Kristie Riester, MPA, CPRP

I attribute my success to the trailblazers and mentors who came before me—both women and men—who invested their time, guidance, and encouragement in my growth. Their willingness to mentor me and embrace diverse perspectives taught me the value of strong, inclusive leadership. Those experiences inspired me to pay that support forward by helping others build confidence, develop their talents, and recognize their potential. I believe great teams are built through diverse experiences and viewpoints, and I am grateful for the leaders who demonstrated that throughout my career.

The best career advice I ever received came from my first professional supervisor. After attending a conference and expressing frustration that there were not enough educational sessions in my specialty area, she simply said, “So teach one.” That advice changed my perspective entirely. It encouraged me to step forward, share my knowledge, and contribute to my profession rather than wait for others to do it. Since then, teaching, mentoring, and speaking have become some of the most rewarding aspects of my career and continue to fuel my passion for helping others grow.

My advice is simple: do not be afraid to speak up. Your ideas, experiences, and perspectives have value, and the world benefits when you share them. Too often, talented individuals hesitate because they worry about what others may think. I encourage young women to use their voice confidently, embrace their strengths, and trust that they have something meaningful to contribute. When you share your gifts and perspectives, you create opportunities not only for yourself but also for those around you.

One of the greatest opportunities in my field is helping people grow and develop professionally. I am passionate about supporting employees as they pursue education, leadership development, and career advancement. Building strong teams and delivering exceptional service to our communities creates meaningful and lasting impact.

At the same time, there are significant challenges. Many customers face financial hardships, making it difficult to pay for essential utility services. Finding programs and solutions that help individuals maintain access to these services is a priority. Additionally, long-term water sustainability remains a critical issue, particularly in Arizona. Ensuring reliable water resources and proactively addressing future infrastructure needs are essential responsibilities for public utility leaders today.

Transparency, integrity, empathy, and kindness are the values that guide both my professional and personal life. I believe in being honest, communicating openly, and leading by example. Whether working with customers, colleagues, or community members, I strive to treat people with respect and understanding. I also believe strongly in personal responsibility, hard work, and contributing positively to the lives of others. These values shape my leadership style and influence the way I serve my team, my community, and my family.