San Antonio Water System (SAWS) today announced that Karen Guz, Vice President of Conservation, will retire at the end of 2025 following more than two decades of distinguished service to the organization.
“Karen’s leadership has been nothing short of transformative,” SAWS President/CEO Robert R. Puente said. “Her vision and dedication have elevated SAWS’ conservation efforts to national prominence. She has not only helped shape our approach to water stewardship but has also inspired a culture of innovation and impact that will endure well beyond her tenure.”
Since joining SAWS in 2001, Guz has played a pivotal role in positioning the SAWS Conservation team as a national leader in progressive water-saving strategies. Under her guidance, the team launched groundbreaking programs such as paying customers to permanently retire irrigation systems and offer incentives in exchange for removing large swaths of grass in favor of drought-tolerant garden beds, which have become models for water utilities across the country.
Guz is currently the Presiding Officer for the Water Conservation Advisory Council which provides input on conservation progress for the Texas Legislature. She has a Bachelor of Science from the University of Michigan and a Master of Public Administration from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Reflecting on her career, Guz shared: “SAWS leadership has always encouraged me to think big and push boundaries. Classifying conservation as a ‘water source’ was a bold step, and I’m proud of how our team embraced that challenge. Working alongside such passionate and talented individuals has been the highlight of my career.”
SAWS anticipates naming a replacement prior to her departure to ensure continued momentum in its ambitious conservation initiatives. Puente has initiated a comprehensive search for Guz’s successor, with the goal of ensuring a seamless transition in leadership. The position will be advertised through national trade organizations and on the SAWS website.