Joel Williams

Director of Utah Division of Water Resources

Joel Williams became the Director of the Utah Division of Water Resources in 2026. He started at the division in 2007 as a project funding engineer and has served as Project Funding Section Manager, Assistant Director, and Deputy Director. He obtained B.S. and M.S. degrees in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Brigham Young University, specializing in Water Resources Engineering. His interest in water started in childhood growing up around the Provo River and Utah Lake and has grown into a passion through his studies and career. He is eager to help plan, conserve, develop, and protect Utah’s water resources.

Williams was born and raised in Provo, Utah where he resides with his wife and five children. Favorite activities include hiking, backpacking, camping, fishing, bird watching, and generally just enjoying the amazing outdoor opportunities Utah has to offer.