WEF Appoints Amanda J. Waters as New Government Affairs Counsel

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (April 10, 2012)—The Water Environment Federation (WEF) announced the appointment of Amanda J. Waters to the position of Government Affairs Counsel. Effective April 9, 2012, Waters joins WEF to play a key role in advocating the organization’s public policy positions and building member involvement in the development of key water laws and regulations.

In her new assignment, Waters will monitor, analyze, and report on federal water quality legislation and regulations and their potential impact on WEF members. Her responsibilities include managing grassroots member involvement, working with WEF Member Associations to develop effective state legislative programs, and supporting outreach on public policy matters to key external audiences such as elected officials, water utilities, manufacturers, and consulting firms.

Working under the leadership of Tim Williams, Senior Director of Government Affairs, Waters will also be representing and advocating for WEF as well as developing strategies to help build support for its strategic priorities and programs.

“Amanda brings a wealth of outside-the-beltway knowledge and experience that will be very valuable to growing our advocacy efforts,” said Williams. “She’ll be helping WEF to shape legislation and regulation that’s in the best interests of clean water and public health. We're looking forward to working with her.”

Most recently serving as Deputy Executive Director and General Counsel at Sanitation District No. 1 in Fort Wright, Ky., Waters holds a B.S. in Biology from Eastern Kentucky University (KY.) and J.D. and Environmental Law Certificate from Pace University School of Law (NY). She was also Policy Advisor and later Deputy General Counsel to the Kentucky Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet, and Visiting Professor at Wesleyan University (Conn.).

“Amanda is a solid communicator who understands the public policy issues faced by water professionals each day,” added WEF Executive Director Jeff Eger. “I’m confident she’ll be a real asset to our team.”

Founded in 1928, the Water Environment Federation (WEF) is a not-for-profit technical and educational organization of 36,000 individual members and 75 affiliated Member Associations representing water quality professionals around the world. WEF members, Member Associations and staff proudly work to achieve our mission to provide bold leadership, champion innovation, connect water professionals, and leverage knowledge to support clean and safe water worldwide.