Aquifer District Names New General Manager

The Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District is pleased to announce Vanessa Escobar has been named General Manager. 

As a water resource professional in Texas, she has focused her work over the last 15 years in water conservation, water resources planning, groundwater management, regulatory compliance, and project management. 

“When I joined the District almost 7 years ago, I quickly developed an appreciation for the District’s reputable science and policy and for the challenges that this organization faces in the world of regulatory decision-making. The work we do as a District is centered within the nexus of science, policy and law; and our accountability to the public is what drives us to carefully weigh solutions and plan for the future,” said Vanessa Escobar.

Ms. Escobar has served as the Senior Regulatory Compliance Coordinator implementing the District’s groundwater permitting program, conservation initiatives, drought compliance efforts, and management policies. 

During that time, she has helped develop the District’s Rules and Regulations, Management Plan, and Annual Reports. 

She has provided coordination and oversight for regulatory compliance initiatives such as rulemaking, well construction standards, drought compliance enforcement, water quality sampling, site inspections and provided technical assistance to well owners.

This spring 2020, Vanessa expects to complete the Texas Water Leadership certification from the Texas Water Foundation’s Executive Leadership program.

She was also recently named as a board member of the Hill Country Alliance.

Before joining the District in 2013, she worked for 6 years at the Texas Water Development Board – Innovative Water and Science Division as a program coordinator facilitating the project efforts and legislative reports of the Water Conservation Advisory Council. 

She also served as a planner reviewing water conservation plans, developing best management practices, and supporting public awareness efforts.

Prior to the Texas Water Development Board, she worked for 2 years in the Environmental Compliance Program at the City of Irving Water Department.

Vanessa is a native of Katy, Texas and is a graduate of Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Bioenvironmental Science. 

“I am humbled to serve the District and the community in this leadership capacity, and I am very fortunate to work with a knowledgeable and dedicated staff. As GM I hope to facilitate conversations and understanding of the science and regulatory policies so that we and the community can continue building a stable and sustainable water future for our aquifers. Our District can best achieve that by investing our energy and resources in collaborative partnerships with the community, permittees and stakeholders, and by leading the conversation towards creative solutions and science-based policies,” stated Vanessa Escobar.