John Paasch

John Paasch was appointed Security and Emergency Management Program Deputy Director on June 26, 2021.

Paasch provides executive-level policy direction, coordination, and leadership for Department emergency management and security programs.

Paasch joined DWR in 2009 as a levee inspector and flood fight specialist and has served in numerous emergency management positions within the Department’s Flood Management Division. Most recently, Paasch managed the Hydrology and Flood Operations Office overseeing a multi-disciplinary team of managers, engineers, programmers, scientists, technicians, and analysts to deliver data, tools, and expertise in support of real-time water management with numerous state, federal, and local partners.

Paasch is a licensed Professional Engineer and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Bioresources and Agricultural Engineering form Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. He also earned a Certificate in Business and a Master of Engineering degree in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University, College Station.