TWDB appoints new Communications Deputy

For immediate release. Contact: Media Relations at 512-463-5129

AUSTIN – (June 17, 2014) – The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) has appointed Andy Saenz as the agency's new deputy executive administrator for communications effective immediately. Saenz has been a communications professional in the Austin area for the past 34 years, first as an award-winning television journalist, and for the past 18 years as the communications director and chief spokesman for the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).

"We are pleased to have someone with Andy's extensive experience and skills join the board to help us communicate with Texans our activities that support our state's future water needs," said TWDB Executive Director Kevin Patteson. "Andy has earned tremendous respect for thorough reporting as a journalist and he's known as an effective communicator through his service as spokesperson for two Austin mayors, Travis County Sheriff Terry Keel, and the TCEQ."

After graduating from The University of Texas at Austin with a bachelor of journalism degree, Saenz began his career at KVUE-TV in Austin. Saenz was a reporter covering a variety of issues including education, court of law, and state and local government. He received honors by both the Associated Press and the United Press International for outstanding reporting.

In 1990, Saenz was named chief of staff for Austin Mayor Lee Cooke. Saenz represented Mayor Cooke at public functions and community meetings, prepared speeches, and acted as news media liaison and public relations advisor to the Mayor. Saenz continued in this position for Cooke's successor, Mayor Bruce Todd.

In 1992, Saenz was appointed chief of staff for Travis County Sheriff Terry Keel and served as the chief spokesperson for the office. Saenz earned his Texas basic peace officer's license in 1993.

In 1996, Saenz was named communications director for the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission, now known as the TCEQ, the state's comprehensive environmental agency.

The TWDB is the state agency charged with collecting and disseminating water-related data, assisting with regional planning, and preparing the state water plan for the development of the state's water resources. The TWDB administers cost-effective financial assistance programs for the construction of water supply, wastewater treatment, flood control, and agricultural water conservation projects.