Board of Directors

(ret'd) Vice President of Water Conservation San Antonio Water System (TX)

Term Expires: December 31, 2028
Chair: Board of Directors; Board Executive/Finance Committee
Co-Chair: Board Strategic Direction/Planning Committee

Karen, recently retired as the Vice President of Water Conservation for San Antonio Water System (SAWS). In this role she led a team that deploys conservation programs for residential, industrial, and institutional customers resulting in over one billion gallons of savings each year. Outside of SAWS Karen has served in roles that include the TCEQ Irrigator Advisory Council, the Smart Water Applications Team (SWAT) and the WATR Advisory Committee for Texas A&M San Antonio. Karen is currently the Presiding Officer for the Water Conservation Advisory Council which provides input on conservation progress for the Texas Legislature. Karen has a Bachelor of Science from the University of Michigan and a Master of Public Administration from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Infrastructure Planning Engineer, Kerr Wood Leidal Associates Ltd. (BC, Canada)

Term Expires: December 31, 2028
Vice-Chair: Board of Directors; Board Executive/Finance Committee
Chair: Board Policy Committee
Co-Chair: Board Strategic Direction/Planning Committee

Colwyn is an infrastructure planning engineer with Kerr Wood Leidal Associates Ltd. in Victoria, BC with over 20 years of experience in consulting, local government and industry in the water sector. Colwyn is licensed to practice professional engineering in BC within the municipal water, wastewater and stormwater disciplines, and his work is focused primarily on water demand management and municipal infrastructure management. Colwyn has worked with utilities serving populations of a few hundred to a few million on water efficiency plans and programs, and specializes in demand forecasting, program design and evaluation, industrial, commercial and institutional programs, irrigation, water rate design, metering, distribution system water loss management and asset management planning. Colwyn has been actively involved in leadership of water industry associations since the 1990s, and is a past President of the British Columbia Water and Waste Association and the Canadian Water and Wastewater Association.

Water Conservation Manager, City of Santa Fe (NM)

Term Expires: December 31, 2026
Secretary: Board of Directors; Board Executive/Finance Committee

Christine Chavez has over 15 years of experience in water rights administration and energy and water conservation program management in the state of New Mexico. Christine is the Water Conservation Manager for the City of Santa Fe and is a certified Energy Auditor with the Building Performance Institute, Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor with the Irrigation Association, Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper and WaterWise certified to audit restaurants, hotels, shopping centers and medical facilities. She was the recipient of the 2023 Alliance for Water Efficiency Water Star Award, and serves as the President of the New Mexico Water Conservation Alliance.

(ret'd) Water Efficiency Manager, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (CA)

Term Expires: December 31, 2027
Treasurer: Board of Directors; Board Executive/Finance Committee

Bill McDonnell, recently retired as the Water Efficiency Manager for the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. Bill has a BA from the University of Massachusetts and an MBA from University of La Verne. His team at MET managed conservation programs for commercial, industrial and residential customers covering MWD service area of 19 million people. Bill has more than 30 years’ experience in water and energy efficiency. Additionally, he is a member of the Board of Directors of the California Irrigation Institute.

Leader, Government Relations and Policy, LIXIL (PA)

Board Term Expires: December 31, 2026

Troy Benavidez is the leader, government relations and policy, LIXIL International. As a member of the leadership team, he works to cohesively represent and protect the Company’s interests in global public policy matters to support near and long-term objectives. Troy has a wealth of experience in federal, state and international government relations, policy and public affairs strategy development. In his career, he served in various corporate and global public affairs roles for the pharmaceutical industry at Pfizer and AstraZeneca. Previously, he held a variety of positions within state and federal government with staff roles in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S Senate. Troy holds an MBA from Drexel University and a B.S. in political science and economics from Colorado College.

Conservation Manager, Washington County Water Conservancy District (UT)

Term Expires: December 31, 2026

Doug Bennett has more than 36 years’ experience relating to water management. He is currently Conservation Manager for the Washington County Water Conservancy District. Doug literally began his career “in the trenches” as a landscape maintenance and irrigation technician. Upon completion of Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture, he served as a horticulturist for the New Mexico Cooperative Extension Service. As an Extension Agent, Doug was an early advocate of xeriscaping and efficient landscape irrigation techniques. Upon attainment of his master’s degree in business and personnel management, Bennett attained the rank of Assistant Professor at New Mexico State University.

