In July, Bayfield’s Board of Trustees appointed John Waters as the town’s new manager, filling a position that had proven difficult to staff after two unsuccessful recruitment attempts. Waters brings extensive expertise to the role, with over 27 years in budgeting and managing operations for local governments and businesses, making him well-qualified to lead Bayfield’s growth and development.
This appointment serves as a turning point for Bayfield as Waters applies his experience to ongoing and new community projects, including vital infrastructure improvements. His role as John Waters Bayfield Manager marks a concerted effort to address longstanding local concerns with fresh leadership and dedicated management.
Strong Track Record in Public Service and Management
Waters has a broad background in public management that spans several decades. Before joining Bayfield, he served as executive director of the Carlsbad Department of Development for 16 years, where he was responsible for economic growth in Eddy County. This role placed him at the center of managing government and business operations in a way that balanced community and business needs.
He has also managed municipal operations in New Mexico as city manager and city administrator of Ruidoso Downs, which provided him with hands-on experience in city governance. Earlier in his career, Waters worked as a National Park Service ranger and briefly as a federal facility representative for the U.S. Department of Energy, overseeing contractors at a nuclear defense site until budget cuts ended that position.
Waters also owned and operated a consulting business for nearly a decade, offering strategic advice to local governments and nonprofit organizations. His history of roles shows a well-rounded perspective on managing government functions and community-focused projects.
Driving Progress on Key Bayfield Initiatives
Bayfield Mayor Tom Au praised Waters’ performance, noting his instrumental role in advancing important community projects that had previously stalled. These include improvements to the town’s stormwater management system and the realignment of U.S. Highway 160–East Bayfield Parkway and East Oak Drive.
The East Side intersection – that’s moving forward now when it was stagnant,
Au said.
We’ll be working on stormwater and that’s been something that’s needed to get done for 20 years. It’s going to take a few years just to build it and put it in, but we’re working on plans for that right now. … Waters has been pretty helpful in that process.
His knowledge and practical approach have effectively addressed issues that had slowed progress, reflecting both his commitment and ability to handle complex infrastructure challenges.
Expertise in Government Operations and Union Relations
Waters highlighted his extensive experience working with local governments and unions as a key strength. In Carlsbad, he developed positive relationships with local unions and actively engaged in collective bargaining negotiations with union representatives for his department.
had a positive working relationship with our local unions and successfully participated in collective bargaining negotiations and meetings with the two Unions that represented my department’s classified employees,
Waters wrote.
This capacity to balance labor relations with management goals has been a valuable asset throughout his career and is essential for maintaining the town’s internal cohesion.
Managing Budgets and Environmental Projects
During Bayfield’s hiring process in April 2025, Waters provided details of his budget management skills, water rights expertise, and stormwater knowledge. He pointed to his time as a business owner and executive director in Carlsbad, as well as his role overseeing public utilities and environmental services, as proof of his qualifications to manage multimillion-dollar town budgets and infrastructure.
His understanding of water rights dates back to college and was enhanced by environmental permitting duties, further preparing him to manage Bayfield’s water and stormwater priorities effectively.
Innovative Leadership in Employee Development
Waters described a leadership challenge where he introduced a certification program designed to train entry-level water and wastewater employees to meet EPA requirements. Despite skepticism from union representatives, management, and elected officials, the program succeeded and led to significant employee advancement.
A final testament to the program’s success in awakening a need to become better educated and improve themselves, one of the employees that started out as a meter reader in the water department that I supervised, eventually was promoted to City Administrator before he retired,
Waters noted.
This example underscores Waters’ commitment to fostering employee growth and building a skilled workforce capable of sustaining town operations over the long term.
Positive Early Reviews and Commitment to Bayfield’s Future
Following his initial months in the role, Waters received favorable feedback from Bayfield’s town board. Mayor Tom Au shared that the board was unanimous in its approval, appreciating Waters’ diligent work and the momentum he brought to town projects.
Everybody on the board at that time said he was doing a fine job, and they were really appreciative of him and the work that he was doing,
Au said.
In his cover letter, Waters emphasized his desire to bring his experience to a community where he could contribute meaningfully, expressing loyalty and long-term dedication to the towns he serves.
As supported by my experience, when a community takes a chance on me, I prove to be a loyal and committed employee and valuable community leader for years to come,
he wrote.
It is my goal to help you, as elected officials, fulfill your community’s priorities and vision for the future.
Implications for Bayfield’s Growth and Stability
With John Waters at the helm, Bayfield is positioned to overcome longstanding challenges related to infrastructure and management. His diverse background and effective leadership style signal a new phase of project advancement and financial oversight for the town. As Waters continues to guide community initiatives, residents and officials can expect steady progress on critical issues such as stormwater management and transportation improvements.
This leadership change not only brings experience but also a hopeful outlook for sustainable development and community engagement in Bayfield’s future.
