The San Diego County Water Authority has hired an executive search firm and is seeking public input as it begins a search for its next general manager. Longtime general manager Maureen Stapleton retired in March, and acting General Manager Sandy Kerl will lead the agency’s staff during the search process. Los Gatos-based William Avery & Associates has has been hired to lead the search, which will include outreach to civic, business and community stakeholders to help guide the water authority board’s assessment of candidates. “The water authority has had a profound, positive influence on this region over the past 75 years, and it’s crucial that we find a visionary general manager to help write the next chapter of our story,” said Board Chair Jim Madaffer.