AWWA Member Spotlight -- The future of water is bright with upcoming leaders like these June 17, 2021Connections Article, Publications Five young professionals who go above and beyond in service to the American Water Works Association (AWWA) and their Section recently were inducted into AWWA’s “5 Under 35” inaugural class. The recipients – each under the age of 35 – are Jeff Blakely, Jihyon Im, Amanda Jones, John Logan and Robert Parks. They were selected for the new award from 23 nominees by a committee of AWWA and Section leaders. Insights into their service and dedication to the water sector are highlighted below. Jeff Blakely, Rocky Mountain Section Regional Sales Manager, American Cast Iron Pipe Co., Highlands Ranch, Colo. Member of AWWA’s Manufacturers/Associates Council (MAC), past Young Professionals (YP) committee chair and MAC liaison. Volunteer leadership positions with AWWA’s Minnesota and Rocky Mountain sections B.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of North Dakota “The future is bright for the water sector because there are so many YPs that are passionate about the industry and ready to take on any challenge that comes their way.” Jihyon (Ji) Im, PE, New England Water Works Association Environmental Engineer, CDM Smith, Manchester, N.H. Incoming Chair of AWWA’s YP Committee, YP Liaison to the Technical and Educational Council (TEC), secretary of NEWWA Program Committee, founder of NEWWA University Outreach Committee, member of NEWWA YP Committee B.S., Environmental Engineering, and M.S., Civil Engineering, University of New Hampshire “What inspires me most about working in the water sector is the strong AWWA community of all generations that work tirelessly through passion, drive, and collaboration to advance the industry together.” Amanda Jones, Arizona Section Business Services Coordinator, Town of Marana, Ariz., Water Member of AWWA’s Customer Service Committee, programming committee member for the Utility Management Conference (UMC) Young Professionals Summit, Trustee-at-Large with the Arizona Section, founder of Womxn in Water B.A., International Studies, and Master of Public Administration, University of Arizona “I’m inspired by the stewardship and motivation young professionals bring to the water sector. Their passionate vision and powerful drive bring positive momentum to our industry.” John Logan, Texas Section Engineering Manager, Plant Operations, City of Fort Worth Chair of the Texas Section’s YP Committee B.S. Civil Engineering, Texas A&M University and M.S. Civil Engineering, University of Texas at Arlington “For the future of the water sector, I think it’s important that we utilize the ideas and skills of each member of our diverse water community.” Robert (Bob) Parks, Missouri Section Production Engineer, City of Independence, Mo., Water Department Member of AWWA’s Water Utility Council (WUC); Missouri Section Vice Chair, source water protection committee member, annual conference management chair, former landmarks chair; former YP Committee chair and treasurer, drinking water industry representative on Missouri’s Natural Resources Conservation Service State Technical Committee B.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of Missouri “Professionals within the water sector tirelessly strive to provide an essential service to their communities, and I am proud to contribute to that critical mission as an AWWA member.”