This series provides readers with the opportunity to learn about the unique insights and experiences of the San Antonio River Authority (River Authority) Board of Directors and their personal connection to the San Antonio River in hopes of inspiring stewardship of area creeks and rivers.
How have you been interacting with the river lately?
One of the most meaningful ways I’ve interacted with the river has been through the River Odyssey competition. I was happy to participate in the mini-triathlon and complete the swimming portion. As someone who spent a lot of time swimming during the summers as a kid, it was a unique experience. Swimming across the river felt very different from swimming in a pool and gave me a new appreciation for the river itself. I am excited by the recent talk about making the river swimmable—it’s inspiring to see how far the river has come and what that means for our community.
The river also brings back some of my favorite memories from my time working at the River Authority. During my time as an employee, every Wednesday, a group of us would ride our bikes along the Mission Reach after work. Those rides were a great way to experience the river, connect with coworkers, and see firsthand the impact of our work and the mission of the River Authority. Looking back, those bike rides remain one of the most beloved memories from my time as a River Authority employee.
What projects are you most excited about?
One of the projects I’m most excited about is the NextGen Flood Warning System. As a former Engineering Manager at the River Authority, I’m incredibly proud of the work our team has done to bring this effort forward. It’s exciting to see significant funding being invested in flood preparedness, and I’m especially proud of the leadership role the River Authority is playing in making the project a reality.
I’m also encouraged by the growing recognition of the River Authority’s expertise. The City, County, and other regional partners are increasingly looking to us as a trusted resource, which has helped elevate the River Authority’s profile and role in public safety initiatives. It’s rewarding to see our organization being brought to the table as an essential partner and recognized for the value we provide.
Another aspect that excites me is the strong support from downstream counties. While their flood-related challenges may differ from those we face in Bexar County, it’s encouraging to see them prioritizing flood mitigation as their communities continue to grow. Their buy-in reinforces the importance of a regional approach to flood resilience.
Finally, I’m excited about the partnerships that are developing with organizations like the National Weather Service and local emergency management agencies. The fact that they are looking to collaborate with the River Authority during weather events demonstrates the confidence they have in our capabilities. It feels like a positive turning point—our expertise is being recognized, and we’re increasingly becoming part of the region’s emergency response and preparedness framework.
How has your military experience and time as a River Authority employee informed your approach as a Board Director?
Before joining the River Authority, I served in the U.S. Air Force and had the opportunity to take on leadership roles with significant responsibility. While assigned to support Air Force Space Command at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, I spent two years leading an effort to relocate critical operations into a proper facility. After that assignment, I transitioned back to part-time reserve duty, this time at the Pentagon. Those experiences taught me the importance of strategic planning, mission focus, accountability, and working collaboratively across organizations to achieve complex goals.
I learned about the River Authority through my military network and ultimately became the Engineering Manager for a time. I started my first day with the River Authority in January 2016 and worked here for a little over three years, through 2019. Looking back, it’s remarkable to see the journey that brought me from employee to Board Director. As a former employee, I have a unique perspective on the organization. I know firsthand just how capable the River Authority is and have seen the dedication and expertise of its staff. My experience gave me a deep understanding of both the agency’s strengths and the unique water management, flood risk, and environmental challenges facing our region. As a Board Director, I draw on both my military leadership experience and my knowledge of the River Authority to help guide decisions, support the organization’s mission, and ensure we continue delivering for the community we serve.
About Patrice Melancon, P.E.
Patrice Melancon, P.E., is a retired Air Force Brigadier General and civil engineer specializing in water resources. She earned her B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Louisiana–Lafayette (ROTC) and an M.S. in Water Resources Engineering from UT Austin.
Professionally, she spent 15 years as a water resources consultant at CDM-Smith, then served as Engineering Department Manager at the San Antonio River Authority (2016–2019). She’s been honored by both her alma maters’ alumni halls of fame (2019).
Now retired, she consults part-time and is active in community/professional organizations: Board President of Alliance Française de San Antonio, member of Rotary and the Daughters of the American Revolution, and a leader within the Society of American Military Engineers’ Academy of Fellows.