In 1995, Doug joined the City of Albuquerque water conservation program where he developed and managed a variety of programs, including landscape conversion rebates, water use compliance, residential retrofit audits, appliance and fixture rebates and landscape industry partnership programs. In 2000, Doug became Conservation Manager for the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) where he coordinated regional water conservation efforts for Las Vegas region’s 2.2 million citizens. During his tenure, SNWA became internationally-renowned for operating highly effective and innovative conservation programs.

Doug served four years as a member of the U.S. Green Building Council’s Water Efficiency Technical Advisory Group and developed and operated the WaterSmart Innovations Conference. In 2013, Doug was recognized for his career achievements with the Alliance for Water Efficiency’s Water Star Award.

Principal Planner, Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District

Term Expires: December 31, 2028

Céline Benoît is a Principal Planner with the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District, under the umbrella of the Atlanta Regional Commission. She has over 10 years of experience in environmental planning and policy development, focusing on water efficiency and resiliency strategies. Céline has a strong international background having lived and worked in Europe, Southeast Asia, Central America, and the United States.

Céline is a graduate of Georgia State University with a M.S. in Geography and GIS. She also has a B.S. in Biology with a minor in Anthropology from the University of Central Florida. In her current work Céline identifies and implements water resiliency planning such as droughts, forecasting, and leading technology products for the greater metro Atlanta region.

Director of Water Efficiency/Managing Partner, Cavanaugh & Associates, P.A. (NC)

Term Expires: December 31, 2028

Drew Blackwell is the Director of Water Efficiency at Cavanaugh. Drew has more than 18 years of experience in water resource management. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington in Environmental Studies. Drew’s focus and passion are in working with state and regional agencies to identify their needs in water loss control and designing training and technical assistance programs based on the American Water Works Association (AWWA) M36 methodology to meet those needs through execution, evaluation, and continued monitoring of progress. Drew has facilitated Water Loss programs in more than 15 states and provinces; with appreciation that just like every water system is different, so are the drivers, state policies, and requirements where they are located. In addition to water loss teaching, Drew is involved in water auditing and analysis, water audit validation, and non-revenue water program design and implementation.

Drew is the Secretary of the AWWA Water Loss Control Committee and a member of the International Water Association - Water Loss Specialist Group’s Leakage Emissions Initiative. He is also the author of Journal AWWA article, Assessing Recent Efforts and the Future of Water Loss Control in the Tar Heel State (2021), co-Principal Investigator for Water Research Foundation Project 5057: Level 1 Water Audit Validation Guidance Manual, Second Edition (2021), and co-author of the AWWA Technical and Educational Council report, Governmental Policies for Drinking Water Utility Water Loss Control (2022).

Director, Office Water Resources, MA Dept. Conservation & Recreation (MA)

Term Expires: December 31, 2026
Chair: Board Audit Committee

Anne Carroll is the Director of the Office of Water Resources (OWR) within the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. She received her M.S. in Aquatic Ecology from the University of Michigan, School of Natural Resources and Environment where she studied Michigan Rivers. Anne has over 20 years of experience in the field of water resources protection and management. As OWR Director, Anne oversees 12 staff in three program areas: 1) Water Resources Science and Planning (including staff to the Massachusetts Water Resources Commission, the Drought Management Task Force and the United States Geological Survey Cooperative Program); 2) the Massachusetts Lakes and Ponds Program; and 3) the Massachusetts Flood Hazard Management Program.

Anne lives on the North Shore in Ipswich, MA with her twins, her partner Dave, and their dog Lola.

Water Efficiency Program Coordinator, City of Charlottesville, VA

Term Expires: December 31, 2028

Jill Greiner is a seasoned water efficiency professional with over 11 years of experience. She leads the City of Charlottesville’s Water Conservation Program, overseeing initiatives such as rebates and incentives, public education, marketing, and facility water usage monitoring. Jill also serves as president of the City’s Innovation Team.

Her academic background includes a Master of Science in Environmental Science from the University of Virginia and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Cornell University. With a foundation in marine biogeochemistry, Jill applies her scientific expertise to advance sustainability efforts within municipal operations.

