About Candidate

“Our communities deserve clean neighborhoods, reliable services, and a sustainable future. I am committed to experienced, thoughtful, and transparent leadership—always with the community at the center.”


Re-Elect

RITA DUNCAN

for Oro Loma Sanitary
District Board of Directors

 Experienced Leadership.  Accountable Service. 
A Stronger Oro Loma Sanitary District

 

My name is Rita Duncan and I’m running for re-election for Board of Directors for District 5. I have had the privilege of serving the 140,596 residents of Oro Loma Sanitary District and I am asking for your support to continue serving.  

I believe our community deserves experienced, accountable, and visionary leadership focused on delivering excellent services while protecting customers and preparing Oro Loma Sanitary District for the future. I have demonstrated that leadership by championing and planning for aging infrastructure, strengthening community engagement, embracing responsible innovation, and holding District leadership accountable for measurable results.  

My goals and priorities are grounded in experience, measurable results, and a clear understanding of the communities Oro Loma serves. I bring a combination of public-sector leadership, private-sector management experience, community engagement, and program development that allows me to look at challenges from multiple perspectives. I believe good governance means more than identifying problems it means working together to find practical solutions, following through, and taking responsibility for the results. My priorities are focused on issues that directly affect residents: protecting customers, investing in an aging infrastructure, improving solid waste services, increasing transparency and accountability, strengthening community engagement, and protecting the environment.  

My commitment to public service is grounded in more than 30 years of leadership experience in the private sector, education, and community organizations. I spent 15 years as a Human Resources Director for a Fortune 500 company, overseeing approximately 300 employees and leading efforts in workforce development, performance management, health and safety, organizational development, compliance, and employee relations. I also served as an Interpersonal Dynamics Group Facilitator at Stanford Graduate School of Business and directed Stanford’s MESA program, developing educational opportunities for students pursuing careers in STEM.  

Today, my public service leadership extends beyond Oro Loma. I serve as Chair of the District’s Solid Waste Committee and am a member of the Finance and Insurance Committee. I also serve on Alameda County Waste Management Authority, Alameda County Source Reduction and Recycling Boards and was recently appointed President of the California Association of Sanitation Agencies (CASA), representing 156 wastewater agencies throughout California.  

I am proud of the work I have done for Oro Loma. I want to continue building a District that is transparent, financially responsible, environmentally sustainable, innovative, and responsive to the people we serve.

I respectfully ask for your vote and your continued support.  

Rita Duncan
Oro Loma Sanitary District Board of Directors


About Rita!

Rita Duncan is seeking re-election to continue championing effective wastewater and solid waste services for more than 140,546 residents in the unincorporated communities of Ashland, Cherryland, Fairview, San Lorenzo, and the Manor a portion of San Leandro.

A dedicated community advocate and current Secretary of the Oro Loma Sanitary District Board, she made history in 2016 as the first African American elected to the Board in its 105-year history.

She lives by the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: “Everybody can be great… because anybody can serve… You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.”


Past Leadership Roles

  • Chair, Federal Legislative Committee, CASA
  • Commissioner, East Bay Dischargers Authority
  • Chair, Finance Management Committee, East Bay Dischargers Authority
  • Chair, League of Women Voters, Alameda County Council & Eden Area

Professional Background

With more than 30 years of experience in a Fortune 500 company, Rita brings expertise in:

  • Human resources & performance management
  • Employee training, safety, and wellness
  • Organizational development
  • Interpersonal and group dynamics

Education & Training

  • B.A., Human Services, Notre Dame de Namur University
  • M.A., Counseling Psychology (Marriage, Family & Child Counseling),
    Notre Dame de Namur University
  • Facilitator Training, Stanford University Graduate School of Business

We're supporting Rita!


Malia Cohen
CA State Controller


Aisha Wahab
CA State Senator SD10


Liz Ortega
CA Assemblymember AD12


Elisa Márquez
Alameda Co. Supervisor D2


Mark Salinas
Hayward Mayor


Julie Roche
Hayward Mayor Pro Tem

Angela Andrews
Hayward City Councilmember

Ray Bonilla, Jr.
Hayward City Councilmember


George Syrop
Hayward City Councilmember


Janevette Cole
Alameda Co. Board of Education Trustee

Aisha Knowles
Alameda Co. Board of Education Trustee

Dennis Waspi
East Bay Regional Parks District Director

Sara Lamnin
President, Hayward Area Recreation and Park District


Rick Hatcher
Hayward Area Recreation and Park District Director


Peter Rosen
Hayward Area Recreation and Park District Director


Cheryl Sudduth
Vice President, West County Wastewater Board of Directors