Bristol Who’s Who Recognizes Harold Craig Manson
Colonel Harold Craig Manson (USAF, Ret.) is the General Counsel of the Westlands Water District, the largest agricultural water district in the United States. Located in central California, the water district formed in 1952 and holds long-term contracts for water supplied by the Central Valley Project (CVP) and the State Water Project, providing water to much of California’s most important farmland. The CVP is a portion of the nation’s critical infrastructure. As Chief Legal Officer, Craig has over 30 years of experience in the legal and justice system, and specializes in public policy, administrative law, national security and legislation. Craig serves on the front line of the conservation and environmental movement, and helps oversee the Westlands Water District’s place as an innovator in sustainability.
Serving in the United States Air Force, Air Force Reserve, and Air National Guard, Craig achieved the rank of Colonel before retiring to civilian life in 2006. He was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal (1 OLC) in 1996 and in 2003 was honored with the Legion of Merit. Craig earned a Bachelor of Science in International Affairs from the United States Air Force Academy in 1976, and later underwent studies in the Law of War at the US Army Judge Advocate General’s School. He also Studied Air Power and National Security at the Air Command and Staff College, and served as the Chief Legal Officer of the California Air National Guard. After completing graduate studies in Public Administration at the University of Northern Colorado in 1978, Craig earned his Juris Doctor from the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law in 1981.
In addition to his military service and legal guidance of Westlands Water District, Craig has held a broad variety of roles in government administration. He served as a Judge for the Superior Court of California, General Counsel for California Department of Fish and Game, and as the Assistant Secretary for Fish, Wildlife and Parks at the U.S. Department of the Interior. In the private sector, he held the role of Senior Policy Advisor for the Washington, D.C. law firm Hunton & Williams, among others.
In addition to his expertise in national defense affairs and legislation, Craig is a seasoned public speaker and historian. For over 11 years, he has served as a Genealogist and Social Historian of the Manson-Gines Family Association, conducting forensic genealogical investigations across Georgia, Louisiana, Missouri, South Carolina, Texas, as well as for military personnel, veterans and African Americans. Craig’s social history commentary has been featured on several top-ranked genealogy blogs.
Craig attributes his success to his hard work and dedication and his ability to preserve through hard times. He speaks German, Spanish and English, with a working proficiency in Latin and genealogical French. Passionate about his work, he enjoys helping the environment and maintaining the earth we all share. Craig resides in Carmichael, California where, outside of his official capacity, he maintains a discipline of research and writing.
Bristol Who’s Who Member Col Harold Craig Manson, JD can be found on the Who’s Who Directory – where he is looking forward to networking with you.
