Meet the Urban Water Institute Board of Directors

About Our Board of Directors

The Urban Water Institute is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors drawn from hands-on policy makers, elected officials and industry leaders who are active in the water resources industry. The Board of Directors meets semi-annually during UWI’s Spring and Fall Conferences.

Active members of the Urban Water Institute who are in good standing are entitled to a seat on the Board, in accordance with UWI's bylaws and the appointment process below. 

Our Board of Directors

Our Board is comprised of water industry leaders who represent a cross-section of water districts, city and county water departments, engineering and consulting firms, law firms, water-related nonprofits, and representatives of the academic community. Scroll to the bottom of this page to meet our current Board of Directors. 

“As both a board member and water manager, my involvement with the Urban Water Institute has fostered collaboration among industry leaders, offering a platform to exchange innovative ideas and tackle the pressing water challenges we face. The association is a critical resource for staying ahead of emerging issues and ensuring sustainable water solutions for our communities.”

– Craig Miller, General Manager, Western Municipal Water District

In Memoriam

UWI recognizes the contributions and achievements of our past leaders who are no longer with us:

• Wayne Clark: UWI Founder (1928-2018)
• John Thornton: UWI Founding member (1946-2024)
• Jim Noyes: former UWI Chair & Executive Director (1943-2024)

How to Appoint a Board Member

If your organization is currently a member of UWI in good standing, you may designate a Board member by contacting our Marketing & Admin Director. Please provide the name of your organization, name of the Board member you wish to designate, their written bio and contact info. 

New members are added to the Board during the semi-annual Board of Directors meetings, which typically take place on the first day of the Spring and Fall Conferences. Potential Board members are asked to be present at the meeting to introduce themself and discuss their interest in serving on the Board. The Board will then vote to accept their position, and their term will begin effective immediately.

UWI Executive Committee

An Executive Committee comprised of UWI Board members is involved in the hands-on operations of the organization. The Executive Committee includes the Board Chair, First Vice Chair, Second Vice Chair, Treasurer, Secretary, past Board Chairs and the Executive Director.  The members of the Executive Committee are appointed by the Board Chair to serve an annual term. The Board Chair may appoint additional members to the Executive Committee when special expertise will enhance the organization's operations. 

The Executive Committee meets monthly to plan and coordinate a wide range of UWI activities, including conferences, special events, strategic planning, marketing and more. Meetings are typically held the fourth Monday of each month.

UWI Planning Committee

A Planning Committee Chair may be appointed by the Board Chair to assist with planning UWI’s conferences and special events. The Planning Committee may also assist with specific functions such as membership recruitment, guest speakers, and other key tasks.

UWI Membership Committee

A Membership Committee Chair may be appointed by the Board Chair to assist with membership development and recruitment. The Membership Committee is also charged with developing recruitment strategies and materials, outlining member benefits, and membership-related reporting.

UWI Policy Committee

A Policy Committee Chair may be appointed by the Board Chair to assist with water policy-related matters. UWI does not engage in advocacy, but focuses on providing objective information to our members who conduct advocacy on behalf of their respective organizations. The Policy Committee is responsible for monitoring federal, state and local legislative and administrative policy proposals to identify where to provide information to other groups regarding water industry rules, regulations, laws and administrative actions.