A Sudden Departure
Corpus Christi water Leader Drew Molly announced his resignation, marking a major leadership shift for the city’s water supply. City Manager Peter Zanoni told the City Council that Molly submitted his resignation on August 20, with his last day scheduled for September 3.
The announcement surprised several council members, sparking questions about the future of critical water supply projects. While some leaders expressed concern that Molly’s departure could create setbacks, others voiced confidence in the department’s ability to continue its work.
Molly’s Tenure and Background
Molly joined the city of Corpus Christi in 2022 and became CCW’s COO in January 2024. Before taking on this role, he spent 16 years with the city of Houston’s water department, gaining extensive experience in managing large-scale water projects.
In an interview, Molly explained that his next chapter will take him back to Houston, where he will serve as the city’s chief water officer. He described his decision as partly driven by a sense of accomplishment in Corpus Christi. “I feel like I achieved most — if not everything — that I wanted to do here,” he said.
Leading Through Drought Challenges
During his time in Corpus Christi, Molly played a central role in tackling the ongoing drought crisis that has strained the region’s water resources. He helped guide several key initiatives, including:
- Drilling new groundwater wells on the Nueces River
- Expanding the Mary Rhodes Pipeline
- Overseeing water reclamation programs that gained popularity among residents
The most ambitious project under his leadership, however, has been the proposed Inner Harbor seawater desalination plant.
The Desalination Debate
From the start, Molly championed seawater desalination as an alternative water supply. He secured federal and state permitting for the Inner Harbor plant, along with low-interest financing to move the project forward.
Still, the project has divided the community. Supporters argue that desalination is critical to securing long-term water stability, while opponents question its $1.2 billion cost, environmental impact, and its location next to historically Black and Hispanic neighborhoods.
A City Council vote scheduled for September 2 will determine whether funding continues for the plant’s design phase. Molly acknowledged that the price tag was high but believed the project still had potential. “We were going to have to do a lot of work to get that cost down, which I’m convinced we can,” he said.
Exploring Other Options
In addition to desalination, the council is also weighing a proposal to pursue brackish groundwater in San Patricio County. City staff are negotiating with owners of the Evangeline Laguna project and may soon present a contract for approval.
Molly’s departure comes at a pivotal time, with these major decisions looming. His experience and leadership advanced discussions, but city officials stress that his team is ready to carry the work forward.
Interim Leadership Plan
City Manager Zanoni announced that Nick Winkelmann, CCW’s director of water systems and support services, will serve as interim COO until they hire a permanent replacement.
Mayor Paulette Guajardo praised Molly’s contributions, calling him “a transformative leader for Corpus Christi Water.” She added, “His vision and dedication strengthened our infrastructure and advanced regional collaboration in ways that will benefit our community for years to come.”
Reactions from City Council
Council members shared mixed feelings about Molly’s resignation. Carolyn Vaughn said she was disappointed but confident that the water department could handle ongoing projects. “He’s got some good guys underneath him and a good department,” she noted.
Councilman Mark Scott, however, called Molly’s exit “a huge loss for the community,” emphasizing that it comes at a critical moment in water development. “Losing Drew at the helm is a big setback for us,” he said.
Looking Ahead
For Molly, leaving Corpus Christi is bittersweet. Although Houston offers a different set of challenges, he expressed gratitude for his time on the coast. “I would never say that what I was able to do here wasn’t big and awesome,” he said. “It was an incredible opportunity and one that I’ll never forget.”
As Corpus Christi prepares for its next phase of water planning, Molly’s departure underscores the urgency of building resilient leadership in the face of drought, rising costs, and community debate. The city’s water future remains a top priority—and a challenge that will outlast one leader’s tenure.