Executive Manager of Finance/CFO Randy Staats is responsible for the overall management of GBRA’s finance department, leading all accounting and financial functions, including budgeting and financial planning, payroll, accounts payable and receivable, treasury and investments, risk management, purchasing, grant and construction accounting, capital assets, debt planning and administration, financial reserves, and administration of the defined…
Executive Manager of Environmental Science Nathan Pence leads GBRA’s environmental department and science programs, including water quality, watershed protection, applied research, species management, and the environmental laboratory. He oversees development of a Habitat Conservation Plan for the Guadalupe River Basin and administration of the Clean Rivers Program in partnership with the Texas Commission on Environmental…
Executive Manager of Engineering Charlie Hickman, P.E. leads the planning, design, and construction of GBRA’s capital improvement program, including dams, reservoirs, groundwater wells, pipelines, treatment facilities, and conveyance systems. Hickman provides strategic guidance on hydrology, hydraulics, water quality, and infrastructure risk management and establishes engineering policies, standards, and best practices to support efficient project delivery. He also oversees property acquisition…
Executive Manager of Operations David Harris serves as Chief Operations Officer for the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority, overseeing 10 water systems, 14 wastewater operations, eight pipelines, four hydroelectric plants, three parks, and one diversion system. Harris is responsible for providing technical support for GBRA’s water and wastewater facilities and assists in the negotiation and development of major contracts. He also…
Executive Manager of Administration Vanessa Guerrero oversees human resources, education, facilities, safety, and information technology for GBRA. She leads the development and execution of long-range organizational strategies, aligning people, operational, safety, and educational priorities to support organizational effectiveness. Guerrero led GBRA’s communications function from 2018 to 2024 and oversaw information technology infrastructure from 2018 to…
General Counsel Joe Cole provides legal counsel, opinions, and services related to GBRA’s responsibilities and operations and serves as an advisor to the Board of Directors and executive management. Cole manages litigation and outside counsel and oversees the development and review of policies, contracts, and other legal agreements. Cole has more than 30 years of experience…
Deputy General Manager Jonathan Stinson directs the development and implementation of strategic programs and ensures compliance with GBRA’s governance, management, and statutory requirements. He represents GBRA as a voting member of the South Central Texas Regional Water Planning Group (Region L) and the Guadalupe Regional Flood Planning Group (Region 11). Stinson serves on the Board of Directors…
General Manager/CEO Darrell Nichols oversees policy development and implementation as well as daily operational and administrative activities for the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority and its 32 operating divisions. Since joining GBRA in 2016, he has directed more than $800 million in capital improvement projects while managing project development, financing, construction activities, and water supply planning. The…
Comal County Reappointed: 2023 Term Expiration: 2029 Emanuel Valdez, of New Braunfels, is a Software Consulting Manager with BMC Software, INC. and an active volunteer with the Vintage Oaks Veterans Organization. Valdez honorably retired from the United States Army Reserves after thirty years of service as a Command Sergeant Major. He holds a certification in…
Guadalupe County Appointed: 2021 Term Expiration: 2027 Sheila L. Old, a resident of Seguin, is president of The Old Law Firm, where she also serves as a practicing attorney. She is a member of the State Bar of Texas, and serves as vice president of the Guadalupe County Bar Association. She has held leadership positions in a number…
Hays County Appointed: 2025 Term Expiration: 2031 Jennifer L. Storm of Buda is chief executive officer of the Buda Economic Development Corporation, a role she has held since October 2022. Storm was raised in Premont on her family’s tree farm, Storm Nursery, and has a background in small business, community service, and economic development. Storm…
Gonzales County Reappointed: 2025 Term Expiration: 2031 Steve Ehrig, of Gonzales, is owner and partner of Ehrig Brothers Ag, E Barr Feeds, and E Brothers Ranches. He is a member of the Gonzales County Young Farmers, a director with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and past president of the Texas Young Farmers. He is…