Today, DC Water CEO and General Manager David L. Gadis announced the appointment of two senior leaders to the Authority’s senior executive team: Jesse Hillman as Chief Information Officer and Ernest Tuckett as Chief Legal Officer. 

Jesse Hillman has been appointed Chief Information Officer, effective June 29, 2026. In this role, Hillman will lead DC Water’s technology efforts, helping improve how the Authority delivers reliable, secure, and responsive service to customers, including improving system reliability, protecting customer information, and making it easier for customers to access services. 

Hillman brings more than 25 years of leadership experience leading technology teams and improving systems that support large, complex organizations. He has led efforts to modernize operations, strengthen data security, and make services more efficient – helping organizations run more smoothly and better serve the people and communities who rely on their services every day. 

Hillman holds a Doctor of Business Administration from Audencia Business School, a Master of Business Administration from the University of the Incarnate Word, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from California Lutheran University. 

"Jesse’s deep expertise in digital transformation and his ability to align technology with organizational priorities will be critical as we continue to modernize our systems and deliver more reliable, responsive, and customer-focused services,” said David L. Gadis, CEO and General Manager of DC Water.

“I look forward to identifying and leading the digital transformation mandate as established by the Board and CEO at DC Water.  I am honored to become a member of the DC Water leadership team and look forward to elevating IT to an integral component of the DC Water culture,” Mr. Hillman said.

Ernest A. Tuckett III has been appointed Chief Legal Officer, effective June 29, 2026. In this role, Tuckett will oversee DC Water’s legal and government affairs functions, helping ensure the Authority operates responsibly, manages risk, and maintains public trust while protecting the interests of customers and the community.

Tuckett is an experienced legal executive with extensive experience advising C-suite leaders and boards of directors on complex regulatory and business matters. He has held senior roles at global organizations, including DuPont, Verisign, and AkzoNobel, and he has led legal teams and managed large-scale commercial, compliance, regulatory, and litigation strategy across multiple countries.

Tuckett holds a Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center and a Bachelor of Arts in Government from Georgetown University. "Ernest brings a strong track record of legal leadership and strategic counsel that will help guide DC Water as we navigate a complex regulatory environment and continue to serve our customers and community with accountability and transparency," added David. L. Gadis.

“As a longtime resident of the DC area, I am honored to be selected as the next CLO of DC Water, a historical local institution and world-class water utility I look forward to helping the CEO Mr. Gadis, the Board, and the senior executive team to advance the mission and goals of DC Water in service to my fellow DC area residents,” said Mr. Tuckett.

These appointments further strengthen DC Water’s executive leadership team and support the organization’s continued focus on operational excellence, innovation, and delivering safe, reliable water and wastewater services to the District of Columbia. Both leaders will play key roles in advancing cross-functional priorities and supporting the Authority’s strategic vision.