Meet Our Team

WIFA Director, Chuck Podolak headshot

Chuck Podolak

Director
Chuck Podolak has been named the Director of the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority of Arizona where he leads an agency tasked with helping Arizona residents secure clean and reliable water supplies into the future. Prior to joining WIFA Chuck was the Director of Water Rights and Contracts at SRP, leading a group focused on addressing water conflicts throughout the state. Chuck also served as Natural Resources Policy Advisor to two elected officials - Governor Doug Ducey and Senator Jeff Flake. In those roles at the state and federal levels he was responsible for policy and legislation relating to Arizona's water, land, environmental quality, wildlife, agriculture, and energy issues. Dr. Podolak has a bachelor’s degree from the U.S. Air Force Academy and a PhD in fluvial geomorphology (river sciences) from Johns Hopkins University. Originally from Colorado, Chuck first moved to Arizona in 1997 during the early part of his Air Force career flying F-16s and is proud to call Arizona home once again.

Administration and Outreach

Human Resources management, payroll services, strategic planning, board and agency administration. Administration and Outreach handles the day-to-day administrative duties, reception services, scheduling, and records management. 
Brenda Guerra Administrative Assistant This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (602) 329-7512
Chelsea McGuire Assistant Director - External Affairs This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (602) 364-1236
Chuck Podolak Director This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (602) 364-1312
Denise Olson Assistant Director - Finance This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (602) 364-1235
Edgar Tovar Network & System Administrator This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (602) 647-3637
Garrett Corral Chief Information Officer This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (602) 647-4546
Joe Citelli General Counsel This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (602) 647-4403
Judah Waxelbaum Legislative Liaison This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (480) 647-2708
Lindsey Jones Assistant Director - Water Programs This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (602) 364-1324
Yolanda Mendoza Business Operations Administrator This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (602) 364-1311

Financial Services and Operations

Financial services manage WIFA’s financial goals, objectives, and policies. Including the oversight of WIFA's debt and loan programs. Financial Services also directs WIFA's Financial Assistance and Technical Assistance programs. 

Anthony Ngeera Sr. Loan Officer This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (480) 647-2320
Evan Marsh Sr. Loan Officer This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (480) 647-2810
Laurie Gehlsen Grants Coordinator This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (480) 647-4462
Lindsay Mills Environmental Program Specialist This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (602) 647-3654
Michael Vidaure Environmental Program Specialist This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (602) 647-3591
Morgan Burgess Environmental Program Specialist This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (602) 647-4078
Samantha Lemke Environmental Program Supervisor This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (602) 647-3520
Scott Connelly Financial Services Director This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (480) 647-2577

Fiscal and Loan Services

The division of Fiscal Services transacts daily financial operations including WIFA loan disbursements, repayments, budgeting and procurement. Fiscal Services also manages WIFA debt service, investments, federal grants and state match appropriation.

Brenda Prevost Sr. Procurement Specialist This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (480) 647-4534
Derek Bosworth Accountant III This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (480) 647-6580
Dianna Paap Fiscal Services Manager This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (602) 329-6275
Jane Thompson Controller This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (602) 329-7826
Rebecca Gomez Administrative Services Officer III This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (602) 329-7716

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