WIFA Welcomes New Director
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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[PHOENIX, February 12, 2025] – The Water Infrastructure Finance Authority (WIFA) Board announced this week that it has selected Chelsea McGuire to serve as WIFA’s next Director.
Chelsea has extensive experience in state and federal natural resources policy. In 2022, she was a key player in the diverse stakeholder group that shaped the legislation creating WIFA’s expanded water security mission. In 2023, she joined the WIFA team as its Assistant Director for External Affairs. In that role, she has worked diligently to help WIFA highlight its successes, cultivate relationships with current and future customers, and strengthen its reputation across Arizona’s water and policy sectors. She continued that momentum while serving as interim director following Chuck Podolak’s retirement in December 2024.
“As WIFA’s new Director, Chelsea is well-suited to set the tone for the Authority’s successful future,” said WIFA’s Board Chairman Jonathan Lines. “Chelsea has the full support of the Board, and we are confident that she will lead WIFA well as we continue to make critical, strategic investments in water conservation, augmentation, and reliability.”
“This is an exciting time for WIFA, and I am honored by the trust that the Board has placed in me to guide the Authority,” said McGuire. “WIFA represents one of the nation’s most innovative approaches to regional water security. I am confident in our ability to rise to the challenge of finding sustainable water resources for all of Arizona. I look forward to the privilege of leading WIFA’s incredibly talented team.”
WIFA’s next Board of Director’s meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 19 at 9:00 am. Please visit www.azwifa.gov to learn more.
About WIFA
WIFA is a state agency dedicated to ensuring the sustainability of Arizona's present and future water supply through financial investments in effective augmentation, conservation, reuse, and water quality. WIFA has invested nearly $3 billion through Arizona's Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds, providing low-cost financing and technical assistance for water projects. WIFA has also provided $200 million for conservation projects and programs and administers a $160 million revolving fund for rural water providers. Most recently, WIFA began a competitive project development process through its Long-Term Water Augmentation fund, driving sustainable solutions for augmenting current water supplies to secure Arizona’s water future.
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