Suzanne Shields

Suzanne earned both her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from the University of Arizona, and is currently a registered professional civil engineer in Arizona. After the State of Arizona established county flood control districts in 1978, Pima County hired Suzanne as their first hydrologist.

As a result of the 1983 flood, Pima County requested that she assist in the development of a Flood Control District (District). Suzanne saw this as an opportunity to rebuild the flood-ravaged community by implementing bank protections to reduce the effects of lateral erosion, and expanding the study of sediment transport as an essential design component.

Suzanne’s professional career includes over 40 years of floodplain management, holistic watershed management planning, flood control infrastructure design and riparian habitat protection and restoration. Suzanne’s efforts have enhanced property values, have improved groundwater recharge rates, and have provided the foundation for tremendous public amenities such as the Kino Environmental Restoration Project and The Chuck Huckelberry Loop. Through Suzanne’s passion and leadership, the District is now one the premiere flood control agencies in the nation. Suzanne continues to dedicate herself to protect the community where she was born and raised.