AWWA honors Prince William County Service Authority with individual, organizational diversity awards

The American Water Works Association (AWWA) has selected Prince William County Service Authority (SA) and its general manager and CEO, Calvin Farr, Jr., P.E., as recipients of the organizational and individual 2024 Diversity & Inclusion Awards. 

Established in 2003, AWWA’s Diversity Awards recognize an individual and an organization that have created, promoted and maintained diversity by establishing a professional environment that recognizes, encourages and effectively utilizes each individual’s talents. 

Farr, who has served as general manager and CEO of SA since 2019, received the Individual Award for his leadership in championing organizational change and cultivating a workforce that reflects the community it serves. Under his guidance, SA has implemented various initiatives to promote diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB).

“Diversity, inclusion, equity and belonging are personal priorities for me,” Farr said. “I have experienced firsthand what happens when you create an environment where team members feel they belong, and their voices are heard. Our efforts are helping us create a culture of innovation and high performance that attracts and retains top talent. This exceptional talent pool is crucial to solving the complex challenges facing the water and wastewater industry.”

Prince William County Service Authority itself earned the Organizational Award for its commitment and dedication to DEIB. Its innovative Diverse Voices, Inclusion, Belonging and Equity (VIBE) initiative serves as a framework for fostering a sense of belonging and creating a thriving workplace culture.

“The success of our VIBE journey is a demonstration of our employees’ commitment to fostering an inclusive work environment that embraces diverse thoughts, ideas and perspectives,” Farr said. “It is also a testament to their personal engagement in our VIBE journey. With the unwavering support of our Board of Directors and the dedication of our workforce, VIBE has been embraced at every level of our organization and embedded into the fabric of our organizational culture.”

Diversity and inclusion are among AWWA’s core principles in the Association’s 2025 Strategic Plan.

The awards will be presented during AWWA’s Annual Conference & Exposition (ACE24) June 10-13 in Anaheim, California. 

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Established in 1881, the American Water Works Association is the largest nonprofit, scientific and educational association dedicated to managing and treating water, the world’s most vital resource. With approximately 50,000 members, AWWA provides solutions to improve public health, protect the environment, strengthen the economy and enhance our quality of life.