| AWWA Member Spotlight—Richard Hope, Stevens Point, Wis.
AWWA Articles

AWWA Member Spotlight—Richard Hope, Stevens Point, Wis.

Richard HopeCurrent job title and employer: Senior Vice President, Water Technical Practice, AECOM

Education/professional background: Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering, Teesside Polytechnic, England; Post-Graduate Diploma, Business Administration, Warwick University, England

Job duties: At AECOM, I am a subject matter expert for water distribution modeling and master planning and oversee our Technical Practice Network to support global technical staff. I’m also a member of our Global Quality Council.

Richard with daughter Emily in GuatemalaWhen and how did you get involved in the water industry? As a senior engineering student, I had to decide whether to focus on structures, transportation or water. I’m so happy I chose water, which has provided me a very rewarding career. I’ve worked in England, Lesotho, South Africa, Botswana, Guatemala and the U.S. This has shown me that civil engineering is a universal profession with the goal of improving people’s living standards. We are much more successful collaboratively than individually. (Pictured, Richard and daughter Emily in Guatemala)

When and how did you become involved with AWWA? I joined AWWA while living and working in the United Kingdom because the articles in Journal ̶ AWWA supported the work I was doing. I became actively engaged after moving to the United States in 1991, chairing the Asset Management committee. I also was a member of the Technical and Education Committee and chair of the Engineering and Construction Division. Currently I’m a member of the International Council, director of the Wisconsin Section and an incoming AWWA vice president.

What is the International Council’s purpose and importance to AWWA? The International Council’s mission is to develop and coordinate AWWA's international policies and activities. This includes actively promoting AWWA participation in the global drinking water community, representing the interests of international members in the governance of AWWA, and stimulating participation of international members and organizations within the Association. Through the expertise and knowledge of our members, AWWA has a unique opportunity to influence the dialogue on current and future global water challenges. We truly are “Dedicated to the World’s Most Important Resource.”

What are the objectives of the International Council? Our objectives, which align with AWWA’s overall strategic plan, include:
•    Enhance AWWA’s international brand and presence outside North America
•    Facilitate international knowledge-sharing and best practices
•    Provide value to AWWA’s international members
•    Foster diversity and inclusion among AWWA’s international members

Richard enjoying cyclingFamily and other interests: I met my American wife, Diane, in a remote village in Lesotho, which is a small, mountainous enclave in South Africa.  I was helping to construct a rural water system and she was a Peace Corps volunteer. We are keen cyclists and last year cycled from Vienna to Budapest. Other than being very hot and getting lost, we really enjoyed the experience and are going to Italy this year for another biking experience. We have two young grandchildren and I am enjoying this new role and experience. (Photo credit: Richard Hope)

 

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement