The Willow Glen Resident Photograph by Skye Dunlap Making Waves: Local flood-management guru P. Kay Whitlock is sharing her expertise in her new role as board president of the National Association of Flood and Stormwater Management Agencies. Willow Glen woman leads national group of flood-protection agencies P. Kay Whitlock handles flood management for the water district By Mary Spicuzza Centuries ago, Noah was really the only one prepared for the big flood. But on the brink of a new age, Willow Glen neighbors can sit tight knowing that fellow resident P. Kay Whitlock is on the job. And instead of just building an ark for a lucky few, she's out to protect the masses from damage due to California's unpredictable winter storms. Whitlock, assistant general manager of the Santa Clara Valley Water District, has earned such a reputation of excellence that on Sept. 25 she was elected board president of the National Association of Flood and Stormwater Management Agencies. For two years Whitlock will direct the nationwide crew, a host of more than 100 public agencies dedicated to protecting lives, property and the economy from damage due to ravaging storms and floodwaters. "The things that I plan to focus on are regulatory issues. I hope to improve communication between safety agencies throughout the country," Whitlock says. "Nationally, I want to look at state and local programs to make sure flood-protection projects are running smoothly." It may sound like a deluge of responsibilities for one person to handle, but Whitlock has already proven herself to be just the woman for the job. In her flood-management work with the Santa Clara Valley Water District, Whitlock currently oversees flood protection for those living and working in the ever-growing Silicon Valley. The district handles water-management issues for the county's nearly 1.7 million residents. Whitlock has worked with the district--and lived in Willow Glen--since 1991. "She's an amazing woman. ... She's on 24 hours a day. It's incredible," water district spokesman Mike DiMarco says in admiration. A registered professional engineer, Whitlock received her bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Illinois, and yet another degree from the Highway and Transportation Management Institute of the University of Mississippi. She already serves on the board of directors of the Coyote Creek Riparian Station and the Emergency Housing Consortium. In the midst of all her responsibilities, the busy Willow Glenite is also a member of the American Association of University Women, American Public Works Association, American Society of Agricultural Engineers and the American Society of Civil Engineers. She represents the entire Bay Area on President Clinton's American Heritage Rivers Initiative Advisory Committee. Yet Whitlock, a one-woman flood-fighting machine, insists she depends on the strength of her national comrades. "I hope my tenure will be one of collaboration," she says. Still, as rainy season begins, neighbors can rest assured that the captain of the nationwide flood-protection team is just around the corner. [ Back to Contents Page | Willow Glen Resident Home Page | Archives ] This article appeared in the Willow Glen Resident, October 14, 1998. ©1998 Metro Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.