Ronald L. "Ron" Coats was elected to the East Valley Water District Board of Directors in 2013 and was appointed as Vice Chairman of the Board in December 2023. A native of San Bernardino, he has resided continually in San Bernardino, except during his military service, and is a third generation graduate of San Bernardino High School. With deep roots in this community, experience in fiscal management, and a strong interest in maintaining a safe water supply, Chairman Coats decided to become a member of the EVWD Board of Directors.

Ron proudly served in the United States Army until 1970. After completing his military service, he worked for The Sun newspaper for 36 years. After retirement, he worked at Arrowhead Credit Union for nearly 10 years, where he assisted numerous businesses and their employees throughout Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

He was an ambassador for the San Bernardino Area Chamber of Commerce for 15 years; serves on the Community Impact Cabinet for Arrowhead United Way; Citizens Oversight Committee for San Bernardino City Unified School District; serves on the Professional Development Committee for California Special Districts Association; Vice Chairman on the Advisory Commission on Water Policy board for San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District; serves on the board of the Association of San Bernardino County Special Districts; 36 gallon plus donor to Life Stream Blood Bank; and many other civic organizations.

Chairman Coats graduated from the Credit Union National Association's Management Program at Pomona College and has taken courses in both Criminal Justice and Hazardous Waste Management.