Michelle Reimers is the Assistant General Manager of External Affairs for the Turlock Irrigation District. She is responsible for managing the strategic planning and development for the District’s communications, outreach, education and government affairs programs and initiatives. Reimers advocates on TID’s behalf via several state and national professional organizations and she is involved in local organizations as well.

Reimers was born and raised in Ceres and she made Turlock her home in 2002. She graduated from California State University, Stanislaus with a degree in Organizational Communications. She married her husband, Ted, in 2007 and they have two wonderful children; Jasper, 8 and Wyatt, 5.

Q. What positions have you held at Turlock Irrigation District, and how did you first become interested in working there?

A. I’ve always been interested in TID because if its importance to agriculture.  I never thought I would have had an opportunity to work here with my background being in communications rather than engineering. As luck would have it the opportunity arrived in 2006. I was hired as the Public Information Specialist. I was promoted to the Public Information Division Manager in 2007, and then promoted to Director of External Affairs in 2013. My latest promotion was in September 2016. 

Q. At the 2016 Women's Leadership Round Table, you mentioned that you are the first woman to hold an Assistant General Management position at TID. How has this affected your management style, if at all?

A. My management style hasn’t changed after my promotion. I’ve kept my style, which is anything but traditional. I am open to new ideas and encourage collaboration in a positive, fun atmosphere. I’ve always wanted my team to see the big picture and care about what they are doing and where the organization is headed.

Q. What is one thing most people don't know about TID?

A. TID is the first irrigation district established in California and we are owned by our customers.

Q. What is your favorite thing to do in Turlock for fun?

A. I love so much about Turlock. From shopping downtown to sipping wine at Bistro 234 or hanging out at Dust Bowl, there are so many options! Also, Turlock provides a safe, family-friendly environment which has helped us as we raise our children.

Q. What is the last book, movie or television show that captivated you?

A. The last movie that captivated me was “Hidden Figures.” I rarely get to watch movies, but when I do I gravitate towards action movies so this is a surprising answer to this question for me. The movie made me feel so many different emotions and was so inspiring…and of course, I cried.

Q. What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?

A. I’m a farmer! My husband and I started out by buying a small piece of land by his parents. Each year we try our best to grow our farming operation and it has been anything but easy. Our hope is to be able to offer our boys the opportunity we never had. Also, I was Miss Ceres 1999….