2025 AWBD Summer Journal

Welcome New Members!

AWBD extends a warm welcome to the following members who have recently joined the Association. If you know of a district or firm interested in joining AWBD, the Membership Committee would be happy to visit with them. Contact the AWBD office or visit awbd.org for a copy of the Membership application.

Bullock Construction

East Plantation UD

Electrical Field Services

Fort Bend Co MUD 152

Fort Bend Co MUD 169

Fort Bend Co MUD 188

GLX Technologies

Governmental Financial Accounting LLC

Harris Co MUD 423

Harris Co MUD 534

Harris Co MUD 544

Harris Co MUD 586

Mcintire Management Group

Montgomery Co MUD 165

Project Surveillance, Inc.

Records Consultants, Inc.

Walker’s Total Solution

Williamson-Travis Counties MUD 1

STAFF

The AWBD staff is dedicated to assisting Association members in a professional and efficient manner at all times—whether at a conference, at the office, or in response to your e-mailed questions during the year. Please contact staff members by phone or e-mail.

Rick Ellis

MISSION

The Association of Water Board Directors - Texas is dedicated to the betterment of Texas water district operation and management through education, unification, and advocacy.

VISION STATEMENT

The Association of Water Board Directors - Texas will continue to be the primary source for Texas water district industry information and education.

Executive Director rellis@awbd-tx.org

Franny Hennon

Finance & Administrative Manager fhennon@awbd-tx.org

Elizabeth Dominguez

Media & Communications Specialist ldominguez@awbd-tx.org

CONTACT US

Taylor L. Cavnar Deputy Director

tcavnar@awbd-tx.org

Sara M. Albright Program Manager salbright@awbd-tx.org

Evelyn Picaz

Office & Member Specialist epicaz@awbd-tx.org

Association of Water Board Directors - Texas

Energy Tower

11700 Katy Freeway, Suite 450

Houston, TX 77079

Office: (281) 350-7090

Toll free: (800) 597-0122

Fax: (281) 350-7092 awbd.org

Wendy Duncan AWBD Board of Trustees, President

As we enter a season of growth and renewed energy, I am thrilled to extend to you a warm invitation to the 2025 AWBD Annual Conference, taking place in San Antonio, Texas, from June 12-14, 2025.

This year’s conference holds special significance as we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Association of Water Board Directors - Texas, a milestone that honors five decades of dedication, leadership, and progress in Texas water governance. What began as a small but passionate group of directors and industry leaders seeking collaboration and shared knowledge has grown into a powerful network of 1,050 members across the state, united by the shared dedication to the betterment of Texas water district operation and management through education, unification, and advocacy.

The Annual Conference will be a true reflection of that legacy and a launching pad for our next chapter. Whether you are a newly elected board member or a seasoned director, this event offers unmatched opportunities for education, networking, and professional development. Attendees can expect a robust agenda featuring expert-led sessions on the latest in water policy, operations, governance, best practices, and emerging technologies. We’re also excited to present a special welcome greeting from some of AWBD’s esteemed pioneers.

In addition to the rich educational programming, this year’s conference will feature special anniversary events celebrating our golden jubilee. From our conference-opening welcome reception to a retrospective exhibit honoring AWBD’s history, we look forward to recognizing the people, projects, and policies that have shaped our organization and the water districts we serve.

It is a moment to reflect, to express gratitude, and to reaffirm our commitment to the communities that depend on us.

San Antonio, with its vibrant culture, rich history, and riverfront charm, offers the perfect backdrop for this celebration. You may consider building in some extra time before and after the conference to tour the missions, take a drive in the Hill Country, visit Natural Bridge Caverns, stroll the Botanical Gardens, do a Riverwalk boat tour, or so much more. There is something for everyone in San Antonio.

On behalf of the AWBD Board of Trustees, Advisory Council, and staff, we are looking forward to seeing you soon in San Antonio and celebrating this incredible milestone together. Our strength lies in our collective knowledge and the connections we build together.

Let’s honor the past, celebrate the present, and plan boldly for the future.

Warm regards,

Wendy Duncan President INFRAMARK, LLC

Michael D. Rozell First Vice President FORT BEND CO LID 11

Dwayne Mason Treasurer HARRIS CO ID 18

Ellen Hughes Immediate Past President FORT BEND CO MUD 23

Sergio D. Handal, P.E. Gulf Coast

FORT BEND CO MUD 35

Linda Backlund North Texas

Kara E. Richardson

Executive Vice President MARKS RICHARDSON PC

Larry Goldberg, P.E., ENV SP, FASCE Second Vice President HARRIS CO MUD 261

Kaci Schlachter, P.E.

Secretary QUIDDITY ENGINEERING, LLC

Florence “Kit” Thomas West Texas

HORIZON REGIONAL MUD

Calvin Browne MUNICIPAL DISTRICT SERVICES, LLC

William A. Callegari, Sr., P.E. TNG UTILITY CORPORATION

Sherri W. Greenwood, CPA FORVIS MAZARS

Tara Klein, PLA, ASLA FOUR AND ONE LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

Joshua P. Lee, P.E. QUIDDITY ENGINEERING, LLC

Todd Burrer INFRAMARK, LLC

David Patterson, RTA ASSESSMENTS OF THE SOUTHWEST, INC

Howard M. Cohen SCHWARTZ, PAGE & HARDING, L.L.P.

Ken Heroy, P.E. JONES-HEROY & ASSOCIATES, INC.

Trey Lary ALLEN BOONE HUMPHRIES ROBINSON LLP

Greg Lentz, P.E., MBA MASTERSON ADVISORS, LLC

Autumn Phillips MUNICIPAL ACCOUNTS & CONSULTING, L.P.

Jon D. Polley POLLEY GARZA PLLC

DeKecha P. Shepherd, P.E. PAPE-DAWSON ENGINEERS, INC.

Keli M. Schroeder, P.E. BGE, INC.

Richard W. Stolleis, P.E. FORT BEND CO MUD 146

Trustees and members of the Advisory Council welcome members to contact them about any matter of Association concern through the AWBD office:

Association of Water Board Directors – Texas Energy Tower

11700 Katy Freeway, Suite 450 Houston, TX 77079

Office: (281) 350-7090

Toll-free: (800) 597-0122

Fax: (281) 350-7092 awbd.org

AWBD BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING INFORMATION

If you would like a copy of the agenda, minutes, and complete proceedings of the monthly meeting of the Association’s Board of Trustees, please write the Association at 11700 Katy Freeway, Suite 450, Houston, Texas 77079 or call the office, (281) 350-7090 or (800) 597-0122. A copy of the proceedings will be mailed to any member district or firm. Copies are limited to one per member.

The Association’s Board of Trustees meets the second Wednesday of each month. If you would like to attend the meetings, please call the Association office in advance to confirm the meeting schedule.

Government Affairs Committee

Larry Goldberg, P.E., ENV SP, FASCE chair Programs & Education Committee

Kara E. Richardson chair

LEGISLATIVE PLANNING SUBCOMMITTEE

Trey Lary chair

LOCAL GOVERNMENT SUBCOMMITTEE Jerry Homan chair

REGULATORY AFFAIRS SUBCOMMITTEE Ken Heroy, P.E. chair

CONFERENCES SUBCOMMITTEE

ElizaBeth Reeves chair

EMERGING LEADERS SUBCOMMITTEE Kaci Schlachter, P.E. chair

SPECIAL PROGRAMS & PARKS SUBCOMMITTEE Tara Klein, PLA, ASLA chair

Strategic Planning Committee

Wendy Duncan chair

BYLAWS & POLICY SUBCOMMITTEE

Dwayne Mason chair

OFFICE RELATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE Linda Backlund chair

COMMUNICATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE Kathryn Foss chair

FINANCE & BUDGET SUBCOMMITTEE Dwayne Mason chair

Membership Committee

Kaci Schlachter, P.E. chair

OUTREACH & ENGAGEMENT SUBCOMMITTEE DeBra Edwards chair

REGIONAL INITIATIVES SUBCOMMITTEE Linda Backlund chair

RECOGNITION SUBCOMMITTEE Mike Rozell chair

WATER SMART SUBCOMMITTEE Bear Oakley chair

Nominating Committee

Ellen Hughes chair

AWBD Parks Webinars are presented virtually on the first Friday of each month, excluding conference months January and June. These webinars are designed to educate and inform directors about unique strategies to enhance their district’s parks.

For more information visit: awbd.org/awbd-events/parks

Jeff Garner

Lake Management Services, LP

2025 AUG 8 2025

TOPIC

Best management practice for ponds

Stephanie Gray

Agrilife Extension Horticulture

TOPIC

Texas Tree Survival Guide

Taylor’s Tidbits

REMEMBER THIS GOLDEN RULE BEFORE YOU EMBARK ON YOUR CONFERENCE ADVENTURE:

‘Know before you Go!’ Don’t just throw your toothbrush in a suitcase and hit the road. Print out those confirmations - your AWBD Meeting Confirmation and Hotel Reservation are your golden tickets to a smooth experience. And if you can’t find them, well, it’s time to get dialing to the AWBD office! Never assume you’re all set without those trusty printouts in hand. Pop them in your purse or wallet for quick access when you check-in, and you’ll be conferenceready and worry-free!

Also, be sure to follow the road to success on page 57.

AWBD 50TH ANNIVERSARY PHOTO GALLERY

“ONE BIG FAMILY” AWBD AT 50

BY PAUL WISEMAN

All in the Family. Growing Pains.

Step by Step. Full House.

These family sitcom names describe issues faced over the years by the AWBD, as recently recalled by three long-time board members and directors. Doug Jordan, director with Harris Co MUD 102 and AWBD Trustee from 2001 through 2016, said this about his experience working with the board on planning: “It cemented the relationships, and one of the lessons learned is AWBD is a family.”

After starting small in the Gulf Coast region in 1975, succeeding AWBD board members, including Bill Blitch, Doug Jordan, and Dan Sallee saw the organization outgrow its early-days favorite meeting facilities, adding MUDs beyond the original Gulf Coast geography, and expanding the content and benefits of the meetings’ programs over the years.

The Balance Between Growth and Meeting Space

All three spoke fondly of early conventions held on South Padre Island, which they soon outgrew. They discussed the challenges of overfilling the venue, with Blitch saying, “We were stumbling over each other during the vendor programs because all they could put it in was in the hallways, and no one could move.”

While the AWBD leadership begged South Padre officials to expand the venue, that never happened, necessitating a move.

Hopping over to New Orleans was a big hit with some members but, Blitch said, “a lot of the attorneys thought otherwise and that (going out of state) was a risk that I think cost us a little bit of credibility with legislators (and) with some of the bigger attorney firms.”

Jordan recalled that fear of hurricanes also informed board members’ choices of venues, due to the fact that most members were from coastal regions. That narrow focus was in spite of extensive outreach efforts, he said, as they invited MUDs from elsewhere in the state to join them—but to no avail.

Getting Organized

When Sallee joined AWBD in the mid-1990s, he “liked what the board represented,” but he also saw that it was mostly disorganized and “too many people really didn’t understand what it was all about.” At that time, he realized that “They go month to month meeting to meeting, fighting fires.” Also, the board was holding regular meetings in a living room.

