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.
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.
TBA 2024Paul 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
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
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 BusinessTestimonials
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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