Former head of EPA water program, Philadelphia water commissioner among speakers at AWWA Public Officials event at ACE17

(DENVER) –- (RealEstateRama) – The former head of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s National Water Program and the Philadelphia Water Commissioner are among the speakers at the American Water Works Association’s Public Officials Breakfast & Caucus, 8-11:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 13, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

The event is of AWWA’s Annual Conference & Exposition, which will bring an estimated 11,500 water professionals to Philadelphia June 11-14.

Elected and appointed officials from throughout North America will hear about the changing Washington, D.C. landscape from Joel Beauvais, who departed recently from his position as EPA’s Deputy Assistant Administrator for Water. He is now a partner in the Washington, D.C. office of Latham & Watkins. With potential budget cuts and other changes swirling at EPA, Beauvais will provide an insider’s perspective on how the changes may impact local communities and the water sector.

Philadelphia Water Commissioner Debra McCarty will bring local perspective with a presentation on the Philadelphia Water Department’s Water Affordability Program.

Other speakers include AWWA President Jeanne Bennett-Bailey, who will kick off the event, and Tommy Holmes, AWWA legislative director, who will speak on the new infrastructure finance opportunities under the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA).

The event, which takes place in Room 111 A/B at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, is sponsored by Aqua and Wachs Water Services.

The Public Officials Breakfast & Caucus – free to elected and appointed public officials registered for the conference – is part of a broader public officials program that includes 12 hours of certificate training. ACE17 public officials events include:

Public Officials Breakfast & Caucus (Tues., June 13, 8-11:30 a.m., Pennsylvania Convention Center, Room 111 A/B)
Public officials hear from local and national speakers and discuss common issues during this popular annual event.

Public Officials Certificate Program (June 11-13, 1-5 p.m. each day, Pennsylvania Convention Center, Room 109B)
By participating in three four-hour courses, public officials registered at ACE17 have an opportunity to earn the AWWA Public Officials Certificate. The course on June 11 is “Introduction to Water and Sewer Operating Environments”. The course on June 12 is “Water and Sewer Infrastructure, Operations, and Maintenance”. The course on June 13 is “Financing Your Water and Sewer Utility for the Future”. Renowned water educator and author Frederick Bloetscher, PhD, P.E., will teach the courses. Public officials may register for all three courses to earn the certificate or take individual courses.

Registration information: Those wishing to register for the Public Officials Breakfast & Caucus can contact ">Amber Wilson at 303-734-3455. Those wishing to register for the Public Officials Certificate Program can do so online or on-site at the registration desk at the Conference. Only registered ACE17 attendees may participate in the public officials events.

Media note: Accredited members of the media may attend ACE17 at no charge. However, they are required to register with AWWA Communications. For media registration, please visit the AWWA Press Room or contact ">Deirdre Mueller at 303-347-6140.

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Established in 1881, the American Water Works Association is the largest nonprofit, scientific and educational association dedicated to managing and treating water, the world’s most important resource. With approximately 50,000 members, AWWA provides solutions to improve public health, protect the environment, strengthen the economy and enhance our quality of life.