WIFA Welcomes New Director of External Affairs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Chelsea McGuire

PHOENIX, March 31, 2025 - The Water Infrastructure Finance Authority (WIFA) announced this week that Ben Alteneder will be joining its executive leadership team at the Assistant Director for External Affairs.  

For over 20 years, Alteneder has managed the external public representation of public agencies, private and non-profit organizations. Most recently, he served as the Chief Legislative Liaison for the Arizona Department of Water Resources, where he engaged with stakeholders and lawmakers on some of Arizona’s most critical water policy issues. His extensive experience communicating and managing the natural resources concerns of his clients will help ensure WIFA is well-represented among stakeholders across Arizona and the nation.

“I’m thrilled to join WIFA and help drive practical, forward-looking water solutions for Arizona,” Alteneder said. It’s a privilege to work alongside such a dedicated team at a time when the stakes couldn’t be higher. I’m excited to work with the Board, team, and partners statewide to advance water solutions that will benefit Arizonans for years to come.”

“I am happy to welcome Ben to WIFA,” said WIFA’s Director, Chelsea McGuire. “His years of experience with water policy, his deep roots in Arizona, and his well-earned respect among Arizona’s water community make him the perfect candidate to lead WIFA’s external affairs team. WIFA’s strength lies in our people, and Ben will be an invaluable team member as we work together to make Arizona’s water future more secure, more reliable, and more robust.”

WIFA’s next Board of Director’s meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 16 at 9:00 am. Please visit www.azwifa.gov to learn more.

About WIFA 

WIFA is a state agency dedicated to ensuring the sustainability of Arizona's present and future water supply through financial investments in effective augmentation, conservation, reuse, and water quality. WIFA has invested nearly $3 billion through Arizona's Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds, providing low-cost financing and technical assistance for water projects. WIFA has also provided more than $200 million for conservation projects and programs and administers a $160 million revolving fund for rural water providers.  Most recently, WIFA launched a competitive project development process through its Long-Term Water Augmentation fund, driving sustainable solutions for augmenting current water supplies to secure Arizona’s water future.

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