MWRA Appoints Jonathan Gulliver as Executive Director

The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority board voted to hire the former transportation official for the top leadership role.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in People

MWRA Appoints Jonathan Gulliver as Executive Director

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The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority board has officially appointed Jonathan Gulliver as its new executive director. He succeeds former director Fred Laskey, who retired earlier this year.

Why it matters

Gulliver is expected to lead the agency through critical infrastructure projects, including efforts to expand water service to the South Shore. Board members selected him for his extensive background in local politics and managing large-scale construction projects.

The agency manages a workforce of 1,100 employees and maintains a pipe network spanning over 650 miles. Gulliver transitions to this role from MassDOT, where he served for 16 years and earned an annual salary of approximately $210,000.

The players

Jonathan Gulliver

He is the newly appointed executive director of the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority who previously spent 16 years at MassDOT.

Fred Laskey

He is the former executive director of the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority who retired from the position earlier in 2026.

Massachusetts Water Resources Authority

This state agency is responsible for providing water and sewer services to residents and businesses throughout Massachusetts.

Isaacson, Miller

This is an executive search firm that was hired by the board to identify candidates for the director position.

The details

The board utilized the headhunting firm Isaacson, Miller to review candidates before narrowing the search down to finalists Jonathan Gulliver and Matt Brown. Gulliver will take the helm of the authority at a salary of $365,000, which is an increase from the $280,000 salary earned by his predecessor.

Fred Laskey retired from the agency in 2026.
The MWRA board voted to appoint Jonathan Gulliver on October 14, 2026.

Market Landscape

The appointment of Gulliver follows the governance structures established under the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority Enabling Act. His arrival signals a continuity of the agency's primary mission while shifting focus toward regional expansion initiatives.

As Gulliver begins his tenure, residents may see changes in how the agency prioritizes infrastructure projects and manages water service expansions. The transition aims to ensure that the authority maintains its service standards across the state's complex pipe network.

The takeaway

The selection of a long-term transportation official suggests that the board is prioritizing construction and infrastructure expertise for the agency's future. Residents should monitor upcoming board meetings for updates on the proposed South Shore service expansion.