From left to right: Barb Martin-Executive Director of Water Collaborative Delivery Association, Cheryl Porter-President of AWWA, Meghan Post-Education Coordinator at BWD, Emerson O’Donnell-Senior Program Manager at WaterNow Alliance
The Transformative Water Leadership Academy (TWLA) announced the graduation of its second cohort, composed of 42 water utility professionals from across the United States and Canada. Graduates completed a 10-month leadership development program – from January to October 2024 – designed to equip the next generation of water leaders with the skills and knowledge needed to address the evolving challenges and opportunities facing the water sector.
TWLA is a collaborative initiative by the American Water Works Association (AWWA) and WaterNow Alliance (WaterNow) and is supported, in part, by grant funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The program focuses on fostering sustainable leadership skills in emerging water utility leaders, such as community engagement, public health protection, environmental stewardship, diversity and inclusion, innovation, and global thinking.
“We are so incredibly proud of our graduates and their commitment to leadership in the water sector,” said Barb Martin, director of engineering and technical services, AWWA. “They have demonstrated exceptional dedication and passion throughout the program, and we look forward to the contributions that they will make to shape water’s future and help their communities thrive.”
During the program, participants engaged in a variety of learning experiences, including in-person gatherings, virtual sessions, small-group discussions, mentoring, and a capstone project. Completion of the program earned participants certified contact hours through Water Professionals International. These activities provided them with a comprehensive understanding of leadership principles and their application in the water sector.
The TWLA 2024 cohort graduation took place Oct. 17 at the Westin Downtown Denver, and AWWA President Cheryl Porter provided remarks on the necessity of building up emerging leaders in water as well as her personal journey in the sector as an African American woman.
“This experience has been truly transformational for me,” said Meghan Post, Education Coordinator with Beaver Water District and 2024 TWLA cohort graduate. “I feel a greater sense of direction for our education and outreach efforts, as well as the courage to lead with more empathy and patience in my personal and professional life. I have enjoyed TWLA immensely and am grateful to have taken part in this opportunity!”
The next TWLA cohort of 50 participants will convene from January through October 2025. For more information about TWLA, visit awwa.org/twla. (This article is adapted from the AWWA press release.)
The staff at Beaver Water District is extremely proud of Meghan. Stay tuned for the release of information from her capstone project; it just might make you a believer.
Congrats to our entire C-Suite for being recognized by Arkansas Money & Politics! AM&P asked readers to nominate their favorite C-Suite executives. After a review of all nominees, they then recognize those business executives in Arkansas whose hard work makes the Natural State a great place to live and work! Beaver Water District is proud of all the C-Suite members: CEO -Lane Crider, COO -Kevan Inboden, and CFO -Adam K. Motherwell.
Myles Koch
The BWD staff would like to welcome Myles Koch as the District’s first Electrical Engineer! Myles, a Northwest Arkansas native, holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Arkansas. He brings us a wealth of knowledge from his background in the electric utility industry. Myles is eager to learn the District’s processes and provide value in his new role.