From Toys to Water: From Barbie to Boardrooms:

John Varela’s Unusual Journey into Water Leadership

“If you want to get into the water industry, pay attention to your local community college,” says John Varela, Chair of the Association of California Water Agencies Foundation (ACWAF) Board of Trustees and Director on the Valley Water Board of Directors.

Having worked forty years in the toy industry – Varela is proud to say he knew Barbie and Ken (yes, the Mattel dolls) when they started dating – one wonders how John came to serve on the board of one of the state’s largest water agencies.

The answer is simple. He was recruited by two men currently serving on the Board. Another Director on the Board had died and Valley Water’s board needed to appoint someone to complete his term. Eleven people applied for the position. During the interviews, each candidate was asked what they knew about water. Varela, the first applicant interviewed, responded honestly, saying they could fit his knowledge of water in a thimble. A former councilman and mayor of Morgan Hill, Varela won the seat and has served on the Valley Water Board for ten years.

Throughout his tenure he has championed Valley Water’s paid summer internship program which is celebrating its 14th year. Each of the 50 interns will have a mentor, be provided with professional development training, and participate in networking events. This internship program is a great way for students to learn about the water industry first hand. Initially known as Santa Clara Valley Water District, Valley Water provides stream stewardship, wholesale water supply and flood protection for two million residents and businesses in Santa Clara County (15 cities and towns) and the southern San Francisco Bay Area.

How did John get started in the toy industry? While still in high school he started working in the warehouse of the toy company where his father and brother worked. Varela wanted to attend community college and work, so the toy company adjusted his work hours to accommodate his class schedule. 

Varela rose through the ranks and was asked to represent the toy company in the Bay Area which required moving his wife and newborn from southern California. To set him up for success, an executive director of the company flew up to the Bay Area for a month and “shadowed” 24-year-old Varela, introducing him to all the company’s customers and mentoring him in his new role. John successfully represented this company for 18 years!

With a history of performing on stage since 1962, at the Pasadena Playhouse, Varela recently acted in the independent mafia-themed film, Scars Run Deep, and he has a couple more film projects on the horizon.

Varela and his wife Vivian have been married for 60 years, and they have three daughters, five grandchildren and one great granddaughter. Varela has a high school diploma and four years of attending classes at three different community colleges.

If your organization provides mentors, please contact Lisa Mealoy, Executive Director of the ACWA Foundation and let her know so we can add you to our database.