2022 CANDIDATES for Officers - PNWS-AWWA
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FALL 2021
The Official Magazine of the
Pacific Northwest Section – AWWA
2022
CANDIDATES
for Officers
Message from the Chair
PNWS Association Director Report
Gray Matters
PNWS-AWWA
P.O. Box 872467
Vancouver, WA 98687
Address Service Requested
Message from the Chair • PNWS Association Director Report
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The Official Magazine of the
Pacific Northwest Section – AWWA
VOLUME 18, NUMBER 2
SUMMER 2021
PNWS-AWWA 2021-2022
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Features
Association Director
RANDY BLACK
2022 CANDIDATES FOR OFFICERS.................................... 17
PNWS Board Chair
JOHN ROTH
PROACTIVE PREPARATION FOR
Past Chair
LEAD AND COPPER RULE COMPLIANCE.......................... 32
RONDA FARMER
Chair-Elect
MICHELLE CHEEK
Executive Director
KYLE KIHS
Oregon/Idaho Trustee
JAMIE PORTER
KAREN KELLEY
Washington Trustee
TYLER CLARY
CHERYL CAPRON
Trustee-at-Large
NICK BELMONT
DOUG SCHLEPP
Treasurer
JASON CANADY
SECTION BOARD MEMBERS ON THE
AWWA NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS
AWWA Executive Committee Member
and Standards Council Chair
MICHAEL STUHR
AWWA Executive Committee Member and
Manufacturer and Associates Council Chair
KRISTIN KIHS
AWWA Director-at-Large
CORIANNE HART BURNETT
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT:
www.pnws-awwa.org
Published by Departments
Message from the Chair.......................................................................................... 7
PNWS Association Director Report....................................................................... 9
Managing Editor: Megan Funnell Committee Reports............................................................................................... 11
Layout & Design: Jackie Magat
Sales Manager: K ris Fillion Gray Matters........................................................................................................... 15
Advertising Coordinator: Stefanie Hagidiakow
Subsection Updates............................................................................................... 29
866-985-9780
Fax: 866-985-9799
Advertiser Product & Service Center.................................................................. 45
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No part of this magazine may be
magazine is printed with vegetable oil-based inks. Please
reproduced or reprinted without written do your part for the environment by reusing and recycling.
permission from the PNWS-AWWA.
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Message from
the Chair
Our Members Make a Difference
G reetings colleagues and
fellow members, I hope you
are having a productive
and profitable year. Fall is my favorite
time of year and the cooler, wetter
weather is certainly a respite from
the early, hot and long summer we
experienced in the Pacific Northwest.
Throughout the Section, it feels like
we have been productive – although
COVID still frustrates many of our
efforts. There have been opportunities
for in-person gathering this year:
Northwest Oregon, Southern Oregon,
Lower Columbia and King County all
held golf tournaments to raise funds
for their philanthropic goals.
The Section continues to have a
strong virtual presence; there were and By-Law Chairman. Brad had The ad hoc group has broken
several online training opportunities everything updated inside of the ROPs into three work teams and is
throughout the year. Committees to align with the new By-Laws prior to developing member resources,
and Subsections provided excellent the first ad hoc group meeting. That such as committee and subsection
content; meanwhile, other Subsections allowed the group to start on strong organizational templates, volunteer
held short schools virtually. While footing and look at important updates mentoring, timelines, and flow
the Board continues to meet virtually, that align with our Section values. charts. The work is meant to make
we had the opportunity to meet in The draft includes our diversity volunteering easier by providing
person at the Regional Meeting of statement, more information about more clarity in roles, timing and
Section Officers (RMSO) this summer. reporting, key performance indicators, communication.
The RMSO is a chance to meet with and timing. We are actively working My commitment is that we’ll have
other Sections in the Association to develop continuity procedures that a draft by the Winter Meeting so that
and share struggles and successes. are small but carry impactful changes. it may be reviewed by the Board and
Five members of the Board attended
and it was refreshing to hear their
stories and discuss how other
Sections have responded to virtual Trust. Service. Integrity.
conferences, trainings and networking Diversity & Inclusion.
events; focused on their mission;
and maintained communication Water Services
with their members. This year’s
• Water Master Planning • PFAS and Emerging
RMSO also offered training on crisis Contaminants
• Surface and Groundwater
communication and Water Utility Facility Design, Construction • Indirect Potable Reuse
Coordinating Committees. and Startup • Facility Upgrades and Rehabilitation
We have made good progress
with updating our Rules of Procedure
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By-Laws, mission and vision. A big Find out more about Kennedy/Jenks Consultants, Inc. on our social media:
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CLICK HERE to return to TABLE OF CONTENTS Fall 2021 7
When you’re surrounded by colleagues that become friends, who
believe in and encourage you, they are the ones that often make
the difference. Whether they gift you with an encouraging word,
a motivational discussion, these inspiring achievements pick us
up and carry us to another day.
members alike. The target is to have a volunteer member’s organization and best volunteers that give their time
final version approved at the 2022 Spring every one of us makes a difference and and effort but more importantly pour
Meeting. We are currently planning impacts the Section in our own way. themselves into the effort for benefit of
an in-person meeting at the Tacoma I have been active in the PNWS-AWWA all our members and the Section. When
Conference Center in May 2022. Due to for nearly 20 years and never believed you recognize it, please thank them:
COVID, the last two conferences were I would be in the role that I am today. I’ll tell you from experience it makes a
canceled so we are looking forward to To tell you the truth, I wouldn’t be where world of difference.
seeing everyone when it is safe to do so. I am today if it wasn’t for my friends 2020 and 2021 have been
I miss being able to visit and connect and colleagues who are members of challenging years in many respects.
with friends and colleagues, visit vendors the Association. Personally, there were The idea of normal is completely
and check out the new technology, watch times where I was ready to quit and changed and we have had to be
our operators compete, celebrate take an extended break; however, when flexible and adaptable to confront
awards with our members, and attend you’re surrounded by colleagues that that change. The PNWS-AWWA has
some of the best technical sessions in become friends, who believe in and answered that call and the work that
the Pacific Northwest. encourage you, they are the ones that we do continues to bring value to our
The Fall edition of Water Matters often make the difference. Whether members. Thank you for your time,
contains voting and election information they gift you with an encouraging word patience, and spirit of service.
for future Section Officers. I encourage or a motivational discussion, these
you to participate by voting and getting inspiring achievements pick us up and John Roth
involved with the Section. We are a carry us to another day. We have the PNWS Section Chair
8 Fall 2021 CLICK HERE to return to TABLE OF CONTENTS
PNWS Association
Director Report
Share Your Story
F all is here and it’s time to get
ready for the cold, wet winter
season by completing our
annual operational and maintenance
activities. On the bright side, we have
RMSO’s are a chance to gain
information for the Section Officers.
The Meeting is designed as a forum
to exchange information about
AWWA activities and priorities at the
3. Promoting member engagement.
The Association took a lot of
precautions to help ensure the
safety and welfare of the nearly
50 attendees. But I have to say, it was
sports to look forward to and the ability International and Section levels. so nice to have the opportunity meet
to attend in-person events again! Can The Association focuses on providing in person once again!
you believe it’s been two years since the important updates on AWWA Keep in mind that ACE22 will be
COVID-19 pandemic began? Just when programs, initiatives, policies, and June 12-15 in San Antonio, TX.
we thought we’d see light at the end of opportunities. Chi Ho Sham, President So, what else has been happening
the COVID tunnel, we find ourselves of AWWA, was there to share his around AWWA since the last article
fighting the new COVID variants. Let’s focus on three important areas: I shared with you? Membership
keep our fingers crossed that this too 1. How to increase volunteers at all continues to be a prime focus this year
shall pass, and we see a decrease in levels, 2. How to convert seasoned since numbers have dropped from
COVID cases and a continued return to professionals into mentors, and 49,295 in January to 48,378 in July.
a sense of normalcy.
Some of you have been asking
how my experience serving as Vice
President, representing our Section
and the AWWA, is going. The AWWA
decided that there will not be any
official visits until January 1, 2022,
so I won’t be travelling to a Section
conference before then; however,
I recorded the Mexico Section’s
presentation of the George Warren
Fuller Award, which I really enjoyed.
In October, I will be virtually attending
the Southwest Section Conference,
where they are planning to have an
in-person presence, so I am looking
forward to that. I am hopeful that I will
be able to attend more conferences in
person next year.
On August 20-21, 2021, the AWWA
hosted Regional Meetings of Section
Officers (RMSO). These were the first
in-person meetings hosted by AWWA
since the winter meeting in Puerto
Rico, January 2020. The Association
divided 43 Sections into four different
regions. Instead of having four
separate meetings, there will be two
meetings – regions three and four
met in Midway, UT, and regions one
and two are scheduled to meet on
November 16-17 in Annapolis, MD.
CLICK HERE to return to TABLE OF CONTENTS Fall 2021 9
I encourage you to renew your membership with the Association
and find an opportunity to connect with a non-member, share
your story, and the many benefits the AWWA has to offer.
The Association is asking each of us to However, nothing is more powerful via articles in the Journal, presentations
speak with a business acquaintance than sharing why you are a member at our events, and as a volunteer at the
or professional colleague, who is not a of the AWWA. People relate to shared Section and Association levels.
member of AWWA, and share the many experiences so we invite you to share Like nearly all businesses, the
reasons why they and their business your story. Think about why you are a Association has seen a significant
benefit from a membership with the member and what membership does financial impact due to the COVID-19
AWWA. The community side of an for you and your organization. pandemic. Thanks to the outstanding
AWWA membership provides access The AWWA has a list of online foresight of our leadership, staff, and
through multiple platforms, connecting resources, including its new video volunteers, the AWWA is presently in
members to a community of dedicated streaming channel where your a financially healthy position; however,
water colleagues. For best practices, organization and employees have looking to the future, cannot fulfill its
an AWWA membership provides quick and easy to access to programs, mission without a robust membership.
24/7/365 access to trusted resources, including the popular WSO operator So, I encourage you to renew your
ensuring continuity of service in times training and certification series and membership with the Association and
of turbulence or calm. An AWWA the Safety-First series. Meanwhile, its find an opportunity to connect with a
membership supports advancement partnership with the USDA offers online non-member, share your story, and the
and professional growth with training for small systems (until we can many benefits the AWWA has to offer.
member-exclusive opportunities and meet again in person).
the public health portion of AWWA The AWWA may have the resources Warmest regards,
safeguards public health and welfare you need, but the Association also Randy Black
by uniting the full spectrum of the needs you. As a member, we invite you PNWS Association Director and VP
entire water industry. to share your experiences with others AWWA
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10 Fall 2021 CLICK HERE to return to TABLE OF CONTENTSCommittee Reports
Oregon Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network
(ORWARN) Committee
ORWARN 2021 Conference
October 20-22, 2021 –
POSTPONED
Unfortunately, due to the COVID
surge, the ORWARN Board finds
it necessary to postpone the
Conference scheduled for
October 20-22, 2021. We have
a great Conference planned for
attendees so stay tuned for the
announcement of new dates!
Membership Activations
ORWARN Website ORWARN’s membership continues We have had several activations
Please remember to keep your to grow. We are up to 160 members that ORWARN members responded
organization’s information up to date and associate members. If you know to in the last few months. Utilities
on the website. If you need help of a utility that is not yet a member of helping utilities is our Committee’s
logging in or have questions, please ORWARN, please ask them to contact primary goal – one that couldn’t be
email info@orwarn.org and one of us at info@orwarn.org for more met without each and every member
the Board Members will respond. information. utility. Thank you!
Utility Management
Committee
Women in Leadership
Save the Date: February 9, 2022
Planning for Women In Leadership is
underway! We are preparing for
an in-person, morning event to
take place at Brightwater Center
(at the Brightwater Clean Water
Treatment Facility) on February 9, 2022.
Stay tuned for more details!
For more information, contact
Erika Schuyler, WIL Symposium Lead,
at erika.schuyler@murraysmith.us.
CLICK HERE to return to TABLE OF CONTENTS Fall 2021 11Committee Reports
Engineering Committee
Excellence in Engineering Awards that provides a brief description of Section Conference Forecast
Got an excellent project you want to the project and why it demonstrates Thank you for all the great Section
show off? The call for entries for the “Excellence in Engineering” with Conference abstracts! At 76
Excellence in Engineering Awards the opportunity to submit additional submissions, the Engineering
is open through mid-January. Don’t supporting material as applicants Committee received significantly
miss out! These Awards recognize see fit. more abstracts than any other
excellence in engineering for water The Committee will be looking for committee. The themes uniting many
supply, treatment, or conveyance outstanding water-related engineering of these abstracts are striking and
projects. Persons, agencies, projects that have shown: we look forward to the 2022 Tacoma
consultants, contractors, and water • incorporation of innovative Conference!
utilities that have recently or will soon technologies or approaches,
be completing a project in Idaho, • difficulty of the challenges overcome, Jump Into a New Meeting
Oregon or Washington may apply. • inclusion of sustainability elements Time with an Idea
Please feel free to nominate one of your (includes resource sustainability or If you have an idea for industry
Projects or someone else’s that you feel cost effectiveness), and learning or a collaboration
is deserving of an Award. • considerations for system or project opportunity, please contact one of
Categories: Projects may be resilience (seismic, flood, system the Officers or join our next meeting
submitted in the “Large Project” redundancy, etc.). to discuss your idea and hear about
(>$5M construction), “Small Project” Entry deadline: January 14, 2022. others in the process. We are now
(Providing efficient,
Providing effective,
efficient, economical
effective, solutions
and economical
to communities
solutions sincesince
to communities 19671967
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CLICK HERE to return to TABLE OF CONTENTS Fall 2021 13PUTTING
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Hope Springs Eternal
By Dan Kegley
My hope in writing this piece, titled
Hope Springs Eternal – a proverb
of sorts – is to share a perspective
of human nature that always finds a
fresh cause for optimism. Drought,
relentless heat, fires, pandemic
resurgence, and lack of interaction
all seem to overwhelm us, yet we
continue to persevere. As I write, I
watch the daylight cover Louisiana
and the devastation, left behind by
hurricane Ida, come into focus. News
reports show the worst aspects of
the storm; however, if you listen to
the narrative from the leaders in
the community, you hear a story of
dedication and resolve.
I hear the words of Vince Lombardi
echo in my mind as these people
speak of a path to normalcy. “It’s not
whether you get knocked down, it’s
whether you get up.” One of the many
systems to be restored (besides
Simple acts of kindness, taking an extra
power) is water. Water is a resource moment to be patient, or seeing people
often forgotten during normal day-to-
day life but, especially in instances of where they are in the moment helps us all
emergency or disaster, it is one of the
first items needed. Before I continue, be the best versions of ourselves and cast
I thank all of you, no matter your role,
for keeping the water flowing during
sunlight into someone’s gloomy day.
all types of weather and for your
personal sacrifices. The kindness and generosity of the values of membership we can’t
2020 was the year that everyone our Section truly amazes me and is accurately capture. Simple acts of
wanted to see in the rearview mirror. always there. Many times, a phone call, kindness, taking an extra moment to
Although 2021 has not been without email and yes, even a Zoom meeting, be patient, or seeing people where
its challenges, we can see the needle reminds me that our members are they are in the moment helps us all be
moving in the right direction. I won’t there for us and will help us up the best versions of ourselves and cast
speak for everyone, but my energy should we be knocked down – one of sunlight into someone’s gloomy day.
reserves were getting low and the
stress levels – yes, even in retirement –
grew higher. I am so thankful for the
small respite we received from the COMPLETE
pandemic; however, those thoughts
eventually shifted to chlorine
WATER SERVICES
shortages, drought, relentless heat, Serving Our
fires, and the Delta variant. But,
through it all, hope springs eternal.
Northwest Region
Getting back together in Chelan, the
2022 Spring conference in Tacoma,
knowing that we will get through this
and we will be stronger because of
Boise, ID 2 0 8 . 376 . 2 2 8 8
it – just like the survivors of Hurricane Portland, OR 503. 2 27.18 8 5
Ida, who stand stronger after being Seattle, WA 2 0 6 . 6 8 4 . 6 532 carollo.com
knocked down.
CLICK HERE to return to TABLE OF CONTENTS Fall 2021 15Tomorrow will always be tomorrow, so take a few minutes to reach
out and ask someone how you can help. You will be rewarded
in doing so – and by doing so, will meet some of the greatest
like-minded people who are all working towards a common goal.
The outlook for the Section is as a leader and mentor are things that in becoming more involved, to reach
getting better all the time; there seems cannot be taught in a classroom: it is an out and ask a simple question,
to be more energy as things begin to asset learned through volunteering and “How can I help?” Ask any Board
calm down and we catch our collective networking. Seeing different approaches member, Committee Chair, Subsection
breaths. This summer, you may and mindsets, through the diversity of our Officer and I am certain they will get
have attended an in-person event – Section, enhances your skills to tackle you plugged in. Tomorrow will always
that itself is a victory! Committees obstacles or present new perspectives. be tomorrow, so take a few minutes
and Subsections are rolling out new This spring, I was presented with to reach out and ask someone how
trainings for people to attend virtually the George Warren Fuller Award, to you can help. You will be rewarded
or in a classroom setting – allowing which I am extremely grateful and in doing so – and by doing so, will
operators the chance to attend these humbled. Without the membership, meet some of the greatest like-minded
great educational opportunities. my mentors, my network, my time people who are all working towards a
People are reconnecting after a hiatus volunteering, and my family (bulldogs common goal. Tomorrow for me is a
or inability to connect in person; excluded), it would not have been day of fishing, chasing the somewhat
networking is so valuable and a possible for me to stand in the shadows elusive sturgeon in the north end of
connection that I hold so dear. of past recipients. For me, everyone Lake Roosevelt – although the reports
This Section has always been and has played a part. It shows that anyone have been underwhelming, so who
will always be an extended family. can play a significant role in our knows… hope springs eternal.
The friends and connections made Section, and you do not have to do
will last a lifetime. The chance to grow it alone. I ask anyone, who’s interested Tight lines & Go Dawgs!
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16 Fall 2021 CLICK HERE to return to TABLE OF CONTENTS2022
CANDIDATES
for Officers
Association Director Director
James Dean
Lacey Gores Priest
Alex Mofidi
Chair-Elect
The Pacific Northwest Section Nominating Committee Doug Schlepp
Dan Sleeth
presents the following candidates for 2022. You will vote for
one of the three candidates for Association Director, one Trustee-At-Large
of the two candidates for Chair, and one of the candidates Libby Bakke-Barg
DeEtta Fosbury
in each of the three Trustee categories: Oregon/Idaho, Michelle Johnson
Washington and Trustee-At-Large.
Washington Trustee
Each of the three Trustee positions is for a two-year term; the Pat Everham
Tonya Reiss
Chair will serve one year as Chair-Elect, one year as Chair,
and one year as Past Chair; and the Association Director will Oregon/Idaho Trustee
Joel Cary
serve a three-year term, representing the Pacific Northwest Mark McGuire
Section of the American Water Works Association Erika Murphy
CLICK HERE to return to TABLE OF CONTENTS Fall 2021 17ASSOCIATION DIRECTOR
JAMES DEAN
Utility Customer Service Manager, City of Yakima
Throughout my years as a Subsection President/Chair in late 2009. During this time,
member of PNWS-AWWA, with the help and involvement of the outstanding officers in
I have had the opportunity the Subsection, we added a training coordinator position
to meet and work with some and a Young Professionals liaison to the CWSS Board of
great people and truly Officers and facilitated annual trainings and networking
appreciate the opportunity events to benefit Water For People. In 2014, I was blessed
to be considered as a and honored to receive the Section’s Heart and Soul Award
candidate for the position of and have served as the Volunteer Coordinator for both the
Association Director. 2012 Section Conference, in Yakima, and the 2017 Section
I began my career in the Conference, in Kennewick, WA.
water works industry with the City of Yakima as a Water Over the past few years, I have had the honor to
Distribution Specialist 1, general laborer, in 1997. Due in serve on the Board of Trustees as a Washington State
no small part to the training and networking opportunities Trustee, Chair-Elect, Chair and Past Chair of the Board
provided by the AWWA, I worked my way thru the ranks and greatly enjoyed working with the members, Board
and was appointed as the Water Distribution Supervisor and Committees in shaping the future of the Pacific
in 2008. I was appointed to my current position of Utility Northwest Section.
Customer Service Manager in 2013. During this time, the In my time away from work, I spend a lot of time with
training tools offered by the AWWA – and more importantly, family – especially my grand nieces and nephews. I
the great friends I have been able to meet and network with also enjoy riding and customizing my Harley Davidson
in the Pacific Northwest Section – have been invaluable in motorcycles and am a die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan.
my growth and development as a water works professional. I am extremely proud to be a part of this organization
In 2006, I began serving in PNWS as the Central and would be honored to continue my service as your next
Washington Subsection Vice President and moved up to Association Director.
LACEY GOERES-PRIEST
Water Quality Supervisor, City of Salem Public Works Department
It is an honor to be an important leadership opportunity and I would be grateful
considered as the next to represent the PNWS as an Association Director.
Association Director of the
PNWS-AWWA. The PNWS AWWA Involvement
Board develops policy aimed • PNWS-AWWA Board Experience
at fulfilling its mission to foster • Section Past Chair (2017-2018)
a network of professionals, • Section Chair (2016-2017)
provide opportunities, and • Section Chair Elect (2015-2016)
create leadership for the • Section Trustee At-Large (2013-2015)
water industry in the Pacific • PNWS-AWWA Committee Experience
Northwest. The PNWS Association Director, as part of the • Water Conservation (Chair)
PNWS Board, actively participates in the policy making • Water Quality (Chair)
process that guides the future of our Section. Additionally, the • 2009 LAC (Co-Chair)
Association Director represents the PNWS at the Association • Program Committee (Chair)
level – ensuring the PNWS continues to be recognized as • Membership Committee (Co-Chair)
one of the most respected and valued Sections, comprised • Ad-hoc Registration
of highly talented and motivated volunteers and members. If • Training Coordination
elected, I am committed to learning from and working with
other Association Directors across the Association. I look Education and Awards
forward to sharing PNWS successes and bringing back ideas/ I earned my MS in Environmental Science and Engineering
strategies to further cultivate our Section and enhance value from the Oregon Graduate Institute (OHSU) in 2004 and my
of membership. Engaging at the Association level represents BA in Biology from the University of Montana – Missoula
18 Fall 2021 CLICK HERE to return to TABLE OF CONTENTSin 2001. I hold State of Oregon certifications for Water Looking Forward
Treatment 1, Water Distribution 3, and Cross Connection The PNWS provides opportunities for water industry
Specialist. professionals to attend educational trainings, network and
It was my privilege to compete in three National Top collaborate with others who have mutual goals and purpose,
Ops Competitions with fellow City of Salem Public Works share ideas, and search for support and guidance. It is the
staff Gerald Arredondo and Doug Priest. Our team earned responsibility of the PNWS Board to ensure that the Section
first place at ACE in Toronto, Canada, second place at is meeting the needs and expectations of the membership
ACE in San Diego, California, and eighth place at ACE in while remaining in alignment with the vison, mission, and
Atlanta, Georgia. Top Ops was an amazing experience that goals of the Association. This can be achieved by continued
certainly broadened my overall knowledge in all aspects transparency, an open communication platform, and ongoing
of the water industry. evaluation and adjustment to meet the needs of the members.
It was an honor to receive the PNWS Heart and Soul I look forward for the opportunity to once again be part of the
Award at the 2009 PNWS Conference in Salem, Oregon. PNWS Board and serve the PNWS members and volunteers.
ALEX MOFIDI
Senior Project Manager, Confluence Engineering Group
Professional Background me to develop unique professional growth and friendships that I
I am a 29-year AWWA would not otherwise have experienced.
member with half of my I have a first-hand understanding as to how the AWWA
career in utility operations operates on both a national and local level. As a past
and management (MWD Subsection Director, past Chair of multiple committees,
of Southern California) and and past Trustee, I am excited at the potential to represent
half in consulting. I am a past our members at the national level. The PNWS is a top-
PNWS Trustee-At-Large, ranking AWWA Section in leadership (with multiple AWWA
served a brief term as an past-Presidents), utility management and operations best
Inland Empire Subsection practices, professional training and mentorship activities,
Director (cut short due to a move to Australia), and am Past and technical innovation; however, due to COVID, we all
Chair of both the PNWS Research and Information Technology know that the AWWA and PNWS are changing. Pre-COVID,
Committees. I am currently a national AWWA Premise I worked with many PNWS leaders to try and develop
Plumbing Committee Co-Chair with an AWWA volunteering ‘outside the box’ ways to improve training availability with
history dating back to the 1990s, when I was appointed to virtual training opportunities. Although unsuccessful, I like
multiple committees including the USEPA technical working to think this innovative pre-positioning helped ease the path
group for Stage 2 Microbial and Disinfectants/Disinfection to implementing COVID-era virtual training that the PNWS,
By-Products Rule development. I have BS and MS degrees in Subsections, and committees can now provide.
Civil Engineering, am a licensed Grade 3 Water Treatment This type of ‘outside the box’ thinking is what is needed
Operator (CA) and a licensed engineer in multiple states. now that COVID changes are here. There are continued
uncertainties impacting the PNWS resulting from sustained
Personal Background and Hobbies reductions in funding due to reduced membership and
My wife, Tracey, and I have been married for 30 years. We are in-person events. If our ‘business as usual’ can’t be achieved
mostly empty nesters now, with three adult children. Tracey soon, new ideas are needed to resolve shortfalls. Because of
and I love to travel – we visited Spain and the UK in 2019 – and my varied background as an operator, an engineer, a utility
hope to return to travelling after the COVID issues ease. Our employee, a consultant, an expat professional, and an active
next big trip is planned to be a self-led, off-road tour through leader within the PNWS and greater AWWA, I believe I have
southern Africa. We keep active by exploring the Pacific the diverse background needed to lead our Section through
Northwest through hiking and bike riding, as well as fostering this time of change.
our new-found interests in off-road driving and camping. Lastly, in my travels around our Section over the years –
speaking at annual conferences, Subsection meetings, and
Bio and PNWS Leadership numerous short schools – I have observed our members
Although an engineer by education, I am also a licensed take our profession seriously as front-line protectors of public
operator that spent the first 10 years of my career as a utility health. I’ve had the great pleasure of meeting many of our
employee, learning how to operate and maintain water systems members and would be honored to represent you at the
from operators and technicians. This on-the-job education has highest level of the Association. Membership needs will be at
benefitted me tremendously: I owe the success of my career to the forefront of my mind while promoting PNWS growth and
this field-based education and volunteering activities within the strength within the AWWA, so that PNWS can remain a Section
AWWA. My AWWA membership and volunteering has allowed in which we all remain proud.
CLICK HERE to return to TABLE OF CONTENTS Fall 2021 19CHAIR-ELECT
DOUGLAS SCHLEPP
Principal Engineer, RH2 Engineering
Looking back, I can’t relationships throughout the Pacific Northwest. Recently,
think of a more impactful we renamed the PNWS RH2 Scholarship after our founding
professional organization partner, Ron Heinke. Through his mentorship, instilling
for me and my career than honesty, humility, and integrity, Ron helped shape me as
the PNWS-AWWA. In the a person and professionally. It is with these principles and
past year and a half, we values that I endeavor to give back to the communities in
have faced challenges at which I work and have opportunities to serve.
work and home in ways My wife Susan and I have been “living the miracle” for
that no one could have over 24 years. Together, we have two beautiful daughters,
foreseen. In response, Geneva (22) and Mya (16). As parents, we have worked
what I witnessed and was actively involved with as to teach them the values of integrity, commitment, trust,
your Trustee was remarkable. As water professionals, and leadership. These are the ideals that I have embraced
we have continued to provide safe drinking water and through my years of service in the PNWS as an Officer on
become all too familiar with the types of virtual the Distribution Committee, Subsection Advisory Council,
platforms used to carry on with the important work we’re King County Subsection, and as your Trustee. Regardless
called to do. Despite the challenges, I’ve become more of my path forward, I am committed to providing trusted
broadly connected to and involved with the Section and leadership now and into the future.
the Association. It is truly an honor to be your candidate for PNWS
I’m thankful for the last 32 years where I have had the AWWA Chair. If chosen, I would serve with humility,
privilege of working for RH2 Engineering, helping to enthusiasm, and integrity to realize the objectives and
build and sustain communities, while developing lasting aspirations of the Section.
“Tough times are met with tough decisions and those decisions
must be made utilizing sound data and open minds.”
DAN SLEETH
Operations Manager, Covington Water District
It’s my honor to run for industry has shown is nothing short of remarkable and
PNWS-AWWA Chair displays the character of what it means to be a water
and feel blessed to have professional. Teamwork, dedication, and flexibility: all
received a nomination. in the name of public health. The same values that it took
The past 35 years of my to get through this pandemic are what I will bring to the
life have been dedicated Board, teamwork, dedication, flexibility. Tough times are
as a water professional met with tough decisions and those decisions must be
in the Pacific Northwest made utilizing sound data and open minds. I am honored
and I currently lead the to run for Chair of our Section and would appreciate the
Operations Department opportunity, thank you.
for Covington Water District. Over the past 25 years
volunteering for the PNWS-AWWA, I have been exposed AWWA Background
to some of the most extraordinary people who share • Washington Trustee
the same passion that I do for providing safe, reliable • Distribution Committee Chair
drinking water to our communities. • Utility Management Chair
The past 18 months have been difficult times and I • King County Sub Section Director
never imagined that I would be leading a team through • Sub-Section Advisory Council Secretary
a pandemic, but here we are. The resiliency that our • Small Systems Chair
20 Fall 2021 CLICK HERE to return to TABLE OF CONTENTSm-351.pdf 1 2021-02-08 4:34 PM
global expertise asset management
delivered locally
steel & concrete tanks | treatment plants
pipes | meters
- water quality in distribution systems
in-tank water mixers | trihalomethane removal systems
disinfectant residual control systems
smart metering services
Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) | smart meters
managed services | performance guarantees
CONTACT YOUR LOCAL WATER SYSTEM CONSULTANT
Jeff Austin
855-526-4413 | ask@suez.com
www.suez-na.com
An ISO 9001:2015 Quality Assured Company
CLICK HERE to return to TABLE OF CONTENTS Fall 2021 21TRUSTEE-AT-LARGE
LIBBY BARG BAKKE
President, Barney & Worth, Inc. – a Murraysmith Company
It is an honor to be nominated My 20-plus years of experience working across the
for the PNWS-AWWA region to build public support for water infrastructure
Trustee-At-Large position. will contribute to the organization’s continued success.
I value our Association’s My decades-long involvement with PNWS-AWWA
leadership role in the water provides a strong base of organizational understanding.
industry and its crucial I have been a member of PNWS-AWWA since 2000 and
task to support members’ was the Co-Chair of the Public Information Committee for
passion and commitment eight years.
to providing clean, safe, During this time, I have had the honor of sharing
and affordable water to the PNWS-AWWA members’ success through conference
communities we live and work in. and workshop presentations and the Excellence in
I am President of Barney & Worth, Inc., now a Communication Award program. As a Board member, I
Murraysmith company. Barney & Worth is an award- will continue to support and promote the regional water
winning strategic planning and communications consulting industry and members to celebrate our successes and
firm built on the principle that good decisions make great work together to meet the significant challenges ahead.
communities. We specialize in strategic communications There is an opportunity at this moment to further
for water infrastructure projects. We help communities PNWS-AWWA’s commitment to diversity and inclusion in
fund and build facilities to deliver safe drinking water, the water industry. Water utilities, consulting firms, public
treat wastewater to keep our rivers clean, and design health professionals, universities and community colleges,
stormwater systems that protect and enhance the natural and others involved in the water industry are working
environment. I am a dedicated drinking water professional toward the same goal. I am committed to building on this
and have attained Level 4 Water Treatment and Water positive synergy.
Distribution Operator licenses in Oregon. Thank you for your consideration of my nomination.
DeETTA FOSBURY
R.G., Senior Hydrogeologist, GSI Water Solutions, Inc.
It is an honor to be I was introduced to the Section ten years ago when I
nominated for election as a started attending Water Resources Committee meetings
trustee of the PNWS-AWWA. with colleagues at GSI and eventually volunteered to
I am an experienced serve as Secretary of the Committee. I served as an
hydrogeologist and project officer for about seven years, and during that time I
manager with a passion gained experience collaborating with other committees
for helping communities to develop technical conference sessions and got to
develop and maintain clean, know many of the volunteers in leadership at conferences
resilient drinking water and other events. Most recently, I served as Chair of
supplies. I enjoy working the Program Committee for 2020 and worked with the
with people from diverse backgrounds, and I am excited Committee to develop our virtual training series after
for the opportunity to direct my problem-solving skills the Annual Conference was cancelled. I’ve grown to
toward organizational management as a member of the appreciate the value our member-volunteers bring and
Board of Trustees. During this recent period of semi- the important role the organization plays in our industry.
isolation and working from home, I have enjoyed the I know first-hand how rewarding participation in this
non-stop company of my dogs and kept myself busy organization can be, and how challenging it can be to
with home improvement projects and way too much TV. recruit others to engage in leadership positions.
Although I have gotten more comfortable with on-screen I value the role that the Section has played in my own
meetings, I’m really looking forward to returning to professional development, and I am deeply committed
in-person interactions again! to creating opportunities for other water professionals
22 Fall 2021 CLICK HERE to return to TABLE OF CONTENTSto help foster their careers, leadership skills, and passion The concept of inclusion has been central throughout my
for public service. As a new Trustee, if elected, I am eager career, from starting out as a junior professional who was
to use the opportunity to listen and learn more about the already too old to be a “young professional,” to navigating
organization from the more experienced board members a career path as a woman in a male-dominated field, and
and to contribute my experience and perspective to I was excited to learn that the Membership Engagement
support the Section and its members. and Development Committee established the Diversity
As a water resources consultant, I have technical & Inclusion Subcommittee to maintain focus on this
knowledge of the water industry, a history of working closely important initiative. I am very interested in supporting the
with water providers across the region, and a personal organization’s work to identify potential barriers to inclusion
interest in education and mentorship. I hope to bring my in our industry and find ways to invite and welcome
personal skills and experience to the trustee role to advance members of diverse backgrounds to our ranks.
the goals of the Section. I am particularly interested in Thanks for your consideration, and I look forward
strengthening connections between the Section committees to continuing to serve the Section and its members into
and Subsections, and within the organization as a whole. the future!
“I am very interested in supporting the organization’s work to identify
potential barriers to inclusion in our industry and find ways to invite and
welcome members of diverse backgrounds to our ranks.”
MICHELLE JOHNSON
P.E. Project Manager, J-U-B Engineers
It is such an honor to be Subsection (IESS) Board. My tenure on the IESS Board
nominated to run for a provided many leadership opportunities, and many
PNWS-AWWA Trustee great friendships. I have had the opportunity to serve
position. The Section has on the Local Arrangements Committee for the Section
been such an asset and Conference, host a number of trainings to provide CEUs
support network for me and networking to our members, help coordinate the
during my career, and IESS Subsection Golf Tournament and other philanthropic
I am excited about the events, and coordinating the very first virtual IESS Truck
opportunity to have a Rodeo this past spring.
bigger role in developing Through my involvement on the IESS Board, I have
and promoting the organization. I have worked for J-U-B had the opportunity to attend a few Trustee meetings and
Engineers as a Civil Engineer for the last 16 years and develop an understanding of the expectations of the Board
been fortunate to be able to focus a large portion of my members and the role they play in directing the Section.
work on drinking water, which is what I love to do. My I am excited about the opportunity to be a part of that
first exposure to the AWWA was through my father and board and be a part of the process. The friendships and
grandfather. My grandfather was a civil engineer and connections that I have made have been so rewarding and
a lifetime member of the Section, and my father, also beneficial to me in both personal and professional ways.
an engineer, continues to regularly attend the Section I am looking forward to the potential opportunity serve the
Conference. My first hands-on experience with drinking Section in a role that can helping find ways to continuing to
water was operating a camp water system that my father, be able to provide critical educational opportunities to our
grandfather and uncle had designed at a summer camp members and equally critical networking opportunities.
in McCall, ID, where I worked during the summers while My husband Ryan and I live and play in the inland
I was in college. This experience taught me a lot about northwest with our two daughters who, at 10 and 13, really
day-to-day operation of a new system and the criticality keep us on our toes. We enjoy skiing, mountain biking,
of providing safe, reliable drinking water, and was a big camping and most any activity that gets us outside and we
driver in my decision to work in this field. can do together. One of my youngest daughter’s favorite
My personal involvement with the AWWA began pastimes during road trips is to count water tanks… maybe
about eight years ago when I joined the Inland Empire another generation of water engineering in the making.
CLICK HERE to return to TABLE OF CONTENTS Fall 2021 23WASHINGTON TRUSTEE
PAT EVERHAM
Water Manager, City of Richland Washington
It is a great honor to for the last couple of years. I believe that volunteering and
be presented with the contributing to this cause has helped me grow into the
opportunity to run for person I am today.
Section office. I am excited
about contributing to this Professional and Personal Life
great organization. With I have been a water professional for 26 years. I worked
COVID, the Section has for the City of Kennewick for 22 years and have been
had many struggles and at the City of Richland for the past four years. I have a
adaptations to make to Bachelor’s degree in Cellular/Molecular Biology and
keep our family moving a Master’s degree in Public Administration. I have my
forward. I look forward to helping us continue to improve State of Washington Level IV Certifications in Water
and provide the needed support to our Section. I Treatment Plant Operations, Water Distribution Manager
have been an AWWA member for over 25 years and and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operations. I have been
appreciate what it has done for me. I have chaired two married to my beautiful wife for 30 years and have two
Section conferences in the Tri-Cities and served on our awesome boys: Kaulin, 23, is an accountant at Gesa Credit
Subsection Committee in many different positions. I have Union and Korey, 20, is in his senior year at WSU, studying
been the President of the Central Washington Subsection computer science.
24 Fall 2021 CLICK HERE to return to TABLE OF CONTENTSTONYA REISS
Maintenance Supervisor, City of Spokane Water Department
I am honored to have organized the new (at that time) Customer Service training.
been selected as a I have been Secretary, Vice Chair and Chair of the Subsection
PNWS-AWWA Washington Advisory Council and am currently the Idaho/East Washington
Trustee candidate. & East Oregon Coordinator. I am also the current Chair of the
The people in this Cross-Connection Control Committee. Over the years I have
organization have inspired been participated at the AWWA national level with involvement
and mentored me to be the in the Water Loss, Cross-Connection control, Customer Service
person I am today with a and Customer Metering Practices committees.
family and career that I love
and am proud of. It is an Vision
honor to be a part of an organization that fosters the success As a possible incoming Trustee, I am hesitant to call for
of its members so they can provide life’s most vital resource specific initiatives before I have an opportunity to observe
to our communities. and learn about the current state of the Section at the Board
level. This last year has been a tough time for all of us to
Professional Involvement find the time and mental fortitude to get through the new
In 1997, I began my career with the City of Spokane as a obstacles that have been placed in our paths – all while
Laborer and have worked my way up through the department keeping our friends and families (at work and home) as well
from Water Service Specialist (Crew leader & Backhoe as surrounding neighbors and communities safe and healthy.
operator), Water Maintenance Foreperson, to my current I have been overwhelmed with the many responsibilities I have
position as Water Maintenance Supervisor. I have been a with the City of Spokane and the PNWS – I am sure many others
member of Spokane Regional Cross Connection Control have been feeling the weight of things, too. It feels like we are
committee for nine years – seven of those as a Board member, coming out of the clouds to only find ourselves back in the thick
Vice President and President. I have participated in many of it. I have seen many innovative ways that the Section Board
capacities at the PNWS-AWWA Subsection, and Section and Committees have been reaching out to the membership
levels. In 2014, I served on the Inland Empire Subsection to provide training and guidance over the last year. I am
Board for eight years as a Board member, Vice President, passionate about training and the 2020 vision. We have never
President and in 2015, received the SAC Activity Award. seen the job openings in our industry like we have encountered
My first experience with the PNWS was in 2012, when in the last 10 years – in that timeframe, the City of Spokane
I was a member of the LAC for the 2013 Conference in Water Department has had a 60% turnover. I am an optimist and
Spokane. The Spokane Conference is where I was honored will continue to work with the many people that I am thankful to
with Heart and Soul Award. Honestly, I did not even know that call colleagues and friends to navigate the ever-changing times
anyone knew I existed at that point except for poor Kyle Kihs, and challenges we will face together.
who answered my numerous questions about the Section.
(Thank you Kyle). The 2012 Yakima Conference was the Personal Note
first one I attended. I was amazed with the people I met and My husband Bob and I have met at the City of Spokane Water
how much each and every one of them participated to make Department in 1997 and have been married for 22 years
the Conference a success. Throughout the years, I have this past September 11. We live and play in the woods with
organized and taught classes for conferences, the Customer our dog, Cooper, and crazy cat. We enjoy hunting, camping,
Service Committee, Cross-Connection Control Committee, hiking, fishing and home improvement projects.
Inland Empire Subsection, and City of Spokane Water We are blessed with many nieces and nephews that keep
Department. I served many years on the Customer Service us busy with supporting them in their many interests (cheer
Committee as a member, Secretary, Vice Chair and Chair. competitions, volleyball, and Bandolero car racing).
It was a great experience working with the team that Thank you for considering me for the Trustee position.
“It is an honor to be a part of an organization
that fosters the success of its members so they can provide
life’s most vital resource to our communities.”
CLICK HERE to return to TABLE OF CONTENTS Fall 2021 25OREGON/IDAHO TRUSTEE
JOEL CARY
Water Resources Division Manager, Tualatin Valley Water District
Hello Pacific Northwest From the ongoing legislative engagement – often
Section AWWA Members! meeting with our legislators and providing oral
I’m excited and quite testimony in support or opposition of key bills impacting
humbled to be nominated the water sector – to actively building relationships with
as a Trustee for our Section. a variety of key stakeholders across our state, these
Having been an active responsibilities on behalf of OWUC membership have
member for nearly 20 years, helped me develop a much deeper appreciation for our
I can honestly say it’s all industry’s needs and the expertise we possess as water
of you that make this such supply professionals. I served on the local host planning
a wonderful and fulfilling Committee for the 2017 WQTC in Portland and have
industry. If elected, it’s my goal to continue supporting the also been involved in the Water Quality Committee
professionals in our industry, both the newcomers and at times for nearly 15 years, planning multiple
our tenured staff who have dedicated their time to this section workshops along with being the Committee’s
rewarding career of public service. webmaster early in my career.
We’ve faced several new challenges these last couple If you’ve read this far, thanks for considering my
of years, which is probably the biggest understatement nomination. If elected, I would undertake my role
anyone could write; 2020 and 2021 have included some of as a Board Trustee and the associated Committee
the most life-changing events for all of us. Beginning with assignments by setting the following priorities:
the onset of COVID-19, then the unprecedented wildfires so • sharing the mission of the Section with members and
many of our communities faced, followed by a severe winter Committees to create alignment of our goals and
weather freeze that tested our emergency operational plans, objectives and supporting Board members during
and finally the chlorine shortage that impacted agencies Trustee meetings;
across the region, there has been no lack of crises that we • providing my own insights when needed about where
have successfully risen to meet, head-on. Being faced with the Section could or should make any changes to further
these challenges has highlighted something like never promote its mission;
before: how dedicated and talented we are all. Our ability to • and last, to ‘lead by example’ in order to highlight
continually adapt and meet the needs of the customers we why the water sector – and especially in the
serve is truly remarkable. PNW Section – is a career worth continuing to pursue
for our newest member.
Professional and Personal Life
I have over 20 years in the water industry and no, I wasn’t 15
when I started as everyone likes to joke… but it’s not too far
off! I’m currently the Water Resources Division Manager at
Tualatin Valley Water District and more recently, ‘acquired’
the additional role of General Manager for the Willamette
River Water Coalition. As one of my former managers used
to say with a smile, “No good deed goes unpunished.”
I genuinely love what I do and along with an excellent team
of staff, oversee water quality and regulatory compliance,
cross connection control, water rights, and a variety of
watershed related activities under development. I also work
with our executive leadership team in support of our various
agency Boards, frequently providing updates to our elected
officials on a variety of topics. The skills I have learned
along my career path are what I hope to bring to the table
as a Trustee: professionalism, leadership, transparency,
candor, and crucially, support of the Section Board. Also, to
make sure we have some fun along the way!
As far as AWWA activities, I served on the Oregon Water
Utility Council (OWUC) leadership team for the last three
years and am finishing my role as Chair this year, which
has been an amazing and deeply rewarding experience.
26 Fall 2021 CLICK HERE to return to TABLE OF CONTENTSYou can also read
