The Utah Department of Natural and Resources announced February 19, 2026, that it has selected Joel Williams to serve as the new director of the Utah Division of Water Resources. The appointment follows a thorough selection process involving a distinguished interview panel and received full support from the Board of Water Resources.
Williams takes over the leadership role following the transition of former director Candice Hasenyager. According to a press release from the Utah Department of Natural Resources, Hasenyager has moved to lead the Division of Water Quality within the Department of Environmental Quality.
Department of Natural Resources Executive Director Joel Ferry praised the appointment, describing Williams as a proven leader possessing both the vision and technical expertise necessary to manage Utah's complex water challenges. Ferry noted that Williams' extensive track record within the division made him the ideal candidate for the position.
Before being named director, Williams served as the deputy director for the Utah Division of Water Resources. During his tenure in that capacity, he managed the Conservation and Operations branch and performed duties as the division's legislative liaison and tribal affairs specialist.
His professional background includes significant experience in long-term infrastructure planning, water conservation, and project funding. Williams first joined the division in 2007 in the role of senior engineer.
Williams' career progression within the agency includes several key leadership roles. Following his time as a senior engineer, he rose through the ranks to become the project funding section manager and later served as the assistant director over the funding branch. He eventually accepted the role of deputy director in 2021.
In terms of academic background, Williams holds both a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in civil/environmental engineering from Brigham Young University.
Expressing his commitment to the new role, Williams stated that he has worked with skilled and dedicated professionals at Water Resources for most of his career. He noted that he is honored to lead the division and expressed confidence in the agency's ability to plan for future challenges while providing reliability and resilience for the state's water supply.
The Utah Division of Water Resources operates as one of 11 divisions within the Department of Natural Resources, acting as the state's water steward with the responsibility to plan, conserve, develop, and protect Utah's water resources.
