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.
2023 TBAPaul 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
Doug Bean
Director of Government Services
Raftelis
Sreedhari Desai, PhD
Associate Professor of Organizational Behavior, UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School
Alison R. Fragale, PhD
Mary Farley Ames Lee Fellow and Associate Professor of Organizational Behavior, UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School
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
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
Angel Nix
Affiliate Faculty
UNC Executive Development
Elizabeth Dickinson, PhD
& Inclusion (DEI)
Lydian Altman
Teaching Assistant Professor
Center for Public Leadership and Governance
Testimonials
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
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
Administrative Services Manager, Metro Water Services, TN
My experience with this class was incredible! I honestly looked forward to each day as the teachers, material and group activities were all outstanding! The best part of the experience was the fact that all of the material was relevant and applicable for, not only my current, but future roles. I also truly appreciate and value the relationships that were built through this experience. Truly invaluable!
I can’t wait to encourage others to participate in the future!
Karen E. Ray
Assistant Public Utilities Director, City of Raleigh, NC
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
Executive Assistant II, City & County of Honolulu, Dept of Environmental Services
I would like to say that in my personal and professional academic experience, I had never been afforded the opportunity to be taught by such highly talented instructors. Although at times I felt tired, their subjects and specifically their delivery of curriculum kept me so engaged that hours felt like minutes. I cannot say enough about the NC staff, they have left me a changed professional for the better!
Armando Lopez
Manager, Treatment and Disposal Services, Union Sanitary District, CA
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
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
Operations & Facilities Director, LOTT Clean Water Alliance, WA
Thoroughly enjoyed the two week training session covering everything from strategy, finance, technical advancements and organizational culture. Getting to know and interact with the excellent instructors and fellow students was great.
Ronald D. Jacobsma
Assistant General Manager – Administration, Contra Costa Water District, CA