Phoenix Water Services Director Troy Hayes has announced his retirement after more than 20 years with the city. During his tenure, Hayes led major projects to strengthen the city’s water systems, including drought-resilient infrastructure and long-term resiliency plans.
A noteworthy piece of Hayes' legacy is the management of an extensive service area that spans a staggering 540 square miles and serves water to millions, as reported by the City of Phoenix's official news release. His initiatives, such as the Drought Pipeline Project and the Cave Creek Water Reclamation Plant's reactivation, have not just seared his name into the bedrock of the city’s infrastructure but also enriched the lives of 1.7 million potable water customers and nearly 3 million people using wastewater services.
Brandy Kelso has been named the new director of Phoenix Water Services. A 20-year veteran of the department, Kelso has held leadership roles including assistant director of Water Services and interim director of Street Transportation. She earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering from Arizona State University and is a licensed Professional Engineer in Arizona.
“Brandy has played a central role in many of the department’s most critical initiatives," Barton said. "Her deep knowledge of the system, focus on customer service, and dedication to sustainability make her the ideal leader for this role," he added, as per the City of Phoenix's announcement. Kelso's ascension to leadership takes effect immediately following Hayes’ retirement, signaling a smooth transition and continued stewardship of Phoenix's precious water resources. For additional information on the department's initiatives and services, interested parties can visit phoenix.gov/water.
