CDM Smith consultant, former Texas utility director commits to explore new AWWA-Section collaborations
As the American Water Works Association’s 2012 Annual Conference and Exposition (ACE12) drew to a close, incoming President Charlie Anderson accepted the gavel and committed to exploring new collaborations among AWWA headquarters and the 43 AWWA Sections throughout North America.
“I want AWWA and the sections to work collaboratively to identify new ways to partner, to share resources and successes, and to take AWWA into a new era of enhanced customer service delivery and educational excellence,” Anderson said at Wednesday night’s ceremony, which took place at Sheraton Hotel in Dallas.
Anderson, a CDM Smith consultant and former utility director and deputy city manager for the city of Arlington, Texas, succeeds Jerry Stevens from the West Des Moines (Iowa) Water Works as president of the 131-year-old association. Anderson has spent the last four years serving on the AWWA Board of Directors, as an AWWA section director, vice president, and president-elect.
Anderson pledged to safeguard the “heritage of excellence that has earmarked AWWA’s brand” and to support the initiatives undertaken by his predecessors over the past several years. He said he foresees AWWA headquarters and Section partnership opportunities, such as decentralized education and training, to strengthen the organization’s sustainability in a competitive market.
Recalling his personal experience, Anderson said AWWA had taught him to excel and lend a hand to others through his volunteer service — which he called “the heartbeat of AWWA.” Anderson considers himself “incredibly blessed” by his faith, family, employer, the Texas Section, AWWA’s volunteer leaders and the AWWA staff, he said.
ACE12 in Dallas brought together an estimated 10,000 water professionals from throughout the world for four days of training. Attendees explored the latest in water technologies presented by more than 500 companies in the Dallas Convention Center exposition.
About AWWA
AWWA is the authoritative resource for knowledge, information, and advocacy to improve the quality and supply of water in North America and beyond. AWWA is the largest organization of water professionals in the world. AWWA advances public health, safety and welfare by uniting the efforts of the full spectrum of the entire water community. Through our collective strength we become better stewards of water for the greatest good of the people and the environment.
SOURCE: American Water Works Association (AWWA)
