Arming utility executives with the management and leadership skills they need.
Celebrating over 25 years of executive education exclusively for water and wastewater professionals – The Water & Wastewater Leadership Center offers an unparalleled learning experience. Exceptional leadership is essential as water and wastewater utilities continue to face a growing list of complex challenges, and the Leadership Center provides a one-of-a-kind environment for current and emerging leaders to learn alongside their utility peers.
Learn MoreHow to Apply
The Leadership Center’s curriculum is designed for current and up-and-coming water and wastewater utility CEOs, General Managers, Senior Managers, and Upper-Level Management – from both public and private utilities.
Fall 2026Paul J. Rizzo Conference Center
All classes are held in state-of-the-art facilities at the Paul J. Rizzo Conference Center’s Executive Education program at the Kenan-Flagler Business School, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Learn MoreCurriculum
The Leadership Center’s curriculum, taught by unequaled UNC faculty, is designed for current and up-and-coming water and wastewater utility CEOs, General Managers, Senior Managers, and Upper-Level Management – from both public and private utilities.
Learn MorePartner Organizations
Our Faculty
Catherine Carter
Vice President, Raftelis
Sreedhari Desai, PhD
Associate Professor of Organizational Behavior and Crist W. Blackwell Scholar
Mabel M. Miguel, PhD
Clinical Professor of Organizational Behavior
Atul Nerkar, PhD
Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship and
Allred Distinguished Scholar
Angel M. Swindell Nix, MA, BCC
Affiliate Faculty, UNC Executive Development
Heidi Schultz, PhD
Clinical Professor of Management and Corporate Communication
Mary Tiger
Director of Community Relations
Orange Water and Sewer Authority (OWASA), Chapel Hill, NC
Testimonials
I am deeply grateful for the opportunity and honor to be part of the 2026 class at the Water and Wastewater Leadership Center. The two weeks spent at UNC were truly invaluable. Not only was I able to create 29 lifelong connections with incredible water and wastewater leaders from across the country, but I also return with renewed energy excitement to implement all the new strategies I learned into practice.
I-HsinMcConnell
(2026 Alumnus)
Regulatory Services Division Manager
Engineering & Construction
WSSC Water, MD
Leadership is not just about direction – it’s about connection. My experience at the Water & Wastewater Leadership Center deepened my understanding of what it means to lead with purpose while strengthening my skills and forging relationships that will last a lifetime. The lessons learned and the bonds built are the true measure of the value from this leadership program.
Tim Villarosa
(2025 Alumnus)
Director of Financial Services
Toho Water Authority, FL
Attending the Water and Wastewater Leadership Center was a game-changer for me as a leader. The insights gained from UNC’s top professors and the shared wisdom of peers across the country have not only better equipped me for my role but have also reinvigorated my commitment to our vital mission in the clean water sector. I leave the program more confident, motivated, and ready to tackle the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Bess McCoy
(2024 Alumnus)
Manager of Public Affairs
Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District, KY
The 2024 Water and Wastewater Leadership Center was an amazing opportunity for growth and development, facilities are top notch, and the faculty are exceptional. The courses were not only relevant to today’s challenges but were thought provoking and gave me tools to continue to use when new challenges arise. Although the training itself is terrific, the best part was my fellow classmates. Having the opportunity to meet these exceptional water and wastewater professionals, all with various backgrounds from around the country, was an amazing opportunity that I didn’t anticipate. Getting to know this group and having the ability to discuss their experiences and lessons learned both inside and outside the classroom setting was terrific.
Allen Muehlher, P.E.
(2024 Alumnus)
Assistant Director of Engineering
Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District, KY
I have been through several leadership trainings, but the Water & Wastewater Leadership Center is next level! This program is for those who are truly dedicated to becoming the best leader they can be in the water and wastewater industry. Every instructor was engaging and knowledgeable and guided us through how to apply the teachings in our own organizations. Just in the first few weeks since the training I have been able to apply in the workplace so much of what I learned. I also made lasting connections with classmates, who are all top notch, and we have continued to collaborate and learn from each other after completion of the program through social media and technology since we are spread out across the U.S. If you don’t believe me (and even if you do), try it for yourself! You won’t be disappointed.
Jen Cobb, PE
(2023 Alumnus)
Assistant Director
Newport News Waterworks, VA
What happens when you put 29 Water Industry Management Professionals in one room for 12 days and expose them to educators from the UNC Keenan-Flagler Business school….pure magic. Well, at least that’s how it felt as a member of the 2023 Water and Wastewater Leadership Center cohort. Not only have I made lifelong friends & industry contacts, but also have been exposed to the amazing selection of educators tasked with molding the Water Industries Up and Coming Leaders.
Brian Persing, MBA
(2023 Alumnus)
Plant Superintendent
Piscataway Water Resource Recovery Facility,
WSSC Water, MD
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