Webcast Series Description:
Co-created by the Water Environment Federation (WEF) and Raftelis, the Workforce Development Case Study Series: Building the Future Water Workforce is a dynamic initiative spotlighting innovative workforce strategies from water and wastewater utilities across the United States. Through monthly webcasts from December 2025 to March 2026, the series will showcase small, medium, and large utilities implementing best practices in recruitment, retention, technology integration, and leadership development. Each webcast will feature real-world case studies and utility leaders sharing actionable insights to help build resilient, inclusive, and future-ready workforces. The series will culminate in a recognition event and leadership roundtable at the Utility Management Conference in March 2026, fostering peer exchange and collaboration across the sector.
Webcast Session Description:
Water and wastewater utilities are navigating unprecedented workforce challenges, retaining experienced staff, training new employees, and upskilling teams for the future. This session will spotlight real-world approaches utilities are using to improve retention, expand training pathways, and build future-ready teams.
Panelists:
- Tim Runde, Des Moines Metropolitan Wastewater Reclamation Authority
- Chris Myrben, Trinity River Authority of Texas
- Jenna Smith, Trinity River Authority of Texas
- Jessica Green, Orange County Utilities Orlando Florida
- Lisa Wilson, Raftelis (facilitator)
- Laura Herman, WEF (facilitator)
