SAN FRANCISCO, June 16, 2005 -- Andy W. Richardson, a principal and director of the Phoenix and Las Vegas offices of the consulting firm Greeley and Hansen, began his term as the American Water Works Association's president last night by calling on the water community to be dedicated and responsible stewards of our critical water infrastructure.
Speaking at the concluding banquet of the American Water Works Association's (AWWA) Annual Conference and Exposition (ACE05), Richardson reminded attendees of the commitment shown by water professionals in previous generations, saying their "stewardship sets the bar for us."
"We need to view AWWA and our countries' infrastructures as vital assets we are holding in trust for the next generation to come," Richardson said. "We need to pass both on better than we found them."
Richardson succeeds Kathryn L. McCain, a principal with the consulting and engineering firm CDM Inc. An AWWA member for almost 20 years, Richardson has been a long-time leader in the Association and the water community.
He chairs the AWWA Strategic Planning Committee and has served on other Board committees, as well as committees on water reuse and international issues. He holds a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from the University of Illinois and masters degrees in civil engineering and business administration. His father, William H. Richardson, was AWWA president from 1984-85.
Established in 1881, AWWA (www.awwa.org) is the oldest and largest nonprofit scientific and educational organization dedicated to safe water in North America. AWWA has over 57,000 members worldwide and its 4,700 utility members serve 80% of America's population.
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