydrogen energy solutions. His leadership extends to the Zero Emissions, Energy Resilient Operations (ZEERO) Roundtable & Collaborative, where he has helped shape the Port of Long Beach’s path toward a carbon-neutral future.
Faavae’s hands-on expertise in water and electrical infrastructure includes his work on major projects such as the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant and the Joint Water Pollution Control Plant, where he installed critical electrical systems that support water treatment and distribution.
Beyond his technical and labor expertise, Faavae is a dedicated advocate for environmental justice and workforce development, particularly in underserved communities. He serves on the Pacific Gateway Workforce Development Board, where he works to create career pathways for underrepresented groups, including entry-level workers and formerly incarcerated individuals looking to transition into skilled trades.
Faavae is also actively involved with the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance and the Samoan Heritage Committee, ensuring that historically marginalized communities have a voice in policy decisions affecting water, energy and labor. His advocacy efforts have helped shape equitable policies that prioritize clean water access, climate resilience and local job creation.