AWWA 2023 Volunteer of the Year – John J. Donahue

John Donahue, former president of the American Water Works Association (AWWA), retired chief executive officer of North Park Public Water District, and current AWWA trainer, received AWWA’s 2023 Volunteer of the Year award during this morning’s Opening General Session of the Annual Conference and Exposition (ACE). He is a former director of the Illinois Section, which awarded him the George Fuller award in 2009, and served on the Water Utility Council and various AWWA committees.

Education/certifications: Associate Degree, Environmental Science, Waubonsee Community College; Illinois Class A Water Treatment Operator and Class 2 Wastewater Treatment Operator

Career summary: Water and wastewater operator in Village of Plainfield, Illinois, from 1980 to 1987; superintendent of water and wastewater for the City of Geneva, Illinois, from 1987 through 2005; CEO of North Park Public Water District in Illinois from 2005 through 2020.

My success in being selected for positions with the City of Geneva and North Park Water was due largely to my networking through AWWA. This involvement helped me connect with water professionals who were outstanding role models. 

What drew you to a career in the water sector? Frankly, just plain luck. I was looking for a full-time job with benefits after high school, and my hometown of Plainfield had an opening for a wastewater treatment operator. However, what has kept me in the water sector is the job security and the overwhelming opportunities available if you are willing to put in the work.

What do you like most about working at a water utility? First and foremost, it is the people who I have encountered throughout my career. They are genuine, honest, hardworking people who generally have the best interests of their customers and coworkers in mind. We all want to take care of our families and enjoy work-life balance, but in addition, most people in the water sector care about others and are not shy about putting others before themselves.

Why do you enjoy being an AWWA trainer? It is one of the best things that could have happened for me after I retired! At that time, I realized I wasn’t ready to wrap up my career at age 60. AWWA Training Services has provided me an opportunity to share my water and wastewater knowledge and experience. I also get pass along the presentation skills I learned as an AWWA officer with young professionals and small system operators all over the country. I enjoy working with the other dedicated trainers and it is rewarding to give back to the sector that has been so generous to me.

How did you become an AWWA volunteer at the section and Association levels? I have been fortunate to have many mentors throughout my career, and most were also AWWA volunteers. These professionals guided me into section committees, councils and ultimately the section board. These volunteer opportunities provided me experience with managing meetings and agendas, working as a team, and leading people. My section experience helped launch my involvement at the Association level. I truly appreciate the water and wastewater professionals who weren’t too busy to help me along my journey. AWWA’s volunteers and staff are incredible and have influenced me in immeasurable ways. Many of them have become lifelong friends.

How has your involvement impacted your career? If not for the career opportunities I was made aware of through my volunteer involvement with AWWA, I might have left the sector. I was torn between a career as a First Responder or becoming a water professional. Thankfully, people I encountered along the way showed me the value of a water sector career, which is a primary reason I decided to stay.

The icing on the cake was having the honor of representing AWWA as its president in 2014. This experience allowed me to travel extensively throughout North America to numerous sections, which further confirmed for me that people in our sector are amazing. I am forever grateful for each conversation I had with members and for the hospitality that was graciously offered at every stop.

What is your advice for those starting a water sector career? If you are entering the field out of high school as I did, do not wait to invest in yourself. Take advantage of all the opportunities the water sector offers. Many employers offer tuition reimbursement. Sections and the Association offer operator, undergraduate and graduate scholarships. For college graduates, operators and those new to the field, hundreds of water sector jobs are open and just waiting to be claimed. The opportunity to quickly advance to leadership positions has never been more achievable if you put in the work. In addition, AWWA and its sections provide unprecedented opportunity to learn about leadership and being part of a team, as well as gaining experience in public speaking and meeting an abundance of water professionals who could be your future employer or employee.

What behaviors/skills have helped further your career? Other than the friends I have made, the thing I am most appreciate of as an AWWA volunteer is the leadership training I received. As I have grown in the industry and observed successful colleagues, I have learned through them how to be a water professional and leader and develop the skills to manage meetings, create consensus and make difficult decisions. 

Please describe your family and interests. I have been married to my beautiful wife, Debbie, for more than 41 years. We have two grown children, Jill and John, and three amazing grandchildren, Sadie, Kennedy and Camden (pictured above). I could not have achieved any level of success without their unwavering love and support.

Debbie and I take an active role in the lives of our kids and grandkids and enjoy attending baseball games, soccer matches, cheer and dance competitions, and golf tournaments. I also share a hobby with my son of managing our three aquariums, two freshwater and one salt water. I have learned as much about water treatment and quality through this hobby as I have working in the sector. I also love to read and drive the 2010 Corvette that Debbie gifted me when I retired. 

What would people be surprised to know about you? During my 20s, I volunteered with the local fire department as an Emergency Medical Technician. I had the terrifying opportunity to deliver two babies – fortunately, not at the same time and everything turned out great. Today, I am on the board of my local fire protection district and use that experience to help provide first responder services to our community.