The “My River POV” series provides readers the opportunity to learn about the unique insight and experiences of the San Antonio River Authority (River Authority) staff and their connection to the San Antonio River in hopes of inspiring stewardship of area creeks and rivers.
How does your team’s work contribute to the River Authority’s mission and vision?
Without money and a balanced budget, the River Authority cannot fulfill its mission and contribute to the success of ongoing projects. The type of accounting we do at the River Authority is fund accounting, which entails managing different funding sources. In the FY2024-25 budget (started October 1st), we have 19 total funds: the General Fund, 4 Utility Funds, 8 Special Revenue and Other Funds, and 6 Capital Projects Funds. Our team of five—which includes me as budget officer, three financial analysts, and one business systems analyst—must manage all these funds at the same time. It’s like constantly juggling 19 balls all day, every day. Whether it’s the River Authority or any other agency, the Finance Department is essential because it purchases and funds projects driving everything forward. We try to be customer oriented and make sure we help everyone and make their jobs easier by answering questions, providing reports, and whatever else needs to happen to help the departments reach their goals. If the departments succeed, then the overall agency succeeds. Our budget goes towards things directly benefitting the public like essential flood prevention and utility services, nature-based and urban parks like San Pedro Creek Culture Park, projects like the Westside Creeks Ecosystem Restoration, and all our fun public events like the upcoming Fall Festival at Helton Nature Park.
San Pedro Creek Culture Park
Everything we do at the River Authority ultimately supports public health, and it feels good to be part of that mission. I realized the extent of our impact, especially during the Covid pandemic, when I lived downtown. It was great to have access to the River Walk trails and connected parks. We really saw the volume of people on the Museum and Mission Reach segments of the river increase during that time, with families getting together to spend time outside. You could see how much they enjoyed the different trails, parks, and access to the historic missions and San Antonio River. It made me proud to know that my team’s work here goes towards supporting these opportunities for the community.
What brought you to the River Authority?
Well, I have a degree in accounting and finance, and I’ve always loved accounting and numbers. I started my career at Texas A&M University (TAMU) in College Station as a Financial Analyst and then transferred to TAMU-San Antonio, where I prepared their Annual Financial Report (AFR) in addition to a lot of budget work in the accounting office. While working there, I had the opportunity to meet employees of the River Authority who talked very highly of the agency. Living by the river and being passionate about the health of the river launched a search for career opportunities with the River Authority. Being able to start my second career here has been amazing and this December I’ll celebrate six years with the River Authority. It’s incredible to think that my first experience with the San Antonio River was 33 years ago when my husband and I celebrated our honeymoon here and now I work and live along the river!
What is your favorite part of working for the River Authority?
I like the people that work here, and I also like the work-life balance. We now have two grandbabies that just turned one year old, and it’s very important to me to be a part of their lives as they’re growing up. Working here gives me the ability to do that, because family is also an important value to this agency. I also enjoy living downtown and being on the river every day, multiple times a day, knowing that we are keeping it healthy and it’s safe. It’s very peaceful and when you’re near the river; you don’t really feel like you are downtown. My husband and I like walking everywhere using the River Walk paths and our ability to have a healthy lifestyle. We feel like we’re part of a close-knit community and neighborhood that is connected by our love for the river. It’s amazing how many affiliations our agency has and how many people’s lives we impact.
Sharon (center) with the River Authority Public Affairs Department on a visit to the San Antonio Zoo
Share Your Story
What do you love about your waterway? Do you have fond memories of growing up, playing along one of the creeks? Do your family traditions include celebrating holidays or special events at a park near the water? Does your ideal day off work involve fishing, going for a walk or paddling the river? Whether you’re in Bexar, Wilson, Karnes, or Goliad counties, we want to hear how one of the waterways in the San Antonio River Basin has made a positive impact on your life. Head to the My River Way oral history project page to share your story today!
