Leaders of All Kinds Emerge from Water Leadership Institute

The 2013 graduates of the Water Leadership Institute emerged with confidence and a better idea of leadership styles. The program, developed by the Water Environment Federation (WEF; Alexandria, Va.), helps equip a new generation of water professionals with the latest skills and knowledge needed to take on sector challenges.

Eileen O’Neill, WEF interim executive director, speaks during the 2013 Water Leadership Institute graduation ceremony at WEFTEC. Photo courtesy of Oscar Einzig Photography.

“There are great water challenges out there but there are also great opportunities and it’s going to take leaders of all kinds and at all levels,” said Eileen O’Neill, WEF interim executive director.

Participating has helped Erin Ganley, team leader with Greater Wellington Regional Council (Wellington, New Zealand), meet new people in the sector and learn new ways to handle challenges.

“This course is about influencing the future and providing those in the program with the skills to do it,” Ganley said. “It has opened my eyes to the different ways of approaching a challenge,” she added.

In addition, Ganley learned about ways to leverage her skills in the workplace. “You should never stop learning and that learning should not just be technical, but must encompass learning about yourself and how your interactions impact those around you,” Ganley said. “I have developed a greater understanding of myself and in my current role I am able to implement my lessons and help develop others.”

Participant Britt Sheinbaum, project manager at WEF, already has applied knowledge of her leadership style to her course work within the institute and her daily life. “You watched everybody’s style and how they interact with the group,” Sheinbaum said. “I’m a relationship builder.” This knowledge has helped her recognize personal strengths, determine tasks where she will be the most successful, and delegate tasks suited to others’ strengths, she said.

“It teaches you how you can step up in the ways that you excel,” said Brittany Burch, participant and project manager at WEF. “You can lead in different ways,” she added. Participating helped Burch expand her definition of leadership and confidence and understanding of her personal skills.

The opportunity also enables participants to build a network of water professionals that will help them both personally and professionally in the future. “The bonds you make with people and those connections, it’s just nice. I got a lot out of it,” Burch said.

“I really feel that the connections and networking that we see here will carry forward and will continue to grow this program,” said Renee Kayal, WEF Education and Training program director.

The Water Leadership Institute class of 2013 graduates and mentors include, back row from left, David Peterson, Dave Robinson, Jeffrey Berlin, Mark Earl, Dempsey Ballou, Amanda Rockler, Madhusudan Joshi, and Maylinn Rosales; middle row from left, Alvin Pilobello, Jason Dreessen, Doug Barder, Robert Johnston, Mark C. Perry, Aren Hansen, Melissa L. Pomales, Kathleen Bates, Uday Khambhammettu, Keli Callahan, Renee Kayal, and Gary Fournier; front row from left, Erin Granley, Amanda Poole, Janet Spencer, Flor Y. Garcia Becerra, Britt Sheinbaum, Ben Klayman, Brittany Burch, and Dale Kocarek. Photo courtesy of Oscar Einzig Photography.

— Jennifer Fulcher, WEF Highlights

Apply Now To Participate in the 2014 Water Leadership Institute

The WEF Water Leadership Institute now is accepting applications for those interested in participating in the 2014 program. Applications are due Jan. 31.