Esther Saenz transitioned to the role of General Manager at Desert Water Agency in July 2025, after serving as the Director of Finance since 2019. She has worked at Desert Water Agency for nearly 15years, serving in accounting and finance positions of increasing responsibility.

As General Manager, Esther oversees the Agency’s operations, including management of the community’s water resources and compliance with ever-changing water and conservation regulations. Esther is a member of the California Society of Municipal Finance Officers and California Municipal Treasurer’s Association.

She serves on the Sites Reservoir Joint Powers Authority Board and the Delta Conveyance Finance Authority Board, and participates in State Water Project, Sites Reservoir and Delta Conveyance Project related committees.

In addition, Esther is often in Sacramento and Washington D.C., advocating for water related issues impacting Desert Water Agency and the greater Coachella Valley.

Prior to her employment at Desert Water Agency, Esther spent 10 years in the construction industry in property management, accounting, and project design capacities. Esther holds a Bachelor of Business Management and a Master of Business Administration from Western Governors University

Talks

• Session B: Safe Water for All: Addressing Infrastructure, Contaminants, and Community Health