DENVER, CO, July 3, 2007 -- Jack W. Hoffbuhr, P.E., DEE, Executive Director for the American Water Works Association (AWWA) for the past 11 years, today announced his retirement as leader of the world's oldest and largest water organization.
Hoffbuhr will remain in his position while a successor is hired and for any transition period that follows.
"I have been privileged to work in the water profession for over 40 years -- almost 20 of those with AWWA," Hoffbuhr said