With an MBA and a history of strategic planning in the business world, Sallee set about to help them plan better for a rainy day and, actually, any kind of day. “The first thing I did when I got on the board was take them through a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis strategic review to see what we needed to be looking at and what was going to fail on us the next time we turned around, and to have some money in the bank ready to pay for it and not have to jump through hoops every time,” he recalled.

One challenge was to get board members to think beyond themselves, to improving the organization and its meetings. Among Sallee’s suggestions were to raise fees in order to provide more services, and to make the budget openly available, which “made everybody else on the board nervous.” But he contended that raising the fees required the board to show its members its purpose.

Over the years, membership fees have increased which allowed for expanded opportunities for education, “which is what we’re really here for,” Sallee said, along with lobbying the Texas legislature. It would also get the organization “out of the living room” (of longtime association member, and former Executive Director, Merry Leonard) and into the

business world. Jordan agreed, adding, “It created AWBD as a real entity. Not that it was not doing great things before then, but it cemented it as a standalone type of entity.”

During its living room time there were neither offices nor full-time staff.

With higher fees, the office moved to Spring, Texas, and the organization began to grow rapidly. “I think we grew from 300 to 500 plus maybe 550 in about three years,” and now the organization had more clout and more resources to provide its members, Sallee recalled. Membership now exceeds 1,000, spanning most of the state.

Blitch said the meetings’ programs had been limited in topics. So, they began distributing questionnaires at meetings, asking for input on presentation topics. That input “expanded pretty greatly the operations of the program committee, which is always a good idea.”

The organization has successfully navigated the above issues across its half-century and is poised for further growth in the future.

THE STORY BEHIND AWBD’S ICONIC LOGO: FROM LATE-NIGHT IDEA TO OFFICIAL BRAND

The journey of the Association of Water Board Directors - Texas (AWBD) logo is a testament to creativity and community spirit. Lynne Miller, a board member for Harris Co WCID 136, designed the logo during a late-night burst of inspiration in July 1976.

Her design aimed for simplicity and clarity, using lowercase letters to achieve a clean and modern look. To her surprise, Miller’s design won the contest, leaving her fellow board members astonished as they were unaware of her participation.

The logo has since evolved, incorporating vibrant colors and the Texas flag, symbolizing the organization’s deep connection to Texas and its commitment to serving the state’s water districts. This evolution reflects the dynamic nature of AWBD and its dedication to representing the interests of Texas water districts.

Celebrating the logo’s creation involves acknowledging Miller’s artistic vision and the collaborative efforts that refined the design.

This significant milestone highlights AWBD’s dedication to preserving the integrity and uniqueness of its brand. With the logo now officially trademarked in January 2025, there are strict limitations on its use, ensuring that it remains exclusive to authorized contexts.

Members and partners are encouraged to respect these restrictions to maintain the logo’s appropriate and exclusive usage. This achievement not only reinforces AWBD’s identity but also symbolizes its commitment to excellence within the Texas water district community.

AGGIES IN LAND DEVELOPMENT

BY TIM EARLY

The Master of Land and Property Development (MLPD) program at Texas A&M University was established 40 years ago as the Master of Science in Land Development and was one of only five master’s degree programs in the nation focused on real estate development at the time.

Flexible Degree Plan

The MLPD program offers three options: an in-person degree plan, a fully online degree plan, and a recently approved certificate option for those who do not wish to pursue the full degree. The online program was launched in 2021, with its first graduating class in 2023. Both the in-person and online programs require 36 credit hours of coursework, which can be completed in as little as 15 months.

Current enrollment in the program is 84 students, who come from a wide variety of undergraduate backgrounds and industries. The in-person program primarily consists of students continuing their education immediately after earning their undergraduate degrees. These students complete internships with real estate firms during the summer semester. Online students come from diverse backgrounds, including brokerage, law, engineering, and others who are changing careers or embarking on a “second career”. The MLPD Certificate program allows students to tailor their education

by selecting courses from the curriculum. Students are required to complete 13 credit hours, beginning with the program’s Introduction to Development course as the only required course, followed by three elective courses of their choice and a one-hour capstone course.

Approximately half of MLPD graduates pursue careers in residential land acquisition and development, securing positions primarily with large builder/developers such as Lennar, Pulte Homes, DR Horton, Meritage Homes, and other major public and private homebuilding companies. Graduates are also hired by industrial developers, multifamily developers, and engineering and design firms. Even, indirectly, the Association of Water Board Directors-Texas.

Two aspects that differentiate the MLPD program from other master’s programs are its comprehensive coverage of real estate—from idea inception to asset disposition—and its practical, hands-on approach. The curriculum covers all aspects of commercial real estate land acquisition and development, including:

• Introduction to Development

• Market Analysis

• Site Analysis

• Due Diligence

• Project Management (MUDs and HOAs)

• Commercial Development

• Residential Development

• Entrepreneurship

• Real Estate Law

• Real Estate Finance

AGGIES IN LAND DEVELOPMENT (CONT.)

In addition to a diverse course progression, students develop skills in critical thinking, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. The curriculum also addresses current trends such as artificial intelligence, sustainable design, and advanced construction techniques.

Another unique aspect of the MLPD program is its emphasis on practical learning over theory, with most faculty members bringing decades of experience from their respective asset classes. Courses feature real-world applications, including case studies, site visits, and industry competitions.

Hands-On Experience

Faculty members include Tim Early, Dan Leverett, Bentley Scott, Jonathan Clark, and Dr. Youngre Noh. Tim Early, the Director of the MLPD program, joined the faculty in 2019 after nearly 30 years in residential land acquisition and development, primarily in Houston, with companies such as Pulte Homes,

K. Hovnanian, McGuyer Homebuilders, and KB Home. Dan Leverett, founder of Place Development and former Senior VP of Commercial Development at The Woodlands Development Company, brings expertise in the retail, office, and hospitality sectors. Bentley Scott, previously with CBRE, joined the faculty in 2025 and teaches real estate finance and entrepreneurship. Dr. Noh’s interests include environmental valuation, urban design, the impact of urban planning and policy decisions, and land and property development.

Students in the MLPD program engage with the real estate development industry through the Real Estate Development Association (REDA), the program’s student organization. REDA organizes field trips to projects in the four major Texas metro areas, hosts guest speakers, and coordinates networking events with industry leaders.

Leaders in the real estate industry support the MLPD program through the Development Industry Advisory Council (DIAC), which funds scholarships and facilitates student programs such as attendance at the Urban Land Institute’s annual conferences. The DIAC has several committees that assist with curriculum review, recruiting, networking, mentoring, and career placement.

For more information about the MLPD program, please visit the program’s webpage: www.arch.tamu. edu/academics/graduate-programs/master-of-land-andproperty-development

WATER YOU WAITING FOR? PLANNING FOR SUCCESSFUL SURFACE WATER CONVERSION

BY MATTHEW FROEHLICH, P.E.

As a MUD director, you’ve probably heard the terms “subsidence”, “water authority”, “surface water”, and “chloramines”, but do you know what they all mean and how they relate to you and your MUD? Most MUDs in the greater Houston area are within or contract with a regional water authority. These water authorities are responsible for meeting the groundwater reduction requirements imposed by subsidence districts and groundwater conservation districts on behalf of their MUDs, typically by providing surface water to them in place of pumping groundwater. Surface water is most commonly disinfected using chloramines, a combination of chlorine and ammonia, as opposed to only chlorine for groundwater.

At the 2025 AWBD Mid-Winter Conference, Cameron King with Marlon Ivy & Associates and Matt Froehlich with BGE, Inc. gave a presentation entitled “Water You Waiting For? Planning for Successful Surface Water Conversion. Cameron and Matt covered:

• What surface water is and why it’s important;

• The differences in disinfection and operations of surface water and groundwater;

• What to expect if your MUD must convert to surface water and chloramine disinfection; and

• Planning and required and potential additional communication with customers before, during and after converting to surface water and chloramine disinfection.

A video of the presentation can be found on AWBD’s website. Cameron and Matt fielded questions from the audience, but were not able to get to all of them. Here are some they weren’t able to get to which Matt has provided responses for:

1. Does a water authority disinfect the surface water it is delivering to a MUD or does the MUD disinfect it?

• When delivering surface water to a MUD for potable use, the water authority will disinfect or maintain disinfection (if it is receiving the water from another provider) to the point where the MUD receives the water. While the water is potable at the point the MUD receives it, the MUD may have to “boost” or “trim” the disinfection in the water to maintain quality as it pumps the water throughout its distribution system.

2. Will reuse water, discharged water from a wastewater treatment plant, be a contributor to assist with surface water? And will reuse water be treated more in order to use as drinking water in order to lower groundwater demand?

• Reuse or reclaimed water is water that would normally be discharged from a wastewater treatment plant that is additionally treated and/or filtered so it can be used again for certain purposes such as irrigation and filling amenity lakes. In general, reclaimed water does contribute to the reduction of groundwater use and counts towards

WATER YOU WAITING FOR (CONT.)

meeting groundwater reduction requirements. Reclaimed water can be treated even further so that it can be used directly (straight into the water system or plant) or indirectly (discharged into a river, lake, or aquifer before being withdrawn and further treated). While this is not happening in the Houston area (that I’m aware of), it is happening in Texas. Big Spring and Wichita Falls were the first two direct potable reuse projects in the United States.

3. Will ammonia storage have to have a leak alarm system to warn neighbors living by water plants?

• Generally, no. The ammonia used for creating chloramines predominantly comes from the use of liquid ammonia sulfate or LAS. It is required to be stored in single-walled tanks within adequate leak containment or, only with approval by the TCEQ Executive Director, double-walled tanks. When LAS is stored and used properly, it should not be a concern. However, if a MUD elects to use gaseous ammonia instead of LAS, a leak detection system would be required.

4. Once the infrastructure for surface water is installed, will there be a ramp up period or is it required to convert 100% from the beginning?

• Generally, when a water authority begins delivering surface water to a MUD, it wants to provide as much as it can to offset the MUD’s use of groundwater. There may be a short period at the beginning of surface water delivery where the amount delivered could fluctuate as controls and settings are fine-tuned, but otherwise the water authority will deliver as much as it can.

5. Could an intrastate or interstate water resource pipeline system become a reality in the near future? Could water be piped from a flood reservoir to an area that is in a drought or wildfire situation?

• Is it possible engineering-wise? Yes. Is it financially feasible? That’s a much more difficult question. I’ve heard rumblings of “water grids”, but it would be a monumental effort with monumental costs. Water is already getting expensive. The cheapest is the water that’s closest to you. Better yet, it’s the water you don’t use! I would personally like to see more focus on reclaimed water, desalination, and conservation to address these issues.

6. What are the main differences between a subsidence district and water authorities?

• Let’s start with what they have in common. Both subsidence districts (and groundwater conservation districts) and water authorities are created by the Texas legislature and are governmental bodies of the State of Texas, just like MUDs. The difference between subsidence districts and water authorities is that subsidence districts were created to study and, as necessary, regulate the use of groundwater to mitigate subsidence over a large area (typically a county), while the water authorities were created to develop and implement plans to meet the subsidence district’s groundwater regulations on behalf of the well owners (i.e. MUDs, cities, etc.) within their jurisdiction.

7. Could retention ponds and reservoirs be incorporated into a surface water supply?

• Certainly. In fact, the Brazos River Authority is working on developing the Allens Creek Reservoir. When flow in the Brazos River is adequate, water will be pumped into the reservoir and stored for later use. The key to using that water for potable use is either getting it to a surface water treatment plant or building one.

8. What about those customers with water softeners in their home. After conversion should they be turned off or not?

• Surface water is generally softer than groundwater, so there may not be a need to continue to use a softener. Talk with your plumber or installer. They can test your water and recalibrate your softener if they think it will still provide a benefit.

9. What’s the best way to educate the residents when converting from ground to surface water so it doesn’t cause alarm about the water quality?

• Each MUD is different and the board probably knows best what will be effective with their residents. It could be bill inserts, online postings, email or text blasts, town hall meetings, or most likely a combination or all of those and others. Some communication/notice is required by the TCEQ, but in my experience, most MUDs do more to get the word out and answer questions. Work with your consultants to formulate a plan.

https://awbd.org/get-involved/recognition/

Taught

Need Help? Check Out the AWBD Conference App FAQ

How do I log in to the AWBD app?

To log in to the AWBD app, you will need a unique code provided by the conference organizers. This code is valid for 24 hours, so enter your first and last name and email. Don’t close the app. Go check your email and get the code and enter the code in app.

Does AWBD provide Wi-Fi at the conference?

No, AWBD does not provide Wi-Fi at the conference. Please ensure you have a reliable internet connection through your mobile data or personal hotspot to access the app and other online resources during the event. FYI, if you turn off your Wi-Fi setting it stays connected to your mobile data without disruptions.

How can I ask questions during seminars using the app?

The AWBD app includes a Q&A function that allows you to ask questions during seminars. Simply navigate to the seminar session within the app and use the Q&A feature to submit your questions. The seminar moderator will review and address your questions during the session.

What should I do if I encounter technical issues with the app?

If you experience any technical issues with the AWBD app, please visit the conference app help desk for assistance or contact the support team via the app’s help section.

Can I access seminar materials through the app?

Yes, seminar materials such as presentations and handouts are available through the AWBD app. Navigate to the specific seminar session to find and download the materials provided by the speakers.

Is there a way to network with other attendees using the app?

Absolutely! The AWBD app includes networking features that allow you to connect with other attendees. You can view attendee profiles, send messages, and schedule meetings directly through the app.

Downloading the AWBD Conference App is Easy in 4 Steps!

1. First-time users scan the QR codes to Download “Cvent Events” from the App Store

CVENT APP KEY Tips

Log in every 24 hours with a new verification code.

Use the Home Page for floor plans, surveys, conference schedules, and FAQ guide.

Click the “Calendar” Icon at the bottom left next to the Home Page, then select sessions of interest by pressing “+” next to them. The sessions will appear in the “My Schedule” tab.

To be visible on the attendee list, go to the single-person icon at the bottom of the Home Page, select “View Profile”, click the pencil next to”Attendee Details,” and choose “Visible.”

Access various app functions and general information by clicking the three-line icon at the lower right corner of the Home Page. This includes the Game Center, Attendee List, FAQs, and Conference information.

Complete the Member Survey on the Home

2026 AWBD EMERGING LEADERS PROGRAM!

BEGINNING WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18, 2025 2026 AWBD EMERGING LEADERS PROGRAM!

Are You a Water District Director or Consultant with 5-15 years of Experience on a Water District Board or in a Related Industry?

CLASS OF 2026

AWBD EMERGING LEADERS SCHEDULE

October 20, 2025 | Class of 2026 Announcements (by email)

November 13, 2025 | Happy Hour & Alumni Reception

December 2, 2025 | Opening Session

January 29, 2026 | Creation & Evolution of MUDs

February 25, 2026 | The Agencies that Regulate & Influence MUDs

March 30, 2026 | AWBD: The Mission

April 29, 2026 | MUDs & Sustainability

May 28, 2026 | Principles of Advocacy

June 25, 2026 | Closing Retreat & Graduation at the 2026

AWBD Annual Conference

The Class of 2026 AWBD Emerging Leaders Program applications will be available on www.awbd.org after the 2025 AWBD Annual Conference in San Antonio, TX. THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! THANK YOU TO

CONFERENCE DATES:

Thursday, June 12th–Saturday, June 14, 2025

LOCATION:

Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center

900 E Market St. San Antonio, TX

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW REGISTRATION

All Registrations Are Non-Transferable.

HOUSING

You must be registered as a delegate for the 2025 AWBD Annual Conference to be eligible to reserve a room in any official AWBD housing block in San Antonio, Texas.

The 2025 AWBD Annual Conference is approaching rapidly, and current registration numbers suggest it will be another highly successful event.

By the time this AWBD Journal is published, registrations will incur additional charges and will not guarantee seating at food functions, the receipt of conference materials, or hospitality items. The registration fees are now $615 for members and $1230 for non-members.

To register for the 2025 AWBD Annual Conference, complete the Comprehensive Conference Registration and Emergency Data Form provided online through the AWBD website (www. awbd.org). Registrations are not considered complete without the Emergency Data Form; failure to complete both forms can delay processing of your registration. Printable copies of the Conference Registration and Emergency Data Form will also be available through the website.

Delegates will receive confirmation of their successful registration from the AWBD office. They should double-check the confirmation to ensure all the information is correct, especially if they are requesting a guest badge.

ON-SITE REGISTRATIONS

All on-site registrations will be charged $1030/member and $2060/ non-member. On-Site registrants will receive only a “DELEGATE” badge. They will not receive any food function tickets or the delegate giveaway bag.

Upon completing your conference registration online successfully, you will receive a conference meeting confirmation with the link for housing. Delegates may register for only one room per registered delegate. AWBD is not responsible for housing reservations. Housing reservations remain the sole responsibility of the delegate.

CONFERENCE OVERVIEW

On tap are 12 seminar sessions, one General Session, Legislative Update, and Seminar IV with Dr. Helen You. See Program Notes and the 2025 AWBD Annual Conference Schedule for more details.

The Exhibitors Area will open at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 12th, and the Welcome Reception will be at 5:30 p.m. that evening.

See Conference Schedule for more details.

BUSES

The shuttle buses will be on a continuous loop to all of the hotels in the AWBD Block.

WELCOME RECEPTION

The reception is scheduled for Thursday, June 12th, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. in Exhibit Hall 4. Guests are welcome at this first get-together. A delicious buffet of light hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar will be available during the reception.

Delegates will once again enjoy lunch in the Exhibitors Area on Friday, June 13th, giving them more opportunities to see the 160+ exhibits on display. Remember to visit this area on Thursday and Friday because the booths close at 2:30 p.m. on Friday.

On Saturday, June 14th at 12:45 p.m., the Awards Luncheon will feature the announcement of awards, the introduction of new AWBD Trustees, and the recognition of the 2025 Water Smart Partners.

AWBD GARAGE SALE

Be sure to visit the AWBD Garage Sale located in the West Registration area from Thursday, June 12th to Saturday, June 14th! The hours for the AWBD Garage Sale are listed in the Program Schedule.

AWBD AMBASSADORS TABLE

Be sure to visit the Ambassadors table in the West Registration area to pick up your Regional Ribbons for your badge. Ambassadors are also available to assist with any conference or AWBDrelated questions. Additionally, they’ll be present in seminar rooms to help delegates with seating. Look for their bright pink shirts—they’re here to help!

AWBD EMERGING LEADERS TABLE

Visit the AWBD Emerging Leaders table located in the West Registration area. This is a great opportunity to gather detailed information about the program, including the curriculum, application process, and benefits. You can also ask any specific questions you might have. Speaking with Emerging Leaders Alumni can provide valuable insights into their experiences, how the program has impacted their careers, and any advice they might have for new participants.

Emily Morgan

Hilton Palacio del Rio

Hotel Contessa

Hotel Valencia Riverwalk

Hyatt Regency Riverwalk

LaQuinta by Wyndham

Menger Hotel

Grand Hyatt

Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center

705 East Houston, San Antonio, TX 78205

200 S Alamo, San Antonio, TX 78205

306 West Market, San Antonio, TX 78205

150 E. Houston St, San Antonio, TX 78205

123 Losoya, San Antonio, TX 78205

303 Blum, San Antonio, TX 78205

204 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205

600 E. Market St, San Antonio TX 78205

900 East Market, San Antonio, TX 78205

All Events Are In Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center Unless Noted Otherwise. Delegates must display conference registration badges and tickets, if required by event, for admittance to all conference functions; delegates are expected to comply with stated AWBD policy of expected behavior at AWBD functions.

Registrations/Tickets are non-transferable. Guests are not admitted to nor permitted to attend Delegates Only functions, such as continental breakfasts, coffee breaks, luncheon, or seminars.

Children will not be admitted in the conference areas. TOPICS & SPEAKERS SUBJECT TO CHANGE

2025 AWBD SUMMER CONFERENCE PROGRAM SCHEDULE

Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center

12:30 p.m.

1:00 p.m.

Thursday 6/12/25

Conference Shuttle Bus Service Begins Hotel Loop

Conference Check-In Opens Exhibit Hall 4 Foyer

Exhibitors Open Exhibit Hall 4

Meet the Candidates Booth Opens

AWBD Garage Sale Opens West Registration

AWBD Ambassadors Table Opens

AWBD Emerging Leaders Table Opens

5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Welcome Reception Exhibit Hall 4

(One guest per registered delegate; advance guest registration required; no guests will be registered at the conference; no children permitted)

7:00 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

Conference Check-In Closes Exhibit Hall 4 Foyer

Exhibitors Close Exhibit Hall 4

Meet the Candidates Booth Closes

West Registration Closes West Registration

Conference Shuttle Bus Service Stops Hotel Loop

Friday 6/13/25 -

7:30 a.m. Conference Shuttle Bus Service Begins Hotel Loop

8:00 a.m. Conference Check-In Opens Exhibit Hall 4 Foyer

Exhibitors Open Exhibit Hall 4

Polls Open West Registration

AWBD Garage Sale Opens

AWBD Ambassadors Table Opens

AWBD Emerging Leaders Table Opens

8:00 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. Continental Breakfast (Delegates Only) Exhibit Hall 4

Delegates only will be admitted to the continental breakfast; no guests will be allowed in this area or at this function. Complimentary Beverage Service For Delegates Only Throughout Day

8:45 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. General Session & Candidate Speeches Hemisfair Ballroom, FLR 3

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. SEMINAR I – Legislative Update Hemisfair Ballroom, FLR 3

11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. SEMINAR BLOCK II

Session A 811, “Can You Dig It?” Lila Cockrell Theatre, FLR 1

Session B Real Estate Basics for Directors - Room 214, FLR 2 What’s An Easement, And Why Do I Care?

Session C Every Drop Counts: Ensuring Room 217, FLR 2 Water Accountability

12:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. EXHIBITOR LUNCHEON (Delegates Only) Exhibit Hall 4

Delegates must present ticket for admission.

2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. SEMINAR BLOCK III

Session A Identifying and Characterizing Water Lila Cockrell Theatre, FLR 1 Quality Issues Using Geochemical Modeling

Session B Hit It Out of The Park: Reimagining Parks Room 214, FLR 2 for Community Value

Session C Citizen Response To An Room 217, FLR 2 Active Shooter Event

2:30 p.m. Conference Check-In Closes Exhibit Hall 4 Foyer

2:30 p.m.

3:30 p.m.

Friday 6/13/25 cont. - DELEGATES ONLY

Exhibitors Close Exhibit Hall 4

Polls Close West Registration

West Registration Closes

Conference Shuttle Bus Service Ends Hotel Loop

Saturday 6/14/25

- DELEGATES ONLY

7:30 am

8:00 a.m.

8:00 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.

Conference Shuttle Bus Service Begins Hotel Loop

Conference Check-In Opens West Registration AWBD Garage Sale Opens

AWBD Ambassadors Table Opens AWBD Emerging Leaders Table Opens

Continental Breakfast (Delegates Only) Exhibit Hall 4 Delegates only will be admitted to the continental breakfast; no guests will be allowed in this area or at this function. Complimentary Beverage Service For Delegates Only Throughout Day

9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

SEMINAR BLOCK IV — Hemisfair Ballroom, FLR 3 Current Texas Demographics

10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. SEMINAR BLOCK V

Session A Managing Water Infrastructure: Lila Cockrell Theatre, FLR 1 A Collaborative Approach

Session B From Inspection To Perfection: Building Room 214, FLR 2 A Cost-Efficient Asset Management Program Around Annual Water Plant Inspections

Session C Ethics: How To Stay Out of the MUD Room 217, FLR 2

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. SEMINAR BLOCK VI

Session A The Future’s Flowing: How AI Is Lila Cockrell Theatre, FLR 1 Shaping The MUD World – Part 1

Session B A Comprehensive Look At Flock Room 214, FLR 2 Camera Systems

Session C Crystal Clear: Understanding Consumer Room 217, FLR 2 Confidence Reports

12:00 p.m.

Saturday 6/14/25 cont. - DELEGATES ONLY

Conference Check-In Closes Exhibit Hall 4 Foyer

West Registration Closes West Registration

12:45 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. AWARDS CLOSING LUNCHEON (Delegates Only) Hemisfair Ballroom, FLR 3 Delegates must present ticket for admission.

2:30 p.m.

Conference Shuttle Bus Service Ends Hotel Loop

COFFEE BREAK SPONSOR

Civil Grade Engineers Thursday, Friday, & Saturday

CONTINENTAL BREAKFASTS SPONSOR

Best Trash Friday & Saturday

CONFERENCE HOTEL KEY SPONSOR Magna Flow Environmental

EVENT MAPS

MEETING ROOM LEVEL 2 ND FLR.

3 RD FLR.

BALLROOM LEVEL

General Session , Seminar I , Seminar IV & Saturday Awards Luncheon

PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS & SPEAKER BIOS FRIDAY

8:45 a.m.

Trey

Lary Allen Boone Humphries Robinson LLP

Trey’s principal area of practice relates to public finance, development, local government regulation, and state legislative matters. He regularly represents special districts whose chief purpose is providing water, sewer, drainage, roads, and parks. Trey also represents developers in connection with economic development agreements, tax increment reinvestment zones, local government corporations, municipal management districts, and other financing mechanisms used to facilitate development and financing of public works and infrastructure. He serves as general counsel and bond counsel to special districts. Trey works with developers to structure development agreements with cities and other local government entities for public participation in commercial, residential, and mixed-use developments.

Diana

Miller Schwartz, Page & Harding, L.L.P.

Diana Miller’s practice is centered on public finance, local government and land development in the greater Houston region, as well as state legislative matters. She serves as both bond counsel and general counsel to various types of special purpose districts that provide water, sewer, drainage, recreational and road infrastructure to master planned communities. She also provides experienced counsel to developers and landowners on a wide range of land development, special district and infrastructure finance matters. Diana regularly represents clients before the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, the Office of the Attorney General, and city and county governments.

Diana is a registered lobbyist with the State of Texas and routinely advocates on special district, land development, and public law issues before the Texas Legislature and regulatory agencies. In doing so, she leverages her wide range of experience in public law and land development matters to achieve her clients’ goals and promote sound policy improvements for special purpose districts.

Prior to joining the firm, Diana served in state government for three years as an Assistant Attorney General where she was a member of the Attorney General’s Intergovernmental Relations team and represented the Texas Department of Transportation in condemnation litigation throughout Central and East Texas.

11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

SEMINAR BLOCK II — SESSION A Lila Cockrell Theatre, FLR 1

811, “Can You Dig It?”

Is someone digging or boring in your neighborhood? What happens after the 811, “Call Before You Dig”? Who marks what utility, and who is responsible? This panel will discuss the various types of excavation and the responsibilities of the underground utility providers and excavators when conducting an excavation in the State of Texas. We will also cover current regulations and potential new legislation that may alter the classification of water and sewer lines, which could increase both liability and cost for the utility.

Jerry Homan Harris Co MUD 220

Mr. Homan has been a MUD board member for 32 years and currently serves as the president for MUD #220. He has served three terms as a Trustee for AWBD and is the current AWBD Local Government Chairman. Mr. Homan is the General Manager for Harris County FWSD 61 with a tenure of 30 years. He has been employed in the water and wastewater industry for 44 years. Jerry has a degree in Environmental Management and holds a Texas class “A” certification in both water and wastewater operations.

Todd Burrer INFRAMARK, LLC

Todd Burrer is President of Utility Districts (UDs) for Inframark. He has over 20 years of management experience in the area of operations, customer service, and billing within the water and wastewater industry. His responsibilities have included overall financial, operational, and compliance for the Texas utility district business. At Inframark, he is the leader of the senior level management team charged with managing day-to-day operations for the Texas MUD Region with over 400 employees, 180 utility districts, and 128 water and wastewater facilities that serve over 400,000 Texans.

A fifth-generation Houstonian, he earned his BME from Texas Christian University and has completed numerous courses in water and wastewater operations, utility management, and other related areas. Actively involved in the Association of Water Board Directors, he currently serves as a member of the Program and Legislative committees as well as the Advisory Council. He served as Chairman of the Vendor Relations Committee from 1999 to 2020 and as a trustee for six consecutive years. He currently chairs the Operations and Environment Committee.

He is Chairman of the Greens Bayou Coalition and serves on the Board of Directors for the West Houston Association and the Cy-Fair Educational Foundation. Previous community positions include service to the Board of Directors of the Cy-Fair Volunteer Fire Department, the Board of Directors of Harris County MUD No. 489, and Harris County MUD No. 374. In 2020, Todd was asked to serve as a regional representative for San Jacinto County on the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) regional flood planning groups. This planning group was tasked with developing Texas’ first regional flood plans, culminating in the state’s first-ever state flood plan.

11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

SEMINAR BLOCK II — SESSION B Room 214, FLR 2

Real Estate Basics for Directors - What’s An Easement, and Why Do I Care?

The seminar will provide information related to real estate concepts Directors frequently encounter in a fun and easy-to-understand way! Topics to be discussed include types of conveyances and related documents and instruments (deeds, utility deeds, easements, leases/ground leases, and consents to encroachment), plats, liens, and when and how MUDs can buy, sell, transfer, condemn, take action to preserve and maintain, and reimburse for real property. The session will be interactive and informative—with real-world examples and an opportunity to win prizes!

Robert Booth, P.E. LJA Engineering, Inc.

Robert “Robbie” Booth, P.E. received his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from The University of Texas at Austin and has over 12 years of residential land development experience with LJA Engineering, Inc. As a Senior Project Manager, Robbie is responsible for the design and construction of water, wastewater, storm sewer, drainage, detention, and paving for single family developments across the greater Houston area. Robbie is well versed in coordination with municipal utility districts (MUDs), management districts (MDs), private developments, private utility companies, cities, counties, and state agencies.

He currently serves as the District Engineer for several MUDs and MDs where he plays an active role coordinating with board members and other district consultants. He takes pride in developing a raw tract of land into a community and mentoring his team of engineers, engineers in training, and designers along the way.

Shima Jalalipour The Muller Law Group, PLLC

Shima Jalalipour is a member of the Muller Law Group, PLLC, where she works with developers, special purpose districts, and governmental entities on a variety of public infrastructure finance and development matters in the greater Houston and central Texas regions. She represents special districts and other governmental entities as general and bond counsel and has significant experience with transportation projects. Prior to joining the Muller Law Group, Shima worked in the real estate groups of Seyfarth Shaw’s Houston office and Bryan Cave LLP’s New York office, where she worked on general real estate and finance matters. Shima received a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Texas at Austin and her J.D. from Vanderbilt University Law School.

11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

SEMINAR BLOCK II — SESSION C Room 217, FLR 2

Every Drop Counts: Ensuring Water Accountability

In this session, we will explore the importance of water accountability in tracking, measuring, and responsibly managing water resources. Attendees will learn how to read and interpret water accountability data that appears on district operator reports. We will discuss the sequence to diagnose low and high accountability and what corrective action to take for both.

Amanda Benzman INFRAMARK, LLC

Amanda Benzman is a Senior Account Manager at Inframark, bringing over 16 years of experience in operations, client relations, customer service and billing within the water and wastewater industry. In her role, she leads a dynamic team of Account Managers responsible for overseeing more than 50 utility districts. Amanda collaborates closely with clients and communities to ensure the effective management and preservation of essential infrastructure and resources.

Her dedication to excellence in customer service drives her commitment to providing top-tier support to clients, consultants, and communities alike. Outside of her role at Inframark, Amanda actively serves as the Vice President of Waller County MUD #58, where she continues to advocate for sustainable water and wastewater management practices.

Wendy Duncan INFRAMARK, LLC

Wendy currently serves as the President of the Association of Water Board Directors, Director at Austin Point MUD 1, board member of Houston Stronger, and committee member of West Houston Association’s Sustainability and Infrastructure Committee. Additionally, Wendy works in the greater Houston area as an Account Manager for Inframark, a water service company. Wendy served as a director at Willow Fork Drainage District for 5 years with the last two years as president.

Wendy received a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from Texas A&M University in 1993 followed by a Master of Education Administration from the University of Houston in 2000. Wendy has built effective working relationships with the USACE, Harris County Flood Control District, Fort Bend County Drainage District, and local, state, and federal officials to propel sound solutions and appropriate funding mechanisms for flood infrastructure and to advocate for the water industry and special purpose districts.

Austin Muse Municipal District Services, LLC

A graduate of Texas A&M University in 2010, Austin started at MDS in 2017 as a Client Manager. His background experience with interpreting client needs and managing projects across various industries made him a perfect fit in the MUD industry. His adaptability and desire to find creative solutions to difficult or unseen problems make him a valuable asset to the MDS team and he was promoted to Assistant Vice President of the Enterprise Support Service Group in 2022. There he spearheads marketing efforts, business development opportunities, and advises on IT systems projects while continuing his work managing over 20 utility districts in the region.

While regularly serving on Special District Boards of Directors since 2012, Austin is also very involved with the Association of Water Board Directors, currently serving on the advisory board for the Emerging Leaders program after graduating from the inaugural class in 2021, serving on the Directors 102 panel, and presenting multiple seminars at the biannual AWBD conferences.

2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

SEMINAR BLOCK III — SESSION A Lila Cockrell Theatre, FLR 1

Identifying and Characterizing Water Quality Issues Using Geochemical Modeling

This presentation will cover how geochemical modeling tools like WaterPro and SPANA can be used to assess water quality issues and corrosion potential in drinking water systems. Key parameters, such as oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) collected in the field, combined with historical water quality data, can be used to predict metal speciation using these models. In addition to addressing corrosion, these models help pinpoint the causes of issues like discoloration, taste, and odor. A case study from HC MUD will demonstrate how modeling identified the impact of aeration on pH, leading to excess calcium precipitation and scaling in storage tanks. The presentation will highlight how geochemical models improve understanding of water chemistry, identify sources of specific issues, and support effective water quality management.

Calvin Browne Municipal District Services, LLC

Calvin C. Browne, Jr., is a Senior Client Manager with Municipal District Services, LLC, has been in the operations industry since 1992. He started his career as a Facility Operator and has worked in all areas of operations including Regulatory Compliance, Facility Operations, Preventive Maintenance, Business Development, and Executive Management. He is a certified “B” Operator in the State of Texas. He was appointed to the AWBD Advisory Council in 2018.

2:00

Nobuyo S. Watanabe CDM Smith

Nobuyo Watanabe holds a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry from Barnard College. She is currently an Environmental Engineer at CDM Smith, supporting the Environmental Services Group on remediation and the Water Services Group on drinking water quality and corrosion control. Her work spans multiple states and includes field investigations, data modeling, and system evaluations addressing lead and copper compliance, iron and manganese release, and calcium scaling in water distribution systems. She also contributes to the lead service line replacement programs in New Jersey. During her academic career, Nobuyo conducted research on nutrient recovery from wastewater, advancing novel membrane technologies for water treatment, which led to two publications and national conference presentations. She is committed to improving aging water infrastructure in the states and advancing public health initiatives through resilient engineering solutions.

Hit It Out of The Park: Reimagining Parks for Community Value

Parks are often seen as community assets, but also as assets that require constant maintenance to reduce risk. What if we flipped that on its head and used parks to help reduce risk to infrastructure and communities as a whole? This thoughtful yet light-hearted session will take a different approach to discussing what parks can be. For the communities immediately adjacent to them and even those farther away, let’s get parks to deliver multiple benefits and reduce costs while we’re at it!

Matthew Berg, Ph.D. Chief

Executive Officer & Principal Scientist at Simfero Dr. Matthew Berg leads Simfero, a science-based research and strategy firm. For more than 20 years, he has worked on diverse water issues across public, private, and academic sectors. Matthew has briefed U.S. Congress delegations, had his work cited in reports guiding key legislation, and advised countless cooperative programs. He is a partner of the Network for Engineering with Nature and was selected as an honoree in Houston Business Journal’s 40 Under 40. Matthew completed his doctorate at Texas A&M University through a U.S. Department of Agriculture program to train the next generation of science leaders.

2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. SEMINAR BLOCK III — SESSION C Room 217, FLR 2

Citizen Response to An Active Shooter Event

Active shooter events have become all too common across our country. They evolve quickly and are unpredictable. Knowing how to properly respond to an active shooter can be the difference between life and death. Training is based on the Avoid, Deny, Defend, model created by ALERRT (Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training) and deals with practical tools necessary to survive.

Lt. Roy Guinn Harris County Constable Precinct 5

Lieutenant Guinn is a 29-year law enforcement veteran with 21 years’ experience in patrol. In 2015 he was tasked with developing Precinct 5’s first Community / Media Relations Division. Currently he is assigned as the supervisor over the division where part of his duties includes instructing and public speaking.

He routinely conducts classes or is invited to speak on several topics to groups and organizations across Texas. These include Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events, Personal Safety Tactics, Identity Theft / Fraud Awareness, Ethics and Professionalism, and others. He has been invited to speak numerous times at the AWBD Spring and Fall Conventions. He has spoken at the Brazos Valley Southern Baptist Association, the Dallas Business Association, the University of Houston, Texas A&M, and to numerous groups in and around the Houston area.

SATURDAY

Current Texas Demographics

The presentation will cover the recent demographic trends in San Antonio, including population change and drivers of population change. The demographic shifts at the state and regional level will be discussed in the context of the demand for resources and infrastructure. The presentation will conclude with a look at the future population projections.

Dr. Helen You University of Texas at San Antonio, Texas Demographic Center

Helen You is the current Associate Director of the Texas Demographic Center, where she oversees the Population Estimates and Projections program. Over the course of her career spanning more than two decades, she has attained extensive expertise in demographic research, with a particular focus on various aspects of welfare, education, migration, health, and healthcare in Texas. Her notable projects include the Population Projections for Texas, Population Estimates for Texas, Educational Attainment Projections of the Texas Labor Force, Diabetes Projections, and Projections of the Uninsured in Texas.

10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. SEMINAR BLOCK V — SESSION A Lila Cockrell Theatre, FLR 1

Managing Water Infrastructure: A Collaborative Approach

This presentation will focus on the urgent need for water infrastructure rehabilitation, highlighting the gap between planned capital improvement projects and emergency repairs. It will explore the significance of differentiating between these two types of projects and how proper planning can prevent costly emergency fixes.

The discussion will emphasize the importance of collaboration between operations and engineering teams, showcasing how their combined efforts can ensure the efficient design, implementation, and maintenance of infrastructure. Additionally, the presentation will examine the various funding mechanisms municipal utility districts use to finance water infrastructure projects, including local funding, grants, and bonds. Alternative funding sources such as state and federal programs will also be explored to provide districts with more options for securing necessary resources. Finally, case studies of municipal utility districts will be shared to demonstrate successful strategies in funding, planning, and rehabilitating water infrastructure. These real-world examples will offer valuable insights into overcoming common challenges faced by districts.

Adam R. Anderson, P.E. Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam, Inc.

Adam has 11 years of experience with sanitary sewer and lift station evaluations and rehabilitation, reclaimed waterlines, wastewater treatment plant demolition, waterline replacement, program management, force main design, civil site design, and has assisted with FEMA and Insurance claims. He is currently the District Engineer for Champions MUD and is responsible for evaluating and improving the district’s utilities, as well as, reviewing development plans for the District. Adam serves in the Association of Water Board Directors (AWBD) Local Government Affairs Subcommittee and the AWBD Chapter 217 Regulatory Subcommittee.

Andrea Martin Si Environmental, LLC

I have 30 years of experience in the water and wastewater industry. This industry has not only been my career, but also my passion. I hold a degree from the University of Houston and I am a proud Houston native.

I began my career at Professional Utility Services in 1994, where I was fortunate to experience and contribute to various departments in the company. One of my most rewarding roles was serving as the District Liaison for the Municipal Utility District Division. In this capacity, I worked closely with the District’s Board of Directors and consultants, providing leadership across diverse functions, including client management, customer service, billing management, system asset management, disaster recovery, project management, and financial oversight. I played a pivotal role vendor negotiation, and contract management, all while ensuring operational efficiency for our clients.

In 2024, Professional Utility Services merged with Si Environmental LLC, an exciting development that marked the next chapter in my career. I currently serve as the Director of Business Development and Marketing, while also managing client accounts for several of our districts.

Abigail E. Stanhouse Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam, Inc.

Abigail has 12 years of experience with drainage improvements, sanitary sewer and water line rehabilitation, reclaimed waterlines, operations building replacement, surface water treatment plant expansion, site grading, and has assisted with capital improvement plan preparation and management. As general consultant for Clear Lake City Water Authority and assistant District Engineer for the Newport Municipal Utility District, Abby is responsible for evaluating and improving the district’s utilities and reviews development plans for the District. She has proven ability to manage complex projects within tight deadlines and budgets. Abby is also a board member for Fort Bend County MUD 134F.

10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

From Inspection to Perfection: Building a Cost-Efficient Asset Managment Program Around Annual Water Plant Inspections

This presentation explores how annual water plant inspections can serve as the foundation for a costefficient asset management program. By leveraging inspection data, municipalities can transition from reactive to proactive maintenance, optimize resource allocation, extend asset lifespan, and reduce unexpected expenses—ultimately enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring long-term infrastructure reliability.

Ryan Schilhab, P.E. Quiddity Engineering, LLC

Ryan has a 6-year track record in effectively managing Water Districts, showcasing expertise in civil engineering design and project management for various water, sewer, drainage, park/recreational, commercial, and residential projects. His core focus lies in fostering strong relationships with District Board Members and consultants to drive positive change and enhance the communities of the Water Districts under his purview. Ryan’s dedication to the Water Districts he manages makes him a valuable asset in the realm of Water District management. His passion for improving communities and ensuring efficient water and sewer systems resonate throughout his work, leaving a lasting positive impact on the areas he represents.

10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

Danny Staab Water District Management, Inc.

Danny Staab is a seasoned Area Manager at Water District Management Co., Inc., bringing 30 years of experience in the utilities industry. Based in Spring, Texas, Danny has built a strong track record in water treatment, environmental compliance, and district operations.

For the past 20 years, Danny has proudly served as the lead manager for Bridgestone Municipal Utility District (MUD), maintaining a trusted client relationship built on reliability, transparency, and consistent results. His hands-on leadership and deep technical knowledge have made him an invaluable resource to the district and its residents.

In addition to his work with Bridgestone MUD, Danny also serves as a Director on the Board of Dowdell Public Utility District, where he supports long-term planning and infrastructure oversight. With a career rooted in service and excellence, Danny is committed to delivering safe, sustainable, and efficient utility solutions to the communities he supports.

Ethics: How to Stay Out of the MUD

Everyone thinks that they know what it means to be ethical, but do you know the ethics related rules that apply to water district directors? From conflicts of interest and nepotism to prohibited gifts and bribery, this presentation will include a review of the many of the ethics rules that apply to water districts. Presented from the perspectives of an attorney, a bookkeeper and an auditor, this presentation will provide both a general overview of applicable ethics rules as well as good practices in avoiding violations.

J. Davis Bonham, Jr.

Smith, Murdaugh, Little & Bonham, L.L.P.

Davis is a partner with the law firm of Smith, Murdaugh, Little & Bonham, L.L.P. where he has worked for the last 14 years. The primary focus of his practice is the representation of special purpose districts, including municipal utility districts, management districts, improvement districts, and other related entities, where he serves as general counsel and bond counsel. He advises clients on various public law matters including real estate, land development, elections, property taxation, construction contracts, intergovernmental contracts, environmental regulation and enforcement and regulatory compliance. He regularly represents clients before the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, the Texas Legislature and other state and local governmental bodies.

Sanjay Bapat Allen Boone Humphries Robinson LLP

Sanjay serves as general counsel and bond counsel to various special purpose districts that provide for the financing and construction of water, sewer, drainage, and road facilities and other development infrastructure.

In these capacities, Sanjay represents his clients in public law matters, contract negotiations and preparation, the administration of public meetings, and regulatory compliance. Sanjay also works with private developers to structure development agreements with cities and other local government entities for public participation in commercial, residential, and mixed-use developments. Sanjay further brings to his practice skills previously learned as a mergers and acquisitions lawyer at some of the nation’s premier law firms.

Jeff Peña , P.E. Pape-Dawson

Engineers, Inc.

Jeff Peña is a licensed professional engineer with nearly 30 years of experience in civil engineering. He began his career in 1996 as a CAD technician and surveyor technician while attending the University of Houston, where he earned a B.S. in Civil Engineering in 2000. Jeff has worked across many areas of municipal engineering, including water plants, lift stations, roadway projects, drainage, and sanitary sewer rehab.

As District Engineer for five MUDs and one WCID, he specializes in helping mature districts develop capital improvement plans, maintain compliance, and implement cost-effective solutions. He is part of Pape-Dawson’s District Services Group, which supports long-term planning and infrastructure needs for MUDs across the region. Jeff is also an Air Force veteran and serves in the music ministry of his church. He lives in Houston with his wife.

Christopher Pitts Montgomery Co MUD 84

Chris Pitts is the Board President of Montgomery County MUD 84, where he has been involved in four major flood mitigation initiatives, securing federal funding, and implementing cost-saving infrastructure strategies. A U.S. Air Force veteran with a Master of Legal Studies from Pepperdine University, Chris has 20+ years of leadership experience in law enforcement, banking, real estate, and commercial finance. He is an advocate for applying innovative technologies—like artificial intelligence—to improve municipal utility district operations and management. Chris is a lifetime member of the VFW and Air Force Security Forces Association and enjoys giving back to his community.

Attendees will learn about the key water quality parameters that must be monitored, including Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) and how they relate to health and safety. The session will cover the specific requirements for Texas water systems, including the types of contaminants that must be reported, as well as the format and distribution requirements for these reports. We will also take a look into what changes are coming for water quality reporting.

Finally, the presentation will address how directors can interpret the information in the CCR. By the end, participants will understand the crucial role of CCRs in promoting public health, safety, and transparency

12:45 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Mike Thornhill Si Environmental, LLC

Mike Thornhill is the VP of Compliance for Si Environmental water utility with 30+ years of experience in the Water and Wastewater Industry, working with the TCEQ and other regulatory agencies charged with insuring the delivery of clean drinking water. Thornhill is both a member of the West Houston Association’s Water Resources committee and H-GAC’s Bacteria Implementation Group. He is currently serving on the WHCRWA Board of Directors which provides an alternate source of water to local groundwater wells to slow or even halt subsidence in West Harris County.

Susan Young Municipal District Services, LLC

Susan Young’s 28 years of water and wastewater experience in utility operations, compliance, and management began as a Laboratory Technician for the City of Saint Cloud, Minnesota in 1997. Ms. Young then joined the Morrison and Todd Counties Health Department as the Environmental Coordinator.

In 1999, she joined AquaSource as the Environmental Coordinator and was eventually promoted to the Director of Regulatory Affairs. She joined Municipal District Services in 2008 as the Assistant Regulatory Affairs Manager and rose to the Director in 2012 and Assistant Vice President in 2022. Susan manages the regulatory affairs department for Districts spread across nine Counties in the Greater Houston area.

She has a Bachelor of Science degree from Saint Cloud State University, a Water Environment Technologies degree from Saint Cloud Technical College and holds a Minnesota issued D Wastewater and D Water license. She has lived in the Houston area since 1999 and currently resides in the City of Katy with her son and numerous pets.

Thursday,

2025WaterSmartPartners

The Association of Water Board Directors - Texas proudly celebrates 25 years of the Water Smart Program. We extend our heartfelt recognition to

Fort Bend Co WCID 2

Post Wood MUD

Timber Lane UD

for their unwavering dedication and commitment to the program since its inception.

A special thanks to Margaret Cox and Bear Oakley for their exceptional leadership and years of service as committee chairs. Your contributions have been invaluable in promoting water conservation and education within our communities.

Together, we look forward to continuing our mission of fostering sustainable water practices for many more years to come.

2025WaterSmartPartners Consultant Partners

Acclaim Energy

Accurate Meter & Supply, LLC

BGE, Inc.

Bleyl Engineering

Coats Rose, P.C.

H2O Innovation

H2O Consulting, Inc.

IDS Engineering Group

INFRAMARK, LLC

Brazoria Co MUD 21

Brazoria Co MUD 22

Castlewood MUD

Municipal District Services, LLC

Municipal Operations & Consulting, Inc.

Odyssey Engineering Group

TNG Utility Corporation

Utility Tax Service, LLC

Water District Management, Inc.

WaterLogic

WWWMS, Inc.

District Partners

Central Harris Co Regional Water Authority

Cinco MUD 8

Cinco MUD 12 **

Cinco MUD 14

Cinco Southwest MUD 2

Cinco Southwest MUD 3

Cinco Southwest MUD 4

Clay Road MUD

Fallbrook UD

Faulkey Gully MUD

Fort

Fort

Fort

Fort

2025WaterSmartPartners

District Partners (Cont.)

Kings Manor MUD

Langham Creek UD

Mayde Creek MUD

Meadowhill Regional MUD

Montgomery Co MUD 6

Montgomery Co MUD 7

The Woodlands Metro Center MUD

The Woodlands MUD 1

Timber Lane UD

Trail of the Lakes MUD

White Oak Bend MUD

Willow Creek Farms MUD

AWBD BOARD OF TRUSTEES ELECTION – FRIDAY, JUNE 13TH

MEMBERS

MUST CONTACT THE AWBD OFFICE WITH THE DISTRICT/ COMPANY DESIGNATED VOTING REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE ELECTION BEFORE MONDAY, JUNE 9TH.

The election of Trustees for the next term is a significant item on the 2025 AWBD Annual Conference list of scheduled events. For 2025-2026, there are three At-Large Trustee positions open and Regional Trustee positions for the Central Texas Region and North Texas Region.

However, Write-In candidates for any open positions must file with the Association no later than noon, Thursday, June 12th, and meet all eligibility requirements as stated in the Association Bylaws. The Nominating Committee report will be presented at the General Session of the 2025 AWBD Annual Conference on Friday, June 13th.

In accordance with the Bylaws of the Association, the Nominating Committee consists of AWBD Immediate Past President Ellen Hughes, with current AWBD President Wendy Duncan, and Advisory Council Member Sherri Greenwood, CPA, serving as members.

AT-LARGE TRUSTEE CANDIDATES

Running for election to the Board of Trustees in the At-Large Trustee positions is one incumbent and five newcomers. Incumbent Kara Richardson is running for re-election. Newcomers contending for At-Large positions are Ike Akinwande, Jr., Tomas Fernandez, Jr., Jerry Homan, Randy Jones, and Keli M. Schroeder, P.E.

REGIONAL TRUSTEE RACES

Two Regional Trustee positions are open on the ballot – Central Texas and North Texas.

CAMPAIGNING

Delegates again will have the opportunity to meet the candidates at a special booth in the Exhibit Area. Inaugurated in 2018, this ‘Meet the Candidates’ booth 402 will allow delegates to speak

one-on-one throughout the day as those running for office will operate the booth and be available. The booth is open from 1:007:00 pm on Thursday, June 12th.

Count on the candidates currently on the ballot to work at the ‘Meet the Candidates,’ booth 402, and the Welcome Reception to get to know the membership and answer their questions. The booth has been an enthusiastic success each year.

Regulations adopted by the Association strictly govern campaigning. Violations of these regulations may result in removing a candidate’s name from the ballot.

Candidates will be presented to the delegates at the General Session on Friday, June 13th, and each can make a speech of no more than three minutes.

ELECTION PROCEDURES

The election will be held on Friday, June 13th, with voting to begin immediately following the conclusion of the General Session. Candidates may campaign beginning at 1:00 pm on Thursday, June 12th, and must conclude campaigning at the end of the General Session on Friday, June 13th.

Suppose no other candidates come forward and are certified to run as Write-In candidates for any uncontested races. In that case, Nominating Committee Member Sherri Greenwood, CPA, will call for election by acclamation from the delegates present during the opening General Session on Friday, June 13th.

On the morning of the election, each voting member representative will receive an email ballot to cast their vote from electionbuddy.com. For voting member representatives who do not receive an emailed ballot, the polls will open in the West Registration Area at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center immediately following the adjournment of the General Session and will remain open until 2:30 pm. Results will be tabulated and posted the afternoon of Friday, June 13th, and the newly elected Trustees will be introduced to the membership at the concluding Awards Luncheon on Saturday, June 14th.

VOTING PROCEDURES

Members in good standing may vote for up to three At-Large Trustee candidates and for only one candidate for their respective Regional Trustee position. Only one member representative is designated to cast the official ballot for an Association member. The name of your representative should be on file with the Association office before the Annual Conference.

It is essential to review the name of your representative, particularly if there have been changes to the makeup of your board since the last Association election. Contact the Association office to confirm the name on file for your district or firm.

Each candidate may file a ‘Candidate Information Form’ answering three questions detailing why each is running for a position on the Board of Trustees. Those forms received by the deadline are presented in alphabetical order on the following pages of the Journal.

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with the candidates. The leadership of the Association is in your hands. Take time to meet the candidates at booth 402 during the Welcome Reception or around the convention center on Thursday, June 12th. At AWBD, your vote counts.

If you have been designated the voting member representative for your company/district, please double-check that the email address on your account is current under additional information.

Add invitations@mail.electionbuddy.com to your safe senders. If you don’t, the email will go to spam. The ballot for the AWBD Trustee Election will be sent to those emails on Friday, June 13th, immediately following the General Session. Voting ends the same day, Friday, June 13th, at 2:30 pm.

If you need assistance, you can swing by the voting booth in the West Registration Area of the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center.

CANDIDATES FOR THE AWBD BOARD OF TRUSTEES

The information below is based on the Candidate Information Form received by the deadline for Journal publication and is listed in alphabetical order.

Ike Akinwande, Jr. Fort Bend Co LID 10

Question 1 - Please state why you are running for a position as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Association of Water Board Directors - Texas.

AWBD must maintain a strong presence and ongoing communication with local, state, and federal agencies. I have established connections with many of these organizations because of my role as a licensed engineer working for the Fort Bend County Engineering Department. And AWBD must continue to advocate for districts all over the state to mitigate risks from more intense and frequent extreme events that may have more effect on our aging infrastructure.

Serving as President of Fort Bend County LID 10 and as a LID director for the last five years has deepened my understanding of how local entities such as MUDs and LIDs can impact the communities they serve. I’m running for a position as a Board of Trustees member because I want to continue the work of the AWBD community in advocacy, education, and unity. Thank you for considering me to serve as a Trustee.

Question 2 - What do you think is the most important issue currently facing either AWBD as an organization or our industry as a whole?

An important issue facing our industry is aging infrastructure. Our nation’s infrastructure received an overall grade of “C” in the 2025 ASCE “Comprehensive Assessment of America’s Infrastructure”. We need sustained funding to repair and provide new infrastructure. Legislation from federal and state levels is a lever for this funding. We must emphasize proactively maintaining facilities instead of being reactive at the regional and local levels. Despite our ongoing efforts and the meaningful contributions AWBD has made over the past several decades, Special Districts are sometimes overlooked at both the state and local levels when policies that directly impact us are created. Special Districts are vital, relevant entities in maintaining and improving infrastructure for millions of Texans.

Question 3 - Explain how your experience in our industry has prepared you to take on a leadership role as an AWBD–TX Trustee.

I bring over 20 years of experience in public roads and drainage as a licensed Structural Engineer (S.E.) and Professional Engineer (P.E.). Through my current role at Fort Bend County Engineering and my past job at Harris County Engineering, I have

worked the system of partnerships between federal, state, local governments, and MUDs/LIDs in discovering ways to leverage unity to pay for and improve our aging infrastructure. As a Rice University graduate (M.S. and B.S.), a speaker at several national engineering conferences, and a former college professor, I have a passion for interpreting complex issues and informing the community through education in a way that reaches them. My experience in advocating for citizens and stakeholders will add value to AWBD.

Tomas Fernandez, Jr. Harris Co WCID 84

Question 1 - Please state why you are running for a position as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Association of Water Board Directors - Texas.

I am a graduate of Lamar University with a Bachelor’s Degree in General Business and Management. I started my career with NRG more than 24 years ago, starting my career as a Customer Service Representative in the call center and working my way up the management ladder throughout the years. I am a servant leader who is passionate about mentoring and giving back to the community. I would be humbled to be elected as your next AWBD At-Large Trustee. I am running because I firmly believe in AWBD’s mission and what they represent. I hope to bring a fresh perspective and different insight to the board from a person who does not work in the water industry. I want to do this while continuing with our commitment in the areas of engagement, education, and growth. I hope you will consider voting for me at the AWBD annual conference.

Question 2 - What do you think is the most important issue currently facing either AWBD as an organization or our industry as a whole?

In my opinion, the most important issue currently facing AWBD as an organization and our industry is a lack of knowledge about who water districts are and what we do. Most of this is due to the perception that can only be changed with knowledge and time. AWBD does a great job of working on closing this gap by tackling this issue in a variety of different ways. They do this by providing training to AWBD members, educating different governmental entities, and promoting the value of water districts. I would like to continue with the foundation that has been built and expand on this going forward. I would like to expand on our collaboration, community engagement, and training.

Question 3 - Explain how your experience in our industry has prepared you to take on a leadership role as an AWBD–TX Trustee.

I have served as a director on WCID 84 since May of 2017. During this time, I have learned a great deal about the water industry by attending various AWBD seminars and conferences, collaborating with fellow board members, and picking the brains of industry consultants and experts. In July of 2020, I was elected to the role of

President of my board and was part of the 2024 AWBD Emerging Leaders class. I do have 20 years of leadership experience in the energy industry, currently serving as a Senior Operations Manager for NRG. I believe my background, leadership experience, and my time on the water board has uniquely prepared me to be successful and help contribute to the AWBD Board of Trustees.

Jerry Homan Harris Co MUD 220

Question 1 - Please state why you are running for a position as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Association of Water Board Directors - Texas.

I am running for the AWBD Board of Trustees to contribute and make a difference to an organization and water community that I deeply value. Since first being elected as a MUD director in 1986 and attending AWBD conferences, I have remained actively engaged in the water industry both as a board member and a professional water operator.

Over the years, I have witnessed the constant evolution of laws, regulations, technologies, and industry standards, each presenting new challenges that demand adaptation. This ever-changing landscape has always intrigued me, and I am committed to finding practical, common-sense solutions to the issues we face. Additionally, I value the strong relationships I have built through networking and collaboration, all in pursuit of advancing AWBD’s primary mission: Education, Unification, and Advocacy.

Question 2 - What do you think is the most important issue currently facing either AWBD as an organization or our industry as a whole?

The water industry is facing several challenges, including a decline in the number of companies bidding on projects, labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, and rising costs due to inflation. These factors have significantly increased the expense of conducting business and rebuilding infrastructure.

However, one of the most concerning issues is the impact of bad legislation and excessive regulation, often leading to unintended consequences that burden water districts and their constituents. The 2025–26 Texas legislative session has positioned AWBD and its legislative team on the defensive against numerous bills that could negatively affect water districts. With a record number of newly elected legislators, it is critical that AWBD proactively build relationships and educate them on the vital role of water districts in Texas.

Question 3 - Explain how your experience in our industry has prepared you to take on a leadership role as an AWBD–TX Trustee.

I have dedicated over 44 years to the water and wastewater industry, bringing extensive leadership and operational expertise to the role.

My experience includes:

• 32 years as a MUD board member, currently president of MUD #220.

• Three terms as an AWBD Trustee at Large.

• Four years as AWBD Chairman of Government Affairs.

• Serving as AWBD Local Government Chairman and participating in four committees.

• 30 years as General Manager of Harris County FWSD 61.

• A degree in Environmental Management and a Texas Class “A” certification in water and wastewater operations.

• Testifying in Austin on behalf of AWBD and speaking at AWBD conferences.

• Chairing the Water Users Coalition.

These experiences have provided me with the leadership and expertise to effectively serve as a Trustee.

Randy Jones Harris Co MUD 96

Question 1 - Please state why you are running for a position as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Association of Water Board Directors - Texas.

My professional career began as a civil engineer working in the municipal utility district and land development industry. I enjoyed every working day with MUD and land development clients managing their infrastructure projects, so much so that I knew I was destined to take the leap into my land development clients’ world. I attended graduate school in the evening for 3 years to attain a Masters Degree in Business Administration to be better prepared for what would come next.

Developing land for the company that employed me, then venturing into the industry solo introduced me to many professionals connected with the Association of Water Board Directors. Attorneys, engineers, bookkeepers, tax assessor-collectors, operators and most of all Municipal Utility District Directors. WHAT A TEAM! This State of Texas land development model is a true success story. It’s now my turn to take a leadership role as a Trustee of AWBD.

Question 2 - What do you think is the most important issue currently facing either AWBD as an organization or our industry as a whole?

Politics and apprehension. The broad AWBD spectrum is still misunderstood by many, especially in parts of this wonderful state of Texas where growth is at a slow pace. However, that pace is changing swiftly in this AI world and our industry has to educate those who either don’t see it coming, or do see it but don’t want it to come, thus they aren’t prepared for the inevitable.

QUESTION 3 - Explain how your experience in our industry has prepared you to take on a leadership role as an AWBD–TX Trustee.

I rolled up my sleeves and got my boots dirty, that’s the only way to truly understand how this industry works whether it’s the pitfalls or successes and the strategic adjustments necessary for today and tomorrow. We all care, for each other and for our industry, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Kara Richardson Marks Richardson PC

Question 1 - Please state why you are running for a position as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Association of Water Board Directors - Texas.

I am running for reelection to the Board of Trustees of AWBD because I am passionate about water districts and furthering the mission of AWBD: “The betterment of Texas water district operation and management through education, unification, and advocacy.” No other organization does more for the water district industry than AWBD, and I look forward to giving my time, energy and dedication to an organization that has done so much for our great State of Texas.

Question 2 - What do you think is the most important issue currently facing either AWBD as an organization or our industry as a whole?

As the population in Texas continues to grow, affordable housing will continue to be an issue across the state. Water districts play an integral role in helping keep home prices in Texas affordable while maintaining overall property values in our communities. They also provide reliable, safe and efficient water and sewer services to their many customers. AWBD must continue to advocate for the advancement of water districts to ensure that communities across Texas can continue to offer cost-effective housing opportunities and reliable, affordable utility services to all residents.

Question 3 - Explain how your experience in our industry has prepared you to take on a leadership role as an AWBD–TX Trustee.

I have served as general counsel for water districts for over 24 years and, during such time, have been an active volunteer within the AWBD community serving on various committees. For the past 5 years, I have served as an at-large Trustee on the Board of Trustees of AWBD. I currently serve as the Executive Vice President of the Board of Trustees and as chair of the Programs & Education Committee. I also serve on the Communications Committee, the Legislative Planning Committee, the Local Government Committee and the Strategic Planning Committee. I am passionate about water district education and look forward to using my experience to continue serving the AWBD community for years to come.

Keli M. Schroeder, P.E. Fort Bend Co MUD 24

Question 1 - Please state why you are running for a position as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Association of Water Board Directors - Texas.

I am running for a position on the AWBD Board of Trustees to take a more active role in decision-making and to further support AWBD’s mission of serving directors, consultants, and service providers as they build and sustain thriving communities. I am deeply committed to the continued growth and success of our organization, including expanding our reach by welcoming more districts each year. I believe that education, collaboration, and innovation are essential to strengthening our districts and advancing the grassroots governance model of water management. Through service on the Board, I hope to champion impactful legislative initiatives, support our members, and help ensure we are prepared to meet the evolving challenges of the water industry. I am excited for the opportunity to transition from my role on the Advisory Council to the Board of Trustees and to continue contributing to AWBD in a greater capacity.

Question 2 - What do you think is the most important issue currently facing either AWBD as an organization or our industry as a whole?

One of my key priorities is ensuring that both new and experienced directors have access to the education and resources they need to effectively serve their communities. Equipping our leadership with knowledge strengthens districts from the ground up. I am also committed to addressing the critical issue of aging infrastructure and supporting the most cost-effective and reliable solutions. Additionally, staying ahead of evolving EPA and TCEQ regulations, such as those related to lead and copper and PFAS, is essential. It is important that we not only remain in compliance but also proactively manage the financial impacts these regulatory changes can have on our districts.

Question 3 - Explain how your experience in our industry has prepared you to take on a leadership role as an AWBD–TX Trustee.

As a current member of the Advisory Council, I bring 29 years of experience as a water district engineer and nine years of service as a director on two MUD boards, combining technical expertise with proven leadership. I have been an active member of AWBD for 25 years and have served on the Advisory Council since 2014. As co-chair of the Recognition Committee, I played a key role in establishing the Leonard Legacy Award and the district project awards. Additionally, my 15 years of involvement with the Conferences Committee has allowed me to help shape and deliver high-quality, relevant educational programming for our members. I am committed to continuing the advancement of AWBD’s mission to unite, advocate, and educate.

ELEVATING THE AWBD BRAND

HOUSTON WILDERNESS WILD LIFE OF

WATER

LUNCHEON OUT ABOUT &

“Water is the great connector” commented Dr. Sam Brody, Texas A&M-Galveston. Polk County Judge Sydney Murphy exhorted “Let’s get along with Mother Nature, because Mother Nature is going to do what Mother Nature wants to do”. HDR’s Tomothy Vail noted that “we are dangerously disconnected from our environment and that we need to integrate the environment into our objectives”. And Russ Poppe with HNTB highlighted that with more and more people moving to Texas, the more infrastructure planning becomes absolutely essential. All insightful observations at the Houston Wilderness Wild Life of Water luncheon. AWBD strongly concurs that water is one of the most versatile and valuable resources we have and that now, more than ever, we as a whole need to address our region’s water challenges and advocate for solutions. Thanks to Inframark for hosting AWBD, and to the panel for sharing their views. Kudos to Deborah JanuaryBevers and Wilderness Houston for a wonderful event. #AWBD #HoustonWilderness #WATER #Inframark

FORT BEND BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP FEB. 27

Very informative program at the Fort Bend Business Partnership February monthly meeting. Public Utility Commission of Texas Commissioner Kathleen Jackson, P.E. discussed the variety of energy sources generating power in Texas, including wind, solar, and nuclear. Texas is the largest in the country when it comes to wind generation, we are approaching #1 in solar, and Texas Governor Greg Abbott has declared that “It’s also time for Texas to lead a nuclear power renaissance in the United States”. For AWBD members, the most relevant quote of the morning was “Wars of the future will not be fought over oil, they will be fought over water”. Water is our most precious resource, and we must stand at the ready to advocate for legislative attention it so deserves. Thanks to Commissioner Jackson, and kudos to the Fort Bend Business Partnership for this program.

#AWBD #PUC #FBBP # Water

BADLAND BANDITS GANG BBQ

Another wonderful Badland Bandits Gang Go Texan Day celebration of our industry. Outstanding fellowship with so many great folks in our water district world. Big Thanks to ABHR, BGE, Inframark, KGA Deforest, Champions Hydro-Lawn, and Best Trash for hosting this fabulous event!

#AWBD #BadlandBandits #Water

TEXAS A&M

AWBD Executive Director Rick Ellis participated in the Texas A&M Master of Land and Property Development Advisory Council meetings and then engaged with program candidates during their 2025 Spring Career Fair. It was so encouraging to connect with the future leaders of our land development industry and to get to catch up with old friends/classmates Tim Early, MLPD Program Coordinator and Jim Russ, EHRA President & CEO. Special shout out to Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band Bugle Rank member and MLPD candidate Alex Gaither ’25. Gig ‘Em!

#AWBD #TAMU #EHRA #MLPD

A BLUEPRINT FOR TEXAS CITIES

AWBD Executive Director Rick Ellis attended The Texas Tribune “A Blueprint For Texas Cities – Growth, Challenges, and Opportunities” symposium in Houston in March where he heard excellent panel discussions on topics including affordable housing, mobility and transportation, urban green spaces, and economic development. Issues of major concern that resonated throughout, and ones that need to be addressed this Legislative Session, are infrastructure, water and electricity reliability, housing affordability, education and workforce development, and efforts to keep up with Texas’ explosive population growth. Great to meet and visit with Tribune staffers Nic Garcia, Joshua Fechter, Matt Ewalt, and Matthew Watkins.

#AWBD #TexasTribune #Blueprint

AUSTIN LUNCH & LEARN

AWBD presented its second Lunch N’ Learn during this 89th Session, focusing on MUDs and other water districts and how they benefit the Texas economy and how they accommodate the state’s explosive growth. AWBD Executive Director Rick Ellis was the presenter and covered topics ranging from why MUDs exist, how they are created, how they operate, how they are paid for, and who’s involved. Special Thanks to AWBD’s awesome Austin team for attending and providing insight to the discussion, particularly Trey Lary and Kristen Hogan with ABHR and Diana Miller with Schwartz, Page & Harding. MUDs Are Good For Texas! #AWBD #LunchNLearn #89thSession #MUDsAreGoodForTexas!

TEXAS WATER

Amazing amount of information absorbed at the TAWWA/WEAT Texas Water conference in Houston in Mid-March. Over 240 seminar sessions featuring hundreds of expert presenters covering a wealth of relevant topics important to Texas’ water world. Fulfilling to be exposed to so much industry knowledge and also to visit with so many industry friends and colleagues.

#AWBD #TAWWA #WEAT #TexasWater2025

FORT BEND BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP MAR. 27

Compelling “Shaping Fort Bend’s Residential Landscape” conversation at the Fort Bend Business Partnership March monthly meeting. Real estate development experts detailed the expansive growth in Fort Bend County, highlighting the many, new masterplanned communities that are under development or will be soon. Fort Bend County remains one of the fastest growing counties in the US and its population is expected to double in size by 2050. The panel, moderated by Barkley Peschel with Colliers, included Todd Hamilton with The Signorelli Company, Trey Reichert with Johnson Development Corp., Carson Nunnelly with Hines Interests, and Harry Thompson with ABHR. #FortBendCounty #Growth #FBBP #MPCs

AWBD Executive Director Rick Ellis was a featured panelist at the recent Greater Houston Builders Association Developers Council meeting speaking on the State of Water in Texas. Rick and fellow panelists Alia Vinson with Allen Boone Humphries Robinson LLP and Aubrey Spear with the San Jacinto River Authority addressed the crowd of homebuilders, developers, and associated consultants about the dire need of water for future developments, the debated legislation that will affect the land development/homebuilding industries, and the role that MUDs play in accommodating the expansive population growth in Texas. Thanks to Ed Taravella with TARACORP for moderating and to Cody Miller and Lauren Fuller with GHBA for coordinating the event and for the invitation to have AWBD represented at the table.

#AWBD #GHBA #ABHR #SJRA #TARACORP

GHBA DEVELOPER PANEL LUNCHEON

Very educational panel discussion at the March Greater Houston Builders Association Associate Council monthly luncheon. The presentation was a conversational, Q&A formatted talk about land development in the Greater Houston region and featured Becky Ullman with Friendswood Development Company, Alex Kamkar with Bold Fox Development, Russ Walker with Maple Development Group, and Brian Williams with Pulte Group. Two main takeaways were that “by far, the biggest concern is water” when developing property, and that there is a dire need to educate our elected officials about land development and the need for favorable legislation for the homebuilding industry. AWBD Executive Director Rick Ellis attended and had the opportunity to visit with the panelists, as well as with AWBD Ambassador Noell Myska with Terry’s Landscape and AWBD Emerging Leaders graduate Asim Tufail with Blackline Engineering. #AWBD #GHBA #LandDevelopment #Water #Education

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Planning for Parks and Recreation

Great parks make great cities! Parks define a city’s identity, creating memorable spaces where people gather, connect, and thrive. From New York’s Central Park, with its trails, museums, and skating rinks, to Chicago’s Millennium Park, home to Cloud Gate (“The Bean”) and vibrant green spaces, iconic parks enhance urban life. Boston’s Emerald Necklace links 1,100 acres of parks and waterways, while Houston’s massive Memorial Park welcomes millions with miles of trails and innovative landscapes.

WHY PARKS MATTER

Parks are more than just green spaces—they are vital to social, economic, and environmental well-being. They foster healthy lifestyles, bridge social divides, and serve as hubs for civic engagement. A well-designed park system attracts talent, spurs local investment, and promotes sustainability by improving air quality, managing stormwater, and preserving biodiversity. Parks are essential elements of a city’s “green infrastructure,” alongside streets, museums, and public spaces.

TAILORED SOLUTIONS FOR EVERY COMMUNITY

DEVELOPING A PARKS MASTER PLAN

To ensure parks meet community needs, cities must develop comprehensive parks and recreation master plans. These plans:

• Establish a long-term vision for parks and open spaces

• Guide development and preservation efforts

• Assess current assets and future needs

• Provide a platform for public input

• Align park enhancements with a city’s capital improvement plan (CIP)

We understand that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Each community must define its own standards and priorities, as recognized by the National Recreation and Park Association. By planning strategically, cities can create high-performing public spaces that enrich lives, support economies, and sustain the environment for generations to come. Recognizing these unique needs, Baxter & Woodman park planners offer customized solutions, through a variety of assessments including:

Baxter & Woodman brings the vision and expertise communities need to create vibrant, thriving parks and recreation spaces. Our assessments go beyond planning—they ensure every park is a place where people connect, nature flourishes, and communities thrive. baxterwoodman.com

Passages

On behalf of the membership, the AWBD Board of Trustees extends its deepest sympathies to our members and friends who have lost loved ones. May shared memories and the warmth of sincere friendship bring you comfort in your time of grief.

Bobby Earl Rich

GALVESTON CO MUD 68

On April 22, 2025, surrounded by his family, Bobby Earl Rich passed away peacefully in Sugar Land, Texas, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and countless memories that will continue to live on in all of us.

Bobby had a rich and varied working life, full of drive and dedication. His strong work ethic began early—as a teen, he held many jobs—he threw the Dallas Morning Newspaper, swept and mopped the high school, and ran the projector at Mt. Vernon’s first movie theater. He later worked as a surveyor for the Texas Highway Department, helping map out the highways of northeast Texas.

While starting a family, Bobby took night classes to study drafting—a skill he quickly mastered. This opened the door to his life’s work in petroleum chemical engineering, starting with Brown & Root in 1965 when he moved his family to Houston. He spent the longest stretch of his career with Fish Engineering, retiring in 2003. Following retirement, Bobby enjoyed “working” as a golf marshal at Quail Valley and Greatwood Golf courses and serving on the Board of Directors for several Houston area Municipal Utility Districts.

In 1979, Bobby married his loving wife, Genevieve (Jean) Sykora Rich, and together they shared nearly 46 years of marriage. They enjoyed all that Houston had to offer—the great restaurants, Astros baseball games, the nearby coast, and countless cookouts (Bobby grilled some of the best hamburgers and steaks this side of the Mississippi) and family gatherings. They cherished spending time with their children and grandchildren in Virginia, Washington D.C., Denver, and Austin, creating lasting memories of the times spent together.

Bobby and Jean loved to travel, visiting England, Mexico, the Caribbean, and many parts of the US. They always stayed connected to their roots though, frequently visiting their hometowns of Mt. Vernon and El Campo, and seeing family and friends as often as possible.

Outside of work, Bobby was a man of many talents and passions. He had a knack for drawing cartoon characters, often creating hilarious sketches of family members. He also had a competitive side—as a Mt. Vernon Tiger (class of 1955), he played football, baseball, and helped the Tigers win the Texas championship in basketball. Later in life, Bobby still enjoyed competing whether playing golf, ping pong, or a game of 42 dominoes with the family.

Bobby had a quiet faith based on Christianity and God’s Word. He loved working with church youth for many years, often driving buses to pick them up to bring them to church; and he quietly served behind the scenes on various church committees over the years. His faith shaped his values, his relationships, and the way he showed up for his family and community.

Bobby is survived by his sister, Martha (Rich) Phillips and her husband, Tommy Phillips; his daughter, Donna (Rich) Taylor and her husband, Kirk Taylor; his son, Robert Kent Rich; his grandson, Austin Taylor and his wife, Jessica Taylor; his granddaughter, Kirsten Taylor and her partner, Laine Gerdes; and his great-grandchildren: Jay (7), Abbi (5), Jamie (3), and Jordan (2) Taylor, as well as many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.

He is also joined in spirit by his beloved wife, Genevieve, and other family members who preceded him in death, including his parents, Gattis and Roba (Vinyard) Rich; his sister, Charlene (Rich) Bond and her husband, Joe Bond; his brother, Bill Rich and his wife, Joann; his brother, Buster Rich and his wife, Joy; and his step-son, Kenneth Berndt.

ABOUT OUR MEMBERS

Happy 65th Wedding Anniversary, Bill and Ann Callegari! Congratulations on reaching such a remarkable milestone together. Your journey of love and commitment is truly inspiring. As you celebrate this special day, may you be surrounded by the warmth and joy of your family, including your 4 children, their spouses, 14 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren. Your legacy of love and togetherness is a beautiful testament to the life you’ve built together. Wishing you many more years of happiness and cherished moments.

CONTACT US

Association of Water Board Directors - Texas Energy Tower

11700 Katy Freeway, Suite 450

Houston, TX 77079

Office: (281) 350-7090

Toll free: (800) 597-0122

Fax: (281) 350-7092

awbd.org

HAVE ANY NEWS TO SHARE?

Have news about what’s happening in your district/company? Want to share with your fellow AWBD members? We want to hear from you.

Please submit your news/press releases to: Sara Albright salbright@awbd-tx.org

Any photos must be 300 dpi resolution JPEG format. Indicate credit for photos. Everyone in the photos must be identified. Include member contact name and information. If accepted for publication, items may be edited for accuracy, space, and clarity.

AWBD MEMBERSHIP LOGO

AWBD has designed and adopted a special logo for use by our members who wish to proudly display their membership in the Association. This logo differs from the official Association logo. The official logo cannot be used without special permission from the AWBD Board of Trustees.

The AWBD Membership logo can be downloaded via the AWBD website. Just sign in with your member username and password, and you’ll be immediately directed to the membership logo for download. If you have any questions as to appropriate use, please contact the AWBD office.

KEEP AWBD INFORMED ABOUT YOU

In an effort to serve you better, we ask you to keep your membership profile updated with any new information. Doing so will ensure we get you all the details to all of our functions you need to maximize your membership in AWBD.

To update your profile, go to www.awbd.org and click Members Login on the website’s navbar. Then Sign In on the AWBD Member Portal page and click the Manage Account button.