Staff Splash: Meet Sharon Kumar

Sharon is Mesa Water’s procurement and transparency expert, who brings deep knowledge and innovative ideas to elevate purchasing, contracting, and accountability practices.

What is your role at Mesa Water and what does a typical day look like for you?

I am the Senior Buyer at Mesa Water District, and my role focuses on managing procurement activities to ensure that goods and services are purchased efficiently, cost-effectively and in compliance with our policies. A typical day includes reviewing purchase requests, preparing bid documents, analyzing vendor proposals and working closely with various departments to support their procurement needs. I also help maintain transparency and consistency in our purchasing process, and I often work on improving workflows and ensuring compliance with public agency requirements. No two days are the same — which keeps the job both exciting and rewarding! 

Beach, lake, river, or pool — what’s your favorite way to enjoy water?

I’ve always loved beautiful, blue ocean water and nice sandy beaches — they hold a special place in my heart because I grew up in a tropical country where the beach was part of everyday life.

What is one thing you wish more people knew about water or the work we do here?

I wish more people understood the level of care and coordination it takes to deliver reliable, clean, safe water every day. It’s easy to take it for granted when you just turn on the tap, but there’s a lot of planning, compliance and teamwork happening behind the scenes. Since joining Mesa Water District, I’ve seen how committed everyone is to serve the community — whether it’s through engineering, operations, education and more.

Do you have a hobby or activity you enjoy when you’re off the clock?

Outside of work, I enjoy cooking, spending time with my family and being outdoors. I love exploring new places, especially coastal areas — being near the water always brings me joy. I also enjoy traveling and experiencing different cultures, which helps me stay curious and open-minded. It’s a great way to recharge and stay balanced. I also love capturing everyday moments through photography, especially when I’m out exploring new places. It’s a creative outlet for me.