The Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) Board of Directors is ushering in a new era of leadership with the election of Gregg Fishman as President and Dave Tamayo as Vice President. Their terms will span from January to December 2025, marking a period of continued innovation and commitment to clean energy for the community-owned electric service provider.
Gregg Fishman: SMUD Board President
Gregg Fishman, a veteran clean energy advocate and long-serving public servant, has been elected as the President of the SMUD Board of Directors. Representing Ward 3 since 2015, Fishman’s district encompasses East Sacramento, Arden-Arcade, and neighborhoods like Campus Commons, College Glen, and Rosemont.
Fishman’s career is deeply rooted in promoting renewable energy. As a former SMUD employee, he championed solar and wind energy during their nascent stages. His leadership at the California Independent System Operator (California ISO) further supported the development of wind energy farms across California. Notably, during his previous presidency of the SMUD Board in 2018, Fishman spearheaded the Integrated Resource Plan, a groundbreaking roadmap for reducing greenhouse gas emissions that earned praise from the California Energy Commission.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Fishman has been a dedicated community volunteer. He has collaborated with the Sacramento Tree Foundation to plant over 2,000 trees and received recognition from MLK 365 for his efforts to eliminate racially restrictive clauses from local property deeds. Additionally, Fishman is a 25-gallon blood donor and an active master-of-ceremonies volunteer for Project Ride in Elk Grove. He holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from California State University, Sacramento, and resides in Arden Park with his wife and two daughters.
Dave Tamayo: SMUD Board Vice President
Joining Fishman in leadership, Dave Tamayo has been elected as Vice President of the SMUD Board of Directors. Representing Ward 6 since 2014, Tamayo’s jurisdiction includes neighborhoods such as Meadowview, Oak Park, Parkway, and Valley Hi.
Tamayo brings a rich history of environmental advocacy and public service to his role. As an environmental scientist for Sacramento County for three decades, he played a pivotal role in shaping policies that protect natural resources. His achievements include drafting the county’s stormwater pollution ordinance, co-founding the River Friendly Landscaping Program, and influencing state and federal regulations on integrated pest management. His expertise has been sought by entities like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the University of California Integrated Pest Management Program.
Tamayo’s community contributions are equally impressive. He has been instrumental in establishing science programs and gardens in local schools and co-founding his neighborhood association. His advocacy efforts have secured public parks, affordable housing, and urban infill development. Tamayo’s academic credentials include a bachelor’s degree in zoology from the University of California, Berkeley, and a master’s degree in entomology and nematology from the University of Florida. In his leisure time, he enjoys gardening, beekeeping, and cycling.
SMUD’s Commitment to Clean Energy
As the sixth-largest, community-owned, not-for-profit electric service provider in the United States, SMUD has a longstanding reputation for innovation in energy efficiency and renewable power technologies. The utility is on a mission to achieve zero carbon electricity production by 2030. With rates consistently among the lowest in California, SMUD continues to deliver reliable, low-cost energy while advancing sustainable solutions for a healthier environment.
The election of Fishman and Tamayo signals a continuation of SMUD’s commitment to clean energy and community engagement. Their combined experience and passion for environmental stewardship and public service position SMUD to lead the charge toward a more sustainable and equitable energy future.
