In Memory of James
By Bart Christensen ~
I worked for James Giannopoulos for many years at the State Water Resources Control Board. Many people have wondered what exactly I did there all those years. James (usually) knew, and always encouraged me to take my assignments to wherever they might lead.
I consider it an honor to have worked for James. I learned so much from him. James was an outstanding engineer, leader, communicator, public servant and friend. He changed my life for the better. I will never forget him, and I suspect I am not alone. A complete list of the important aspects of James’s character would be a long one, and would differ from other people’s perspective. My list includes:
• Wisdom James always seemed to know what to do, and the most effective way to do it. James could see both the forest and the trees.
• Loyalty James was always loyal to the goals of the State Water Resources Control Board, even if the goals were not always remembered by others, and even if his actions were not always popular. James was loyal to those who worked for him, and his staff were loyal to him
• High Standards James had high personal standards as an engineer and a public servant, and he expected similar standards from the scientists and engineers who worked under his supervision
• Mentor James’s character and standards served as a model for those lucky enough to have known him
• Always Had Your Back If his staff had done their homework, James always “had their back” when there was push back from the agencies that were challenged by his staff, and upper managers that would have preferred to take an easier, less effective position.
• Respected In meetings with Federal, State and local agency representatives, James’s presence always demanded and received respect.
• Aggressive James always expected his staff to complete their assignments, regardless of how well their recommendations were received by others, and he had a personal ‘fighting spirit” that encouraged others to follow through with their assignments.
• Strong Moral Code James always stood for what was right over what was wrong, and never seemed to waiver in his defense of strong environmental public policy.
