The WEF Fellows Program recognizes the impact of individual WEF members’ professional contributions to the protection of the water environment. As the March 1 deadline for 2021 nominations approaches, it feels timely to shine a light on the program and continue to encourage nominations that recognize the diversity of the water profession, including the skills required to contribute to the protection of public health and the environment.
WEF's Academic Committee proposed a Fellows program and recommended that it be crafted while keeping the range of practice areas represented within WEF's membership in mind. As a result, the program is a vehicle to recognize WEF members of stature, whatever their practice area. This philosophy of inclusiveness continues to be reflected in WEF through two strategic plan goals that speak to diversity within the organization and the water profession. The Fellows program offers one opportunity to continue to celebrate that diversity and provide role models and inspiration for us all.
The Joy of Nominating
With only 15 Fellows named each year, nominations may not turn out the way we hope. And it's a bit of work too. So why do it? A WEF Fellows nomination is a way to honor individuals who represent the broad range of dedication, service, and aspirations of all WEF members.
Here are some tips to framing the nomination process in a way that can make it an act of purpose and joy that has value in itself:
- Nominating someone is a gesture of love and respect. Independent of the results, gathering the credentials and preparing the letters of reference is like a party in honor of someone you admire. You can involve the nominee in the process or keep it as a surprise, and you'll probably learn something you didn't know about your nominee!
- Self-nominations are common. You will likely find members eager to support you.
- Your voice matters. Nominations are a great way to be engaged in the WEF community.
A Perspective on Selection
Remember, nominations can be made by WEF Member Associations (MAs) or individual members, and self-nominations are welcomed. It’s worth noting, however, the limit of 15 new Fellows selected each year. Given the number of highly accomplished members, it is no surprise that the Selection Committee has a challenging task each year. While the Selection Committee is a diverse group and follows a structured review process, the committee cannot personally know all of the nominees. Nominators should carefully review the published criteria and make sure that they highlight specifically how the nominee’s professional contributions and volunteer service align with these criteria.
If you move forward with your nomination with these intentions and know that the nomination is an honor of its own, you'll find it well worth the effort.
Inspired by all of this, we hope you will consider a 2021 nomination!
Rhonda Harris, P.E., P.Eng, BCEE, PMP, MIAM, F.WEF has more than 45 years’ wide ranging experience. This includes developing and implementing training programs for public and private sector personnel and developing regulations for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as well as knowledge management and management consulting, condition assessments, business practice evaluations, asset management and life cycle costing, engineering design, construction and O&M renewals, and operations for facilities and systems. She is a certified Texas Water and Wastewater Operator and approved operations trainer, as well as a licensed wastewater operator in Ontario, Canada. She is also a past president and elected Fellow of the Water Environment Federation. Ms. Harris is the immediate past chair of the WEF Fellows Selection Committee. 
Erin (Pink) Mosley designs and facilitates programs that support career and leadership transformations. With deep experience in both leadership development and water management, she draws on 25+ years of experience as a professional engineer and management consultant along with certifications as an IMGB Innovation Management Green Belt™️ with Innovation360, an Envision ® ENV SP trainer with the Institute of Sustainable Infrastructure, and an SEP (in training) with the Somatic Experiencing Institute. She has consulted and led programs for WEF, its member associations and partners, and numerous other water leaders. She is currently the lead designer and facilitator for the Water Innovation Leadership Development (WILD) program at Duke University's Nicholas School of the Environment. She has also served on several non-profit and advisory boards including the WEF Board of Trustees, the Zofnass Program for Sustainable Infrastructure at Harvard University, and the New England Water Environment Association.
Eileen O’Neill, Ph.D., BCES is a founding principal with Water Principles LLC , and a member of both the Board for Global Environmental Credentialing and the Water Tower Institute who writes and speaks on issues of water and innovation. She is a former Water Environment Federation executive director, has consulting and academic experience in the UK and USA, and is a member of the 2020 class of WEF Fellows.