Mr. Hughes is the Chief Executive Officer of Homer Water LLC, a water resource and infrastructure company focused on the development, management, and operation of water resources and water infrastructure in California. Prior to joining Homer, Mr. Hughes practiced law for more than 30 years, principally in the areas of water and public agency law. He was a partner at Klein, DeNatale, Goldner, LLP and served as the firm's managing partner and leader of its Water and Public Agency practice group. His legal practice included representing public agencies and private entities in matters involving water rights, water supply, water transfers and exchanges, groundwater management, and major California water projects.

Mr. Hughes previously served on the KCERA Board from 2004-2012, including as Chair in 2009, and returned to the Board in 2021. He also served on the Board of Trustees of the Kern County Museum Foundation from 2013-2021, including as Chairman from 2017-2021, and on the Board of Directors of the Kern County Bar Association from 2015-2021, serving as President in 2020.

Mr. Hughes earned a B.A. in Political Science and Communication Studies from the University of California at Santa Barbara and a J.D. from Santa Clara University School of Law.

Mr. Hughes is the Chair of the Board of Retirement and the Chair of the Administrative Committee.