Sr. Resource Specialist, Water Efficiency Team; Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (CA)

Term Expires: December 31, 2026
Chair: Board Development Committee

A Southern California native, Krista Guerrero has over 20 years of experience in the drinking water industry. She holds a B.S. in Natural Resources from Cornell University and a M.S. in Environmental Engineering from the University of Florida. Krista began her career as a hydrogeologist for the South Florida Water Management District working on water use and conservation issues. She has worked on a range of issues including source water protection, stormwater management, water efficiency, water quality, and water resource policy and management. Krista specializes in outdoor conservation and water policy and currently manages several outdoor efficiency programs for the Metropolitan Water District while also assisting in the development of state and federal water regulations and legislation.

Executive Vice President, Government Relations, The IAPMO Group (DC)

Term Expires: December 31, 2027

Dain Hansen is the Executive Vice President, Government Relations at the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) where he oversees international, federal legislative, and state policy initiatives impacting the plumbing industry in the U.S. and abroad. Dain also serves on the executive management of IAPMO’s nonprofit arm, the International Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Foundation (IWSH). He also serves on the Board of Directors for DigDeep. Before joining IAPMO, Dain worked in association management and Capitol Hill as a senior policy adviser for Senior Members of Congress on federal water policy. Through these experiences, he was able to gain considerable expertise in energy and water policy, including federal appropriations.

Water Conservation Coordinator, St. Johns River Management District (FL)

Term Expires: December 31, 2028

Deirdre Irwin is a Water Conservation Coordinator with the St. Johns River Water Management District, a regional regulatory agency overseeing 18 counties in northeast and central Florida.
With over 33 years of experience at the District, Deirdre is a recognized expert in water conservation, having previously contributed to surface water regulation, water resource education, and water supply planning.

In her current role, she focuses on two critical areas:

• Florida Water Star Program Administration: Leading the agency's certification program designed to encourage water-efficient new construction and landscaping.


• Regional Water Conservation: Assisting with consumptive use permitting and coordinating a quarterly utility water conservation group to develop effective regional water supply plans and outreach programs.

Deirdre actively supports statewide sustainability efforts, serving on the board for the Florida Green Building Coalition and on the University of Florida, Florida-Friendly Landscaping Advisory Committee. In 2024, Deirdre was the recipient of the Water Star award from the Alliance for Water Efficiency.

 

Resource Conservation Manager, Las Virgenes Municipal Water District (CA)

Term Expires: December 31, 2027

Craig Jones is the Resource Conservation Manager overseeing conservation programs, water resource and watershed management, and Grant Management for Las Virgenes Municipal Water District. Prior to this role, he was the Project Manager overseeing the implementation of the District’s AMI Advanced Meter Project. Craig has twenty- five years of water and wastewater utility experience and has fulfilled roles of Public Information Officer, Manager of Conservation Programs, Education Outreach, Legislative Affairs, Grant Management, and has successfully managed two AMI Projects.

Craig has had extensive involvement on multiple potable reuse projects and was recognized by U.S. EPA’s Draft WateReuse Action Plan as an innovative leader in strategic communications through building trust through effective outreach for the VenturaWaterPure potable reuse demonstration facility. He began his career as a Laboratory Analyst and then a Senior Environmental Compliance Inspector working for the City of Ventura’s water and wastewater laboratory. He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a B.S. in Biology and a minor in Chemistry.

He resides in Ojai California with his wife and five children.

Executive Director, Ohio Environmental Council (OH)

Term Expires: December 31, 2026

As Executive Director for the Ohio Environmental Council (OEC) and President of the OEC’s 501(c)(4) sibling organization, the OEC Action Fund, Carol Kauffman is responsible for providing vision and strategic direction for both organizations. She leads by investing in community and coalition, motivating others, and inspiring both internal and external stakeholders to support the OEC’s mission of securing healthy air, land, water, and democracy for all Ohioans. Carol brings more than two decades of nonprofit and corporate experience advocating for environmental, community, and social justice issues as well as directing sustainability programs and strategies. From 2013 to 2017, Kauffman worked in the nonprofit sector in Cambodia where she designed development projects, helped businesses develop more responsible practices, and responded to natural disasters in the region. Since 2017, Kauffman led environmental and social responsibility efforts within the corporate sector at The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, and most recently, at Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. Within these positions, she devised sustainability strategies, led philanthropic efforts, and engaged with a diverse array of stakeholders — including a nationwide network of environmental partners.

