Chris Elias is the Executive Director for the San Joaquin Area Flood Control Agency (SJAFCA).  Under his direction and leadership of the Board of Directors, the SJAFCA carries out its mission to study, plan and implement flood protection projects, reducing the risk to people, structures and our economy.

Prior to joining SJAFCA, Chris worked at the Santa Clara Valley Water District (District) for 17 years where he reported directly to the CEO as Deputy Officer for Administration; served as Deputy Officer for Watersheds Operations & Maintenance; Assistant Officer for Water Utility Enterprise Technical Division, CEO/Board Support Officer, and Senior Project Manager for grants management.

Before his career at the Water District, Chris served for three years as Director of Energy & Environmental Programs at the Silicon Valley Leadership Group (previously Manufacturing Group) where he led development and advocacy of energy and environmental policies to improve the economic health and quality of life for Silicon Valley high-tech businesses and their employees. He also worked for seven years in the environmental programs at the Sacramento Municipal Utility District

Chris has a MS degree in Project & Systems Management from Golden Gate University, San Francisco, California and a BS in Civil Engineering.  He has also completed the Executive Leadership Program from UC Berkeley Extension and the National Forum for Black Public Administrators. Previously, he served on the Board of Directors of the Bay Planning Coalition, the Santa Clara County League of Conservation Voters and as Vice President of NAACP Silicon Valley Chapter.