"Callender pressured employees to message him on social media after work hours; sent invasive messages about their hygiene and questions about their sexual history; sent a photo of his clothed lap; and engaged in unwanted advances based on interviews with three accusers, as well as written and photographic evidence."
"Callender's conduct is particularly troubling because in his position, he wields considerable power and influence within the organization."
"Accusers in the report said Callender pressured them into certain roles, threatened to fire them and sat on the promotion panel for an employee he allegedly harassed."
An independent investigation by law firm Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo found that Rick Callender, CEO of Santa Clara County's largest water supplier Valley Water, sexually harassed subordinate employees. The year-long probe documented that Callender pressured employees to communicate on social media after hours, sent invasive messages about hygiene and sexual history, shared inappropriate photos, and made unwanted advances. The investigation, based on interviews with three accusers and supporting evidence, revealed Callender also pressured employees into certain roles, threatened termination, and sat on promotion panels for harassed employees. The report emphasized that his conduct was particularly troubling given his position of power. Callender resigned in February 2025 after being on leave since December 2024, retaining a special advisor role with continued CEO compensation totaling $716,000 annually.
#sexual-harassment #corporate-misconduct #water-utility-management #workplace-investigation #executive-accountability
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