Following an 8-year tenure in groundwater policymaking and district leadership, Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District (BSEACD) General Manager, Vanessa Escobar, announced her resignation from the groundwater conservation district effective September 3, 2021.
Vanessa started with the district as a Regulatory Compliance Coordinator, then stepped into the Team Leader and Assistant General Manager roles, before serving as the General Manager. During her tenure, she implemented the district’s groundwater permitting program, conservation initiatives, drought compliance efforts, and management policies. Ms. Escobar’s contributions to the organization have been invaluable. She helped develop the district’s Rules and Regulations, Management Plan, Annual Reports, and served as a public facing figure for the district. She is a true example of someone who has “risen through the ranks” and is considered a leader in the Groundwater Management world.
“I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to have provided contributions and leadership to this district during this unique chapter at the district post annexation. I have learned a lot from the board and staff during my time here and have been fortunate to have worked with a team of staff experts on some very meaningful and challenging groundwater management issues. I wish my colleagues at the district all the best and look forward to continuing to champion the district’s mission as a citizen and constituent,” said Vanessa Escobar.
While Ms. Escobar’s impending departure is bittersweet for the district, we are truly excited for this next step in her career path. The experience she gained at the district will serve her well as she continues to provide leadership in the water resources management profession in her new position.
“Vanessa not only has years of outstanding service to the district and community but has provided strategic leadership through the annexation of the district and during the COVID-19 pandemic. She has continued to provide valuable counsel to the board and our staff during times of transitions and made important contributions during her time here. On behalf of the board, we want to publicly thank Vanessa for her service and dedication to our constituents as well as the board and staff,” said Board President Blayne Stansberry.
With continued growth in Central Texas, the district’s mission for conserving, protecting, recharging, preventing waste of groundwater and preserving all aquifers in the district is more important than ever. The district’s priorities during this next chapter will be focused on completing a sustainable yield study for the Trinity Aquifers, implementing the district’s Habitat Conservation Plan for the Edwards Aquifer, and developing partnerships with community and elected officials to carry out the district’s mission.
“This district has developed a reputation for providing leadership in the groundwater community particularly in the areas of developing sound science, building stakeholder engagement processes, and adopting innovative regulatory policies. With a passionate group of staff experts and a dedicated board of directors, I believe that you will continue to see this district implement meaningful and sustainable groundwater management of our aquifer resources,” said Board President Blayne Stansberry.
The BSEACD Board of Directors has begun their search for a dynamic individual who will lead and manage the district during this next exciting chapter. For more information on the district and on the General Manager position vacancy, please visit our website at www.bseacd.org. Stay tuned to the district’s career opportunities page at https://bseacd.org/careeropportunities/ where we will post the General Manager job description soon.
BSEACD is a groundwater conservation district charged by the Texas Legislature to preserve, conserve, and protect the aquifers and groundwater resources within its jurisdiction, which includes parts of three Central Texas counties. It is governed by a Board of five elected directors and staffed with hydrogeologists, groundwater regulatory compliance specialists, environmental educators, geospatial systems specialists, and administrative support personnel.
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