Joone Kim-Lopez is set to become the first Korean American to lead LA Sanitation after Mayor Karen Bass nominated him as the department’s next director.
The Los Angeles Board of Public Works announced June 18 that Bass had selected Kim-Lopez to serve as director of LA Sanitation and Environment, commonly known as LASAN.
His appointment must still receive confirmation from the Los Angeles City Council. If approved, Kim-Lopez will officially begin his new role on July 27.
LASAN is one of five bureaus under the Board of Public Works. It oversees sanitation, environmental services, wastewater systems, recycling and other essential city operations.
Kim-Lopez would become the first Korean American to lead the department.
Bass described Kim-Lopez as a highly qualified candidate with extensive experience and expertise.
She said he would play an important role in providing residents with more efficient and sustainable public services.
Steve Kang, president of the Los Angeles Board of Public Works, called the nomination a historic milestone for both the Korean American community and the city as a whole.
Kim-Lopez has served for the past 14 years as chief executive officer and general manager of the Moulton Niguel Water District in Orange County.
In that position, he oversaw the operation of water, wastewater and recycling systems.
He has also served as a commissioner on the California Seismic Safety Commission and previously worked as an officer with the Pasadena Police Department.
