California Water Service CEO Joins ACI Board to Tackle AI Risks in Critical Infrastructure — California Water Service Group

Event summary

California Water Service Group CEO Martin A. Kropelnicki joined the Alliance for Critical Infrastructure (ACI) Board of Directors on September 30, 2026.
ACI focuses on strengthening physical and cyber resilience in critical infrastructure sectors, including water, energy, and communications.
Kropelnicki’s appointment aligns with ACI’s mission to address AI-driven risks and opportunities in critical infrastructure.
California Water Service Group serves over 2.2 million people across five states through its subsidiaries.

The big picture

Kropelnicki’s appointment reflects the growing intersection of AI and critical infrastructure, where utilities like California Water Service Group must navigate both physical and cyber threats. ACI’s expansion underscores the private sector’s proactive stance on national security, particularly as AI reshapes risk landscapes. The move also highlights the increasing collaboration between utilities and cross-sector alliances to address emerging vulnerabilities.

What we're watching

Governance Dynamics: How Kropelnicki’s leadership will influence ACI’s strategy in mitigating AI risks across critical infrastructure sectors.
Regulatory Headwinds: Whether ACI’s efforts will lead to new regulatory frameworks for AI and cybersecurity in utilities.
Execution Risk: The pace at which ACI can implement protective strategies and share best practices among its members.