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AWWA adopts five-year strategic path forward

AWWA Core PrinciplesAfter more than a year of research, discussion and consultation with a broad spectrum of the water sector, the Board of Directors of the American Water Works Association (AWWA) on Aug. 18 unanimously approved a new strategic plan that envisions “a better world through better water” and seeks to advance diversity and inclusion and strengthen public trust.

AWWA’s new 2025 Strategic Plan was developed by a committee of representatives from sections, councils, service providers, manufacturers and the AWWA board and staff, chaired by Past President David Rager.

David RagerThe committee consulted with experts in areas including utilities, research, science, academics, young professionals, and the diverse communities served by the water sector.

“If you don’t spend some time thinking about where your organization wants to be in five years and the steps you need to take to get there, you can end up anywhere,” said Rager (pictured right). “It was a fun challenge to go through a process that incorporated hundreds of individuals. Bringing together their thoughts, insights and wisdom to guide the Association’s strategic plan was extremely valuable.”

The updated plan enables the AWWA Board to set direction, ensure resources and provide oversight for the next five years, as well as define AWWA’s significant role in supporting water professionals around the world and strengthen its collaboration with AWWA sections to provide benefits to members.

“AWWA has always paid attention to its relationship with sections and continues to value that partnership as we work together to enhance the ways we serve our members,” Rager said. “We also recognize that AWWA is the largest water association in the world, and water professionals all around the globe turn to us for information and knowledge -- such as our standards and best practices -- to help guide them in their operations.”

The plan reinforces the Association’s four strategic goals that guide AWWA staff and volunteer efforts. All were carried forward from the 2016 plan and include:

  • Member Engagement and Development
  • Organizational Stewardship
  • Knowledge Creation & Exchange
  • Water Policy & Leadership

Melissa Elliott“These are exactly the strategic objectives we need to guide us through the current challenges we’re seeing in public health and the economy, and those that will be with us in the future,” said Melissa Elliott (pictured right), AWWA president.

In addition, the 2025 plan expands AWWA’s list of core principles from five to seven. The two new principles are:

  • Strengthen Public Trust
  • Advance Access to Safe Water Globally

The new plan also adds emphasis to an AWWA principle that has been carried forward by several past presidents – Foster Diversity and Inclusion – by changing it to:

  • Advance Diversity and Inclusion

The remaining principles in the 2025 plan, brought forward from the 2016 plan, are:

  • Protect Public Health
  • Safeguard the Environment
  • Share Best Practices
  • Inspire Innovation

AWWA’s vision continues as, “A better world through better water.” The mission, which describes how the Association will work toward that vision, has been updated to, “Providing solutions to effectively manage water, the world’s most vital resource.”

“The AWWA volunteers on the planning committee delivered on their strategic vision by truly defining a path for the future,” Elliott added. “Our AWWA Board is ready to dig in and continue efforts to adapt and improve so we can provide our members what they need from us going forward.” 

Chi Ho ShamAWWA’s incoming president, Chi Ho Sham (pictured right), participated on the Strategic Planning Committee as chair of the Technical & Educational Council. “I was amazed but not surprised by the committee members’ thoughtfulness and passion during the process,” he said. “We listened to each other and the many experts who provided input, which made the plan more impactful to the water sector and the communities we serve.”

David LaFrance, AWWA Chief Executive Officer, said, “The extensive efforts of the Strategic Planning Committee – which began prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and public outcry to address racial inequality – have culminated in an inspirational roadmap that addresses the right things at the right time.

“Armed with this plan and the diverse talents of the AWWA community, we will make important and meaningful advances on the vision of a better world through better water,” he added.

 

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