WaterNow Alliance has announced the exceptional winners of the fifth annual Emerging Leader Awards! The Exchange is proud to recognize member organizations Philadelphia Water Department and the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans as award recipients. Exchange member, Aaron Kirkland, is the Superintendent of the Philadelphia Water Department’s Green Stormwater Operations unit, working to ensure that GSI projects implemented through the city’s Green City, Clean Waters program continue to provide community benefits and meet stormwater treatment obligations. A graduate of the PowerCorps PHL Program, Aaron played a pivotal role in structuring and expanding the department’s in-house stormwater operations team, reducing reliance on contractors while creating stable, well-paying jobs through an apprenticeship program for residents who might otherwise face barriers to entering the workforce. Aaron also serves as an ambassador and champion for the program, sharing the successes and benefits of Philadelphia Water Department’s green stormwater initiative at conferences across North America.The award is designed to celebrate, lift up, and support the work of mid-level utility and municipal professionals from under-represented backgrounds in the water utility sector, poised to take on leadership roles in coming years. Please join the Exchange in congratulating Aaron!
