Sara brings more than two decades of experience in water resources management, data sharing, and cross-jurisdictional collaboration to her role as OpenET’s CEO where she leads efforts to both refine and expand access to critical, field-level water data.

Larsen came to OpenET from dual leadership roles at the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy and the Internet of Water, a data modernization initiative through which she worked with a broad coalition to address technology and capacity barriers to water data sharing. 

From 2019 to 2024, Larsen served as Deputy Director and Chief Engineer for the Upper Colorado River Commission, where she managed multidisciplinary teams on crucial Colorado River Basin initiatives, including modeling, consumptive use estimation, water conservation program implementation, data infrastructure development, and more.

Her tenure at the Commission led to the four Upper Colorado River Basin states’ adoption of one of OpenET’s methods for the purpose of interstate water management. Her dedication to collaboration and innovation was instrumental in advancing the Commission’s goals of promoting partnerships, interstate cooperation, and the sustainable management of the Colorado River’s critical resources. Prior to the Commission, Larsen worked with the Western States Water Council to drive open water data-sharing initiatives across 17 states.

Larsen’s decade-long leadership on water data is built on an extensive foundation in civil engineering and water resource management. After early roles with the State of Utah and the Provo River Water Users Association, she earned a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering and Water Resources from the University of Utah. 

Sara is dedicated to expanding on OpenET’s mission to provide actionable water data that benefits agriculture, ecosystems, and communities. With her background, she is poised to advance OpenET’s impact, helping water managers, farmers, and policymakers navigate the complex challenges of climate change and water scarcity in the West.