Carol serves on the Board of Directors of the Alliance for Water Efficiency and Board of Commissioners for the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission. She earned her B.A. in English from Taylor University (1999) and Masters of International Development from Eastern University (2012).

Strategic Initiatives Manager, Central Utah Water Conservancy District (UT)

Term Expires: December 31, 2026

Rick Maloy is the Strategic Initiatives Manager for Central Utah Water Conservancy District overseeing water supply initiatives and conservation to help ensure Central Utah has the water to thrive. Rick has spent over 18 years in the field of water conservation, water supply planning, and distribution. Rick served 10 years in the Utah Army National Guard and holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah and a master’s degree from Utah State University.

Program Manager--Sustainability & Water Strategy, Kohler Co. (WI)

Term Expires: December 31, 2027

Samantha McLelland is the program manager for Kohler Company’s enterprise water strategy. As a key member of the Sustainable Living team, she works to develop and implement sustainable water practices that align with the company's long-term objectives. Samantha has a wealth of experience in water resources engineering, sustainable water management, and global water and climate scenario planning. Samantha holds a bachelor's degree in civil engineering with a specialization in water resources from Texas A&M University and a master's degree in Sustainable Water Management from Tufts University.

Water Conservation Manager, Southern Nevada Water Authority (NV)

Term Expires: December 31, 2026

Summer is a Conservation Manager with the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) and the Las Vegas Valley Water District (LVVWD). She manages teams that oversee single-family residential conservation programs and Water Use Compliance (water waste and water theft enforcement).

Summer has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in Business Administration/Human Resources Management and is a Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor. She possesses 20+ years of experience in water conservation, including the development, implementation and supervision of the Water Use Compliance team and coordination of both the single-family residential programs and non-residential conservation programs.

Water & Energy Efficiency Practice Services Team Leader, Plummer Associates (NM)

Term Expires: December 31, 2026
Chair: Board Revenue Committee

Paula Paciorek is the Water & Energy Efficiency Practice Services (WEES) Team Leader at Plummer Associates, where she leads initiatives that help water utilities, municipalities, and private-sector clients achieve their water and energy efficiency goals. Her team specializes in the development of conservation and drought contingency plans and detailed field water and energy assessments in Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional (ICI) and Multi-Family (MF) buildings to inform and support a range of client programs. The team also provides consulting services on water conservation programming and campaign development, water loss, data analytics, among other services.

With more than 20 years of experience spanning both the public and private sectors, Paula is a recognized leader in sustainability and water efficiency. Most recently, she served as the Sustainability Team Lead at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), where she played a key role in developing campus-wide sustainability strategies. Previously, as the Water Programs Division Manager for the City of Houston, she led the development of the city’s Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plans, the “One Water” Master Plan, and launched the Water Loss Task Force to strengthen system resilience.

Earlier in her career, Paula held the role of Water Conservation Director at the Galveston Bay Foundation, where she championed regional conservation initiatives, and created award-winning programs while serving The Woodlands Township. She holds a B.A. in Psychology and an M.S. in Applied Geography with a concentration in Water Resources Management from the University of Louisville. Paula also serves on the Board of Directors for the Alliance for Water Efficiency since 2021.

Conservation Coordinator, Jurupa Community Services District (CA)

Term Expires: December 31, 2027

Clover Rogers is the Conservation Coordinator (Water Use Efficiency and Education) for Jurupa Community Services District in Western Riverside County California. Jurupa Community Services District is the retail water purveyor for the cities of Eastvale and Jurupa Valley. Clover joined JCSD in 2016 to develop and implement water conservation and k-12 education programs for the District. Her current focuses are Disadvantaged Community Programs and learning how Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity is important in Water.

Water Conservation Manager, Tucson Water (AZ)

Term Expires: December 31, 2028

Candice Rupprecht has 20 years of experience in water policy, conservation and resource management. Candice is the Water Conservation Manager for Tucson Water, the City of Tucson’s water utility. In this role, she leads a team that delivers water conservation solutions to customers, and plays a key role in conservation research and demand management planning for the utility. Candice has a passion for developing programs that enhance Tucson’s quality of life and ensure access for all community members.

Candice is a desert lover and proud Wildcat, with a B.S. in Geosciences and an M.S. in Hydrology, both from the University of Arizona. Prior to working at Tucson Water, Candice worked at the University of Arizona Water Resources Research Center for seven years, supporting conservation education and community engagement programs across Arizona.

In 2019, Candice helped establish the first statewide Conservation Committee with AZ Water, the state chapter of AWWA and served as the Chair for four years. She remains actively involved in the leadership team and other AZ Water committees. In 2025, Candice served as a committee member for the review and update to the AWWA Management Standard, G480, Water Conservation and Efficiency Program Operation and Management.

Since 2007, the Alliance for Water Efficiency has had exceptional leadership from throughout North America. We value their dedication and efforts that have led the organization in progressing the advancement of water efficiency and conservation practices and research worldwide. We sincerely thank these individuals for their service.

An asterisk (*) denotes service as Board Chair.

• Carole Baker, Texas Water Foundation (2007-2015*)


• Gunnar Baldwin, TOTO USA (2007-2014)


• Dan Beard, Dan Beard Consulting (2012)


• Dave Bracciano, Tampa Bay Water (2007-2016)


• Tim Brick, Arroyo Seco Foundation (2007-2016)


• Joyce Coffee, Chicago Department of Environment (2007-2010)


• Alice Darilek, PCR Resources (2007-2010)


• Pete DeMarco, IAPMO (2014-2016; 2017-2021*)


• Al Dietemann, Seattle Public Utilities (2007-2012)


• Liz Gardener, Denver Water (2007-2012)


• Biju George, Ampcus Inc, (2019-2022)


• Steve Gombos, Region of Waterloo, Ontario (2016-2017)


• Warren Gorowitz, Ewing Irrigation & Landscape Supply (2007-2013)


• Richard Harris, East Bay Municipal Utility District (2007-2016)


• Dr. James Heaney, University of Florida (2007-2010)


• Tom Heikkinen, Madison Water Utility (2016-2018)


• Julie Hernandez-Tomlin, SPAAN Tech, Inc. (2020-2023)


• Rick Holmes, Southern Nevada Water Authority (2011-2013)


• J.B. Hoyt, Whirlpool Corp. (2007-2013)


• Kelly Kopp, Utah State University (2007-2014; 2015-2016*)


• Lowell Lampen, Kohler Co. (2022-2024)


• Frank Loge, UC Davis (2019-2022)


• Zane Marshall, Southern Nevada Water Authority (2013-2019)


• Terrance McCarthy, Los Angeles Department of Water & Power (2025-2026)


• Ric Miles, Flume (2019-2023)


• Alice Miller Keyes, Georgia Environmental Protection Division (2007-2012)


• Betsy Otto, World Resources Institute (2007-2013)


• Becky Pearson, Great Lakes Commission (2007-2013)


• Colby Pellegrino, Southern Nevada Water Authority (2020-2023)


• Glen Pleasance, Region of Durham, Ontario (2007-2016)


• Jennifer Riley-Chetwynd, Denver Botanic Gardens (2011-2020)


• Pete Silva, Silva-Silva International (2016-2018)


• Monty Simus, Water Politics, LLC (2016-2017)


• John Sommers, The Home Depot (2008-2010)


• Kirk Stinchcombe, Econics (2011-2020, 2021-2022)


• Susan Stratton, Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (2007-2014)


• Thomas Swihart, Florida Department of Environmental Protection (2007-2010)


• Amy Talbot, (CalWEP Director) Regional Water Authority (2019-2024)


• Jeff Taylor, Freese and Nichols (2011-2019)


• Deven Upadhyay, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (2013-2018)


• Amy Vickers, Amy Vickers & Associates, Inc. (2007-2010)


• David Viola, The IAPMO Group (2007-2013)


• Ron Voglewede, Walmart (2015-2020; 2021-2023*)


• Jennifer Walker, National Wildlife Federation (2016-2024)


• Carol Ward, Arizona Municipal Water Users Association (2016-2019)


• Jennie Ward Robinson, Institute for Public Health and Water Research (2011-2012)


• Maureen Westbrook, Connecticut Water (2016-2022)


• Ron Wolfarth, Rain Bird Corp. (2007-2013)


• Carl Yates, Atlantic First Nations Water Authority (2018-2022)


• Rob Zimmerman, Reyes Coca Cola Bottling (2015-2023)