WWEMA Announces New Executive Director Effective July 1, 2023

The Water and Wastewater Equipment Manufacturers Association (WWEMA) Board of Directors is pleased to announce the selection of Claudio Ternieden, J.D., MPP as the next Executive Director of WWEMA to succeed Vanessa Leiby upon her retirement on July 1, 2023.

Claudio brings a wealth of experience to WWEMA from his distinguished background in the water sector. He is currently the Chief Policy Officer for the Water Environment Federation and has been leading their regulatory and legislative activities for the past ten years. Claudio has also held leadership positions at Concurrent Technologies Corporation, the Water Environment Research Foundation, and the American Association of Airport Executives.

Claudio has been detailed to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and in wastewater and drinking water programs at the State of Indiana Department of Environmental Management. Additionally, Claudio has served on multiple environmental and public policy committees and state and federal task forces and has authored or co-authored multiple articles on environmental policy and management. “I am excited to join WWEMA and help continue the great work Vanessa has done,” Claudio commented, “helping the Board lead WWEMA into its next phase of growth and contributing to the protection of human health and the environment through reasonable and affordable regulations.”

Claudio has a law degree from Pace University School of Law (White Plains, NY), a master’s degree in public policy from George Mason University (Arlington, VA), and a bachelor’s degree from Concordia College (Bronxville, NY).

Vanessa Leiby will retire after serving as WWEMA’s Executive Director since January 1, 2014 and with almost forty-five years in the water industry. According to WWEMA Chairman Bill Decker, “Vanessa was the Executive Director that WWEMA needed, and she will be missed by all in the Association. Vanessa has led the transformation of WWEMA into the nearly 100-member, vibrant, engaged trade association that we are today and has continued to educate, advocate, and connect manufacturers within the water sector. On behalf of the Board of Directors and WWEMA members, we wish Vanessa well as she takes this next step.”

About WWEMA
Since 1908, WWEMA has informed, educated, and provided leadership on the issues that shape the future of the water and wastewater industry. Its member companies supply the most sophisticated leading-edge products and technologies, offering solutions to every water-related environmental problem and need facing today’s society. For more information about the Association, visit www.wwema.org.