Meet Shawn Dewane

Shawn Dewane is a respected leader in the water sector whose career reflects a deep commitment to service.

A 26-year Costa Mesa resident, Shawn was appointed to the Mesa Water District (Mesa Water®) Board of Directors in 2005, elected in 2006, and re-elected in 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022. He currently serves as the Board Vice President. He is the Immediate Past Chairman of CalDesal, a nonprofit organization that supports clean drinking water for California through environmentally responsible desalination and salinity management. Shawn is also a member of the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) and represents the District at state and national conferences. In addition, he serves on the Board of Directors for the Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS), which provides county employees with secure retirement and disability benefits while maintaining the highest standards of excellence and oversight.

Over the course of his professional journey, he has led complex water operations, guided infrastructure modernization efforts, and championed policies that prioritize long-term water security. Shawn understands that water is more than infrastructure; it is public health, economic stability, environmental stewardship, and community trust. His approach emphasizes collaboration, transparency, and innovation to deliver measurable results. Working alongside municipal leaders, engineers, policymakers, and community stakeholders, he has helped strengthen water systems while maintaining fiscal responsibility. His leadership style is grounded in accountability, forward planning, and a belief that strong systems build strong communities.

Professionally, Shawn is an Investment Management Consultant with Dewane Investment Strategies, where he provides tax, estate, and investment planning advice to individuals and institutions. His work has been featured in Registered Representative. He holds an MBA from Pepperdine University and a Bachelor of Science from Arizona State University, and also serves as adjunct faculty at Pepperdine.

Water Leadership

  • Nearly 20 years of water leadership, serving on the Mesa Water District Board of Directors since 2005.

  • Guided major investments in water infrastructure to ensure safe, reliable water delivery for the community.

  • Championed long-term water security, supporting solutions like responsible desalination and diversified water supplies.

  • Advocated for drought resilience and sustainability to protect the region’s water future.

  • Immediate Past Chairman of CalDesal, advancing environmentally responsible desalination across California.

  • Represents Mesa Water at state and national water policy discussions through the Association of California Water Agencies.

  • Committed to protecting ratepayers through responsible financial oversight and transparent leadership.