Women in Leadership- Heather Macre

It was as a lawyer, attending a public meeting to speak on behalf of a client. She waited through the entire session for the allotted three minutes of public comment. She found herself interested in the content and the process, but noticed a disconnect between the decisions being made and the people affected by them.

After law school at the University of Florida, Heather’s dream was to be an environmental attorney. But when she graduated in 2007, the economy crashed. Jobs were scarce, and she found herself entering bankruptcy law. In 2008, she moved to Arizona and kept practicing in that field, but her interest in environmental work never faded. 

She started noticing how water infrastructure was slipping into deferred maintenance. Environmental programs were being cut, and major decisions were being made with little transparency. There was not enough awareness about these meetings.

Being previously involved in politics and campaigning, Heather had some connections, and it was Kate Gallego, current mayor of Phoenix, who encouraged her to run for the CAWCD Board. At first, Heather laughed it off, she wasn’t interested in running a campaign. Soon it started to feel like a responsibility to start the conversation. With this motivation she knew that if she was going to do it, she was going to do it well. Out of 11 candidates running for five seats, Heather narrowly won but now has earned her place as she is serving her third term.

Heather’s passion for water conservation has only deepened. Today, one of the biggest concerns for Arizona is the future of the Colorado River, especially in the face of climate change. Seven states rely on it for their water supply, negotiations around water cuts are often stalled by disagreements. The Bureau of Reclamation is who has the ultimate decision and will create a new set of guidelines that will influence water policy for the next 20 years. 

She’s watched as Arizona moved into a Tier 1 water shortage, with cuts that primarily hit agricultural pools. That pressure, she notes, makes cooperation even harder and solutions even more urgent.There is a focus on making sure sustainability is part of every decision, from building materials to landscaping choices. The Board has been looking at desalination, new technologies, and expanding water recycling to increase the 5% of water that is currently reclaimed. They must be realistic, slowing down climate change is ideal, but they also must focus on what they can do right now.

When asked how individuals can help, Heather points out that most of Arizona’s residential water goes to lawns, not showers or sinks. Being a smart consumer matters, that includes watching for leaks, using energy-efficient appliances (since energy production uses water), and rethinking outdoor landscaping. Small actions can add up, especially when multiplied across a growing state with rising temperatures.

When asked about staying motivated during tough times, Heather says she doesn’t believe she has the privilege to disengage. “You have to give yourself space to be upset,” she says, then pick yourself up and continue the fight. Sometimes it’s not about politics, it’s about connecting with people, listening to their concerns, and finding common ground.

To young people, especially women, Heather encourages people to use their voice. Each person’s experiences and thoughts are incredibly valuable. She points out that even in her early days she worried colleagues would judge her, that being the only young woman meant she had to prove herself more than others. She wants more women to step forward, run for office, and make their mark. The fight is long, but there are victories along the way. You belong in the room.

Sources: https://www.cap-az.com/board/board-members/heather-macre/

By Murphy Berglund
Arizona List 2025 Spring Intern