Joseph Olsen, P.E.

Joe Olsen was appointed to the Authority by Governor Ducey in February of 2021, as a person knowledgeable in water resource issues.

Mr. Olsen has approximately 20 years of experience leading water utilities and is currently the General Manager of the Metro Water Domestic Water Improvement District where he is responsible for the daily operations of the utility. He is a registered professional engineer in Arizona (Civil), has a B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Arizona, a Masters of Military Operational Art and Science (Public Administration) from Air University and also holds Grade 4 Arizona Department of Environmental Quality Operator certifications in Water Distribution, Water Treatment, Wastewater Treatment, and Collections.

Mr. Olsen retired as a Lieutenant Colonel from the US Air Force after having served in both the active duty and reserve components. He deployed to multiple countries, including Iraq and Afghanistan, and his final duty assignment was serving for 10 years as the Individual Mobilization Augmentee to the 355th Civil Engineering Squadron Commander at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Tucson, where he provided backfill support to run the large and diverse squadron.

He lives with his wife and teenage son in Tucson and thoroughly enjoys running, swimming, lifting weights, and hiking.