Emerging Leader Awards
Recognizing and supporting the next generation of water leadersWaterNow is committed to celebrating and elevating local leaders who do the hard work of advancing innovative, sustainable, and resilient water solutions in their communities. We believe that exceptional leaders can be found at every level within cities, towns, utilities, and water resource agencies, and that their professional development is key to ensuring our best water future. For these reasons, WaterNow has developed the Emerging Leader Program to recognize and support Next Gen water leaders and help them further their careers.
The Emerging Leader Awards recognize mid-level water utility professionals poised to take on leadership positions in the coming years. These individuals have demonstrated promise and creativity in advancing meaningful cultural change in the areas of sustainability, resiliency, or community engagement. Emerging Leader awardees receive a $1,500 stipend to support their leadership training and professional development, and are invited to participate in networking and educational opportunities throughout the year through the Emerging Leader Cohort Program.
Congratulations to the winners of the 2025 Emerging Leader Award!
- Aaron Kirkland, Philadelphia Water Department
- Dani Morgutia, Long Beach Utilities Department
- Lisa Pace, Coloradod Springs Utilities
- Tony Searls, Greater Cincinnati Water Works
- Corwin Washington, Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans
Visit our blog for more about this year's recipients.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who is an "Emerging Leader"?
Emerging leaders are mid-level utility and municipal staff representing a variety of backgrounds, poised to take on leadership positions in future years, with a particular focus on expanding the types of leaders in the utility space. By supporting the water utility leaders of the future, we support efforts to recruit and retain water leaders who reflect the communities they serve, and who represent an array of perspectives and experiences.
Who is eligible for nomination?
Eligible Emerging Leader nominees include mid-level staff from a utility, city, town, special district, or other entity with responsibility for drinking water, wastewater, and/or stormwater services.
When are nominations open?
We typically open nominations once a year, usually in the winter (December-February timeframe). Join our email list and keep an eye on this page and our account for the official announcement.
Can I nominate myself?
Yes! We welcome both peer and self nominations.
Can I re-nominate someone (or myself) if they (or I) were not awarded previously?
Yes! We often receive many strong applications in each application cycle, and re-nominations are welcome.
Learn more about the 2023 Emerging Leaders in this post from the WaterNow blog, or visit this link to read about the 2024 Emerging Leader Awards Ceremony!
ALL Awardees
Xochitl Coronado-Vargas
Public Outreach Coordinator, Tucson Water, Arizona
2024 Emerging Leader Awardee
Grace Vogel Sanders
Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans, Louisiana
2024 Emerging Leader Awardee
David L. Fielder II
Project Manager, Detroit Water and Sewerage Department, Michigan
2024 Emerging Leader Awardee
Chelsea Boozer
Government Affairs Manager, Central Arkansas Water, AR
2023 Emerging Leader Awardee
Meghan Hazer
City Planner, Department of Public Works, City of Baltimore, MD
2022 Emerging Leader Awardee
Rebecca Wright
Assistant City Engineer, Department of Public Works, City of Chelsea, MA
2022 Emerging Leader Awardee
Elizabeth Gillitzer-Gallardo
Revenue Supervisor, Aurora Water, CO
Christopher Lang
Project Manager, City of New Orleans, Louisiana
2024 Emerging Leader Awardee
Jenyffer Vasquez
Principal Water Resource Specialist, Calleguas Municipal Water District, CA
2023 Emerging Leader Awardee
Christopher Wolff
Water Demand Management Coordinator, Eagle River Water & Sanitation District, CO
2023 Emerging Leader Awardee
Lily Lopez
Director of External Affairs, Walnut Valley Water District, CA
2022 Emerging Leader Awardee
Maura Jarvis
Community Outreach Specialist, Philadelphia Water Department, PA
2022 Emerging Leader Awardee
Breanne Piler
Sustainability Manager, Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District, WI
2021 Emerging Leader Awardee
Dom Bennett
Assistant Director, Lee’s Summit Water Utilities, Missouri
2024 Emerging Leader Awardee
Tiffany Diaz
Regulatory & Conservation Manager, City of Georgetown, Texas
2024 Emerging Leader Awardee
Stephanie Chiorean
Environmental Staff Scientist and Planner, Philadelphia Water Department, PA
2023 Emerging Leader Awardee
Timothy Alston
Process Controls Engineer, Gary Sanitary District, IN
2023 Emerging Leader Awardee
Mora McLaughlin
Communications Project Manager, Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority, PA
2022 Emerging Leader Awardee
Meagan Williams
Stormwater Program Manager, City of New Orleans Department of Public Works, LA
2021 Emerging Leader Awardee
Cathleen Chavez Morris
Environmental Supervisor, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, CA
2021 Emerging Leader Awardee
This program is made possible by the generous support of Spring Point Partners
