After 12 years at the helm of Scottsdale Water and a distinguished career dedicated to leading and advancing water initiatives, Brian Biesemeyer has announced his retirement, effective Sept. 23.
Brian describes it as an honor to serve Scottsdale and lead the world-class people, technology, and innovation that define Scottsdale Water.
"Leading and advancing Scottsdale Water's mission to provide simply better sustainable water services for a world-class community has been the pinnacle of my career," he said. "It has been both a privilege to work alongside the talented professionals in Scottsdale and our partner agencies to manage, protect, and enhance our water resources to secure the future of water for generations to come."
He began his career with Scottsdale Water in 2012, where he leads the city department responsible for water and wastewater service for the community’s residents and businesses. During this time, Brian stepped up, on two separate occasions, to serve as Scottsdale’s acting city manager, a position he held for 22 months.
"Under Brian’s exceptional leadership, Scottsdale Water has made remarkable strides in advancing water technologies," Scottsdale City Manager Jim Thompson said. "From addressing and mitigating the effects of drought to enhancing water quality and expanding water security for Scottsdale, Brian has left an indelible mark on our city and set a benchmark for communities across Arizona."
Brian’s commitment to high standards was recognized in 2016 when Scottsdale Water was the inaugural recipient of the distinguished “Water Resources Utility of the Future Today” certification from the Water Environment Federation and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
In 2019, under Brian’s leadership, Scottsdale obtained Arizona’s first permit for an advanced purified recycled water facility. This highly treated water helps address water supply issues due to heavy drought. It is a safe, reliable, and drought-proof water source that diversifies water portfolios.
Brian helped establish “Scottsdale Water” as the recognizable brand for the Water Resources Division. In 2016, he developed a program to increase customer engagement with the very popular Citizens Water Academy. He also created the Scottsdale Water Assistance Fund, which offers financial assistance for residents who cannot pay their water, sewer, and solid waste bills. He is a State of Arizona Water Protection Fund Commissioner and has spent time on several statewide water organizations throughout his career, aimed at preserving and protecting Arizona’s water supply on a broader scale.
Brian has been active in water and water reuse in Arizona for decades. He is the past president of WateReuse Arizona and a former national WateReuse board member. Prior to Scottsdale, Brian’s jobs included being the Deputy Public Works-Utility Director for the City of Peoria and the General Manager for Arizona-American Water Company. Brian is also a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel.
Brian’s service awards include the Bronze Star for service in Desert Storm, The City of Scottsdale Bill Donaldson Award (2017), the AZ Water Association Environmental Service Award (2018) and most recently the Arizona WateReuse Person of the Year Award (2024).
In early September, the city will initiate a national search to fill the Executive Director position. During this interim period, Water Resources Assistant Executive Director Kevin Rose will assume the responsibilities of the Executive Director.
