AUSTIN, TX — The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) announces that Jeff Walker has made the decision to retire from his position as Executive Administrator after nearly eight years as head of the agency and more than 34 years with TWDB.

As one of the longest-serving TWDB Executive Administrators, Walker’s vision encouraged transparency and results-driven achievements. Under his leadership, TWDB has been named one of the top workplaces in Austin annually since 2017 and has grown significantly in size and scope. The agency’s bond sale programs continually receive the highest credit ratings, and TWDB was the 2016 recipient of the Bond Buyer's Deal of the Year - Southwest Region. To date, the agency has issued more than $8.9 billion in bonds and committed nearly $11.5 billion to fund state water plan projects in Texas through the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas program. He also oversaw the implementation of a new state flood program that initiated the first statewide flood planning and that, to date, has funded more than $510 million in flood improvement projects across Texas.

“Jeff’s steadfast leadership and unwavering dedication to Texas water these many years helped transform our agency and lead to greater success,” TWDB Chairwoman Brooke Paup said. “I feel very privileged to have been able to work with and learn from Jeff. He is truly one of the most exemplary public servants I know, and his contributions will have lasting impacts on our agency and Texas for years to come. On behalf of my fellow board members, I extend my deepest gratitude to him and wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.” 

Walker began his TWDB career in 1990 as an Agricultural Conservation Specialist. The various roles he held throughout his tenure include Financial Analyst, Non-Point Source Coordinator, Financial Assessment Team Lead, Director of Project Development, and Deputy Executive Administrator of the Office of Water Supply and Infrastructure.

“I tell everyone every chance I get that the Texas Water Development Board is the best agency to lead and the best job I could ever have,” Walker said. “When you enjoy and believe in what you are doing and accomplishing, it is not a job; it is more of a calling. It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve the state of Texas alongside my TWDB colleagues. I am certain the TWDB will continue to excel in its mission to ensure a secure water future for Texas, and while my retirement days might look a bit different, I look forward to continuing to contribute in some way.”

Over the years, Walker’s industry expertise and leadership have extended beyond TWDB to benefit other organizations’ success and forward movement in state- and federal-related initiatives. He most recently served as President and a member of the board of directors for the Council of Infrastructure Financing Authorities, a national nonprofit organization representing state agencies that manage the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds. He also served as a member of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Environmental Financial Advisory Board.

Bryan McMath, TWDB’s Director of Government Relations, will serve as Interim TWDB Executive Administrator while the board conducts its search for the next Executive Administrator.