Exceptional Executive Education Designed for Utility Leaders

The Water & Wastewater Leadership Center

March 12-23, 2023 |  Kenan-Flagler Business School, Chapel Hill, NC

Application process has ended for the 2023 class

Arming utility executives with the management and leadership skills they need.

Celebrating over two decades of executive education designed specifically for water and wastewater professionals – The Water & Wastewater Leadership Center is currently accepting applications for its 2022 class. Exceptional leadership is essential as water and wastewater utilities strive to thrive as utilities of the future.

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How 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.

TBA 2024
Paul 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.

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Curriculum

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.

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Our Faculty

Lydian Altman

Teaching Assistant Professor

Center for Public Leadership and Governance

Doug Bean

Director of Government Services, Raftelis

Sreedhari Desai, PhD

Associate Professor of Organizational Behavior,

UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School

Elizabeth Dickinson, PhD

Associate Dean of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)
Clinical Associate Professor
Management and Corporate Communication

Jennifer Giordano

Affiliate Faculty, UNC Executive Development

Mabel M. Miguel, PhD

Professor of Organizational Behavior

UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School

Atul Nerkar, PhD

Associate Dean, Executive MBA Programs,

Allred Distinguished Scholar and Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship, UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School

Angel Nix

Affiliate Faculty, UNC Executive Development

Heidi Schultz, PhD

Clinical Professor of Management and

Corporate Communication, UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School

Albert “Al” H. Segars, PhD

PNC Bank Distinguished Professor, Chair,

Strategy and Entrepreneurship, UNC Chapel Hill’s Kenan-Flagler School of Business

Testimonials

The 2022 WWLC Program was undoubtedly one of the best experiences I have had in leadership and water/wastewater peer-to-peer training. Professionally orchestrated, the WWLC is an elite, certified program for individuals wishing to take their analytical and collaborative skills to a higher level. As with most graduate certifications, the program also bears the most beneficial result of connecting brilliant professionals in the water and wastewater community with one another. Five stars all-around!

Elizabeth Fazio Hale, J.D., LL.M (2022 Alumnus)

General Manager/CEO, Gulf Coast Authority, TX

My participation in the 2022 W/WW Leadership Training Program came at a time when I was struggling with some specific aspects of my job and career, and the skills, experiences, and information gained during the Training Program were transformative for me and gave me a fresh perspective that has allowed me to move forward, tackle some existing problems/challenges, and move forward confidently in my career as a Water/Wastewater professional. I am extremely indebted to the W/WW Leadership Program staff and instructors for their valuable knowledge and support.

David Laughlin, PE (2022 Alumnus)

Chief Engineer – Planning & Engineering Division, Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority, NM

My time at the Water and Wastewater Leadership Center was among the most valuable professional development experiences of my career. The material was crafted to teach leadership concepts in a way that was relevant to the unique challenges faced in the water sector and it was delivered and reinforced by a fabulous team of instructors and through experiential activities. What really set the experience apart was the ongoing interaction with the cohort. From mock negotiations and interviews to simulating change management initiatives, we were given many opportunities to practice leadership with each other. This allowed me to go beyond just being more aware of my leadership style and tendencies but to actually practice doing it differently with real humans who understand my work.

Christine McIntyre (2022 Alumnus)

Chief Financial Officer, Alexandria Renew Enterprises, VA

I was amazed in how much I gained from attending the WWLC. The professors brought with them tremendous experiences and stories that were incorporated into the class. Oftentimes, I found myself forgetting to take notes as my brain was absorbing all of the great information being given to me. This experience also allowed me to learn from the participants in the class, as well as build strong networks. Managing is staying on track, whereas leading is to influence change. The WWLC taught me how to do just that…influence change!

Kristopher Cadena (2019 Alumnus)

Principal Engineer, Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority, NM

The training offered by the Water and Wastewater Leadership Center was unparalleled to any other I have previously been a part of. The instructors were informative and engaging, allowing for an enjoyable learning experience. The tools provided and the relationships formed with other utility attendees will supply me with the knowledge and peer network to effectively remain a leader.

Shannon Frye (2019 Alumnus)

Administrative Services Manager, Metro Water Services, TN

The WWLC provided a comprehensive review of several key topics and issues for water managers. Program staff was extremely supportive, and faculty were engaging and highly knowledgeable in their fields. I highly recommend this training for any mid to senior-level manager who is interested in improving the overall functionality of their program.

Michael O’Keefe, LEED AP (2019 Alumnus)

Executive Assistant II, City & County of Honolulu, Dept of Environmental Services

It is rare that a leader is given the gift of time to truly think about how to do their job better. The Water & Wastewater Leadership Center is an amazing and rare opportunity to learn from excellent faculty about practical ways to improve yourself and your organization. I highly recommend it!

Christopher Storey (2019 Alumnus)

Assistant Director – Water Environmental Sciences, Water Environment Services of Clackamas County, OR

This is an extremely valuable educational experience. All of the instructors are very knowledgeable, make the subject matter relevant to our everyday work, and push us to take a broader perspective. I will definitely encourage others from my organization to attend.

Laurie Pierce (2018 Alumnus)

Operations & Facilities Director, LOTT Clean Water Alliance, WA

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