The District’s staff and board members bring a diverse set of skills and knowledge to our organization. They’re each dedicated to protecting groundwater while also working alongside permittees and well owners throughout our territory to manage this precious resource.
Our Staff
Tim Loftus, Ph.D.
General Manager
tloftus@bseacd.org
Prior to joining the District in 2022, Dr. Tim Loftus served as Professor of Practice in Geography and held the Meadows Endowed Chair in Water Conservation at Texas State University. He worked closely with the Meadows Center for Water and the Environment, taught undergraduate and graduate-level courses in water resources, and mentored graduate advisees in both the Geography and Sustainability Studies Master’s Programs.
Dr. Loftus served an appointment to the Texas Water Development Board’s Water Conservation Advisory Council representing Higher Education. His work has been published in the Journal of the American Water Resources Association, Journal of Soil and Water Conservation, Ecological Economics, Texas Water Journal, and other outlets. He received his Ph.D. in Geography from Southern Illinois University Carbondale where he also earned his B.S. and M.S. in Forestry. Dr. Loftus has held positions at Southern Illinois University, Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, Heidelberg College in Tiffin, Ohio, and the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning where he was the lead water resource planner and manager for the Environment and Natural Resources group.
Justin Camp
Hydrogeologist Technician
jcamp@bseacd.org
Born and raised in Austin, Justin grew up exploring local Little Bear and Bear Creek in his own backyard. With a deep connection to the Central Texas landscape, he developed a passion for enjoying, studying, and protecting the region’s critical natural resources. Justin joined the District team in 2015 after graduating from Texas State University with a B.S. in Physical Geography, minor in Geology, and working for seven years with the City of Austin’s Watershed Protection Department. He is an avid caver, exploring and mapping the underground in Texas and Mexico. When he’s not in the water or caving, Justin also enjoys playing guitar and tennis.
Jeff Watson, P.G.
Senior Hydrogeologist
jwatson@bseacd.org
Jeff is a native Austinite who graduated from University of Texas Austin with a B.S. and M.S. in Geological Sciences. He is a member of the Austin Geological Society and a registered professional geologist.
Jeff grew up exploring the Texas Hill Country and swimming in iconic spring-fed water holes such as Barton Springs Pool and Jacob’s Well. Jeff developed an interest in geology at a young age during annual family outings to Big Bend National Park. Prior to joining the District, he worked in consulting with the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District as a hydrogeologist and with the District as a hydrogeologic intern. Jeff enjoys rock climbing, hiking, camping, and pretty much all things outdoors.
Bri Moore
Water Resource Data Analyst
bmoore@bseacd.org
With a background in hydrogeology and a passion for environmental equity, Bri specializes in intersectional and just environmental management. Holding a Bachelor’s of Science in Geology from Western Kentucky University and a Master’s in Geography from Texas State University, Bri brings a multi-faceted approach to her work, combining technical expertise with a deep understanding of social and environmental issues. Prior to joining the District, Bri worked in community engagement and education in the San Marcos area. She also dedicated her time to volunteering with the Dunbar Heritage Association, a local cultural organization.
Bri thrives on intellectual challenges and her curiosity drives her to explore a wide range of interests. Beyond her professional pursuits, Bri enjoys creative outlets like cosplay, tarot, writing, and embroidery. She also finds joy in caving, camping, and spending quality time with loved ones, including her two cats.
Erin Swanson
Regulatory Compliance Manager
eswanson@bseacd.org
Erin graduated from Texas State University with a B.S. in Wildlife Biology. She previously worked as an administrator for local water well drilling company. Erin also worked as a wildlife biologist for an environmental consulting firm where she assisted land owners in effective land and wildlife management and conservation.
In her free time, Erin can usually be found alongside her husband kayaking, hiking, or backpacking in Texas searching for unique critters to catch and beautiful views to photograph. When she isn’t exploring the outdoors, Erin likes to relax and spend time with her friends and family, including her dogs and cats.
Jacob Newton
Regulatory Compliance Coordinator
jnewton@bseacd.org
Jacob was born and raised in Austin. Growing up here, he regularly explored Barton Creek Greenbelt and Bull Creek and relaxed at Barton Springs. His love of the outdoors grew from visits to Cedar Creek Lake where his grandfather resided, hikes at Enchanted Rock, and camping trips in Big Bend National Park.
Jacob graduated from University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Geography and minor in Biology. He now resides in Kyle where he and his family rely on groundwater monitored by the District. In his free time, Jacob likes to spend time with his family, bike, hike, and swim.
Shay Hlavaty
Communications and Outreach Manager
shlavaty@bseacd.org
With a background in environmental management and a love for communications, Shay specializes in educating and engaging communities in conservation. She has a Bachelor’s of Science in Environmental Conservation of Natural Resources from Texas Tech University and a Master’s in Environmental Management from Western Colorado University. Shay’s spent the last ten years of her career managing marketing and communications at a variety of environmental organizations across the country.
Whether at work or in her free time, Shay loves continuously learning about and exploring the native ecosystems of the Texas Hill Country. She also enjoys hiking, running, cycling, camping, and traveling with her husband and pups, Ivy and Poppy.
Hannah Riggs
Office Manager
hriggs@bseacd.org
A graduate of Texas State University with a degree in History and a minor in Southwest Studies, Hannah is an avid traveler who is interested in maintaining the environment for generations to come. Prior to working at the District, Hannah worked in operations with tech startups in the Austin area. When not conserving water Hannah can be found at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center as well as spending time building Lego with her family.
Our Board
The governing body of the District includes a five-member Board of Directors. They are elected by registered voters in their respective precinct for four-year terms in November general elections. The Board ensures the District’s work is consistent with local groundwater priorities and the mission and rules of the organization.
Dan Pickens
Vice President, Director of Precinct 1
dpickens@bseacd.org
Term: 2020-2024
As the son of a geologist and native plant specialist, Pickens has a lifelong understanding of geology, biology, ecology and conservation. He has been an exempt well-owner since 1995, living in what is now the BSEACD Precinct 1. Being dependent on his well, he experiences the impact of drought and climate change first-hand and appreciates the fragility of the groundwater ecosystem as it struggles under the impact of overdevelopment and over-pumping during times of drought.
Pickens has a degree in Journalism from the University of Texas – Austin. He is an avid outdoorsman, chef and songwriter who enjoys hunting, fishing, hiking, birding, and making music.
Blayne Stansberry
Director of Precinct 2, Board President
bstansberry@bseacd.org
Term: 2022-2026
Lily Lucas
Director of Precinct 3
llucas@bseacd.org
Term: 2022-2024
As Director for Precinct 3, Lily brings a fresh perspective to the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District (BSEACD), having embraced Central Texas for over a decade. Her journey began as a passionate newcomer, drawn to the region’s rivers and springs. Volunteering as a San Marcos River Ranger ignited Lily’s dedication to conservation. She believes individual actions matter most. From refraining lawn watering to adopting rainwater capture or using dishwashers (saving about 20 gallons per load), each effort preserves our precious water resources.
Christy Williams
Secretary, Director of Precinct 4
cwilliams@bseacd.org
Term: 2020-2024
Christy has been an environmental scientist and land use planner for nearly 30 years. She has spent the majority of her career helping local governments develop land use ordinances that will require or support practices to minimize the impacts of development. Basically, using nature-based development approaches to increase rainwater infiltration into the aquifer and cleaning it before it’s discharged. Christy has also cherished Barton Springs for more than 20 years, and she wants to enjoy the springs with her boys for years to come. She believes we have to be vigilant and make decisions based on science to ensure sustainable use.
Vanessa Puig-Williams
Director of Precinct 5
vpuigwilliams@bseacd.org
Term: 2022-2026
