Kirsten Bowden Williams, Esq. is the Chief Administrative Officer and Executive Vice President at DC Water, where she leads a broad, mission-critical administrative portfolio supporting one of the nation’s largest water and wastewater utilities. In this role, she oversees Customer Service, Emergency Management, Facilities, Fleet, Marketing and Communications, Safety, and Security - functions essential to delivering reliable service to the District of Columbia’s residents, businesses, and government partners.

With a focus on operational excellence, organizational resilience, and aligning administrative services with the Authority’s mission and long-term strategic goals, Kirsten leads a workforce of more than 200 employees and is responsible for the management of over 1,900 fleet assets and critical facilities across the District. She also directs DC Water’s Emergency Command Center, ensuring seamless integration with District and regional emergency preparedness and response frameworks.

Kirsten brings more than 25 years of experience across the utility, regulatory, and public policy sectors. She joined DC Water in 2021 as the Authority’s first Chief Communications and Stakeholder Engagement Officer and Executive Vice President, establishing a modern, enterprise-wide approach to public engagement, crisis communications, and building community trust. Since expanding her role to Chief Administrative Officer, she has utilized her expertise in complex operations to build high-performing, cross-functional teams.

Recognized for her strategic vision and inclusive leadership, she serves as the executive sponsor of DC Water’s Lead Free DC program, a transformative public health and equity initiative focused on eliminating all lead service lines across the District. Under her leadership, the program has advanced transparency, accelerated service line replacements, and strengthened community partnerships—reinforcing DC Water’s commitment to environmental justice and safe drinking water for all.

Prior to joining DC Water, Kirsten held senior leadership roles at Duke Energy, Pepco, and the DC Public Service Commission, where she earned a reputation for driving trust, transparency, and impact at the intersection of regulation, operations, and public engagement. Kirsten holds a Juris Doctorate from the Howard University School of Law, as well as a Master of Public Administration, and two Bachelor of Science degrees in Public Relations and Public Communications, all from Appalachian State University.  

Beyond her professional responsibilities, Kirsten is deeply committed to service, mentorship, and civic leadership. She serves on several nonprofit and industry boards, including the Federal City Council, Washington School for Girls, Living Classrooms Foundation, and the District of Columbia Building Industry Association. She is also active with the District of Columbia and Maryland Utilities Association and maintains engagement with organizations such as Washington Women in Public Relations, the American Bar Association, and the Women’s Council on Energy and the Environment. Collectively, these roles reflect her enduring commitment to civic engagement, advocacy, and advancing opportunity within the utility and public service sectors.

When she’s not overseeing operations at DC Water or advancing equity-driven initiatives across the District, Kirsten proudly serves as “Mommy-in-Chief” to two energetic boys who keep her grounded, inspired, and always on her toes.