In his role as the chief executive officer, Ward oversees the largest river authority and wholesale provider of wastewater treatment services in Texas with jurisdiction spanning over 18,000 square miles. With the support of over 500 employees, Ward is responsible for the operation and maintenance of four water treatment facilities, five wastewater treatment facilities and the dam and recreation facilities at Lake Livingston, the primary water source for the City of Houston.

 Ward previously served as executive administrator and other capacities at the Texas Water Development Board from 1987 to 2011.   

 Ward is active in several organizations. He is a member of the American Society of Engineers Industry Leaders Council. He serves as a member of the Region H Water Planning Group, the Trinity and San Jacinto River Basins and Galveston Bay Basin and Bay Area Stakeholder Committee, and the Tarrant Regional Water District Customer Advisory Committee. He serves as a board and executive committee member of the North Texas Commission and on the Texas Water Association’s executive committee as chair of the Association’s River Authority Panel.