The 2025 Water Finance Conference is jam-packed with expert speakers in water finance and beyond. The conference is hosting its eleventh annual event Aug. 5-6 in Scottsdale, Arizona, at SkySong: The ASU Scottsdale Innovation Center.
The Water Finance Conference is a two-day educational seminar for executive-level water utility professionals. This year, the conference program will feature content on financing water utility work in Arizona and the western U.S. amid regional water challenges.
On Aug. 5, the opening keynote will be presented by Joseph Olsen, General Manager of the Metropolitan Domestic Water Improvement District (Tucson), who will speak to attendees about the criticality of revenue stability and how to achieve it. OOlsen has 20 years of experience leading water utilities and is responsible for water service to approximately 75,000 customers at Metro Water DWID. He retired from the Air Force after having served in both the active duty and reserve components, and has deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan and multiple other countries.
Paul Brierley, Director of the Arizona Department of Agriculture will also be on hand to deliver a keynote on Aug. 5, and will offer attendees a perspective on AgWater and its impact on water resources in the West.
Paul E. Brierley, Director of the Arizona Department of Agriculture, was raised working on his family’s diversified farm. Brierley worked with producers across Arizona as Farm Bureau’s Director of Organization for 10 years. Then, in 2014 he became the founding Executive Director of the University of Arizona’s Yuma Center of Excellence for Desert Agriculture, which he built into a highly effective agricultural research organization. In June 2023, Brierley took the reins as Director of the Arizona Department of Agriculture under the appointment of Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs. He continues his tradition of partnering with industry to work towards the best possible outcomes in carrying out the agency’s mission to protect the health and safety of Arizona consumers, and advance and support Arizona agriculture and safeguard commerce.
Following Brierley’s talk, attendees will have a chance to hear from Chelsea McGuire, Director of the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority of Arizona (WIFA). McGuire leads efforts to secure strategic investments in conservation, reuse, and augmentation for the State of Arizona. McGuire will give an overview on Arizona’s Long-Term Water Augmentation Fund, water conservation grant funds and other WIFA initiatives. An Arizona native from a multigenerational farming family, McGuire brings unique perspective and experience to critical conversations about natural resources and water policy. Prior to her appointment as Director in 2025, she served for two years as WIFA’s Assistant Director for External Affairs.
On Aug. 6, the focus will shift to tackling internal utility challenges, overcoming federal funding hurdles, and modern funding and asset management strategies.
Lunch will be provided for attendees both days of the conference and a networking reception will be held on the evening of Aug. 5 following the first day.
To view the complete 2025 agenda, to register and for more information, visit waterfinanceconference.com. Register today!
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