Heather Collins assumes AWWA presidency at ACE25 gavel passing

Heather Collins, who oversees water treatment for Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, accepted the gavel as the new president of the American Water Works Association (AWWA) Wednesday evening at the 2025 Annual Conference and Exposition (ACE25) in Denver. Collins succeeds Cheryl Porter as president.

“I’m so honored to stand before you as the 144th president of the American Water Works Association,” Collins said. “I love that I’m following Cheryl in this role – we are the fifth and sixth women elected as presidents of the association, all in the past 20 years.”

Collins brings extensive water utility management experience to the role and is a longtime leader within AWWA and the association’s California-Nevada Section. She currently oversees the operation, maintenance and compliance for a district serving more than 19 million people.

In her first remarks as president, Collins outlined her priorities for the coming year, including plans to expand AWWA’s partnerships beyond the water sector, champion new leadership opportunities for the next generation, and strengthen public trust in tap water.

“As I accept the gavel this evening, I’m really inspired by the legacies that came before me, and energized by the opportunities ahead,” Collins said.

Porter, the chief operating officer of Great Lakes Water Authority in Michigan, served as AWWA’s first African American and woman of color president.

“As your president, it has been an absolute privilege to lead alongside our incredible AWWA members, volunteers, and Section leaders,” Porter said. “Your dedication and passion are the bedrock of this association, and together, you are truly the heartbeat of the water community.”

The ceremony concluded with a Wrap Party and an invitation to ACE26, scheduled for June 21-24, 2026, in Washington, D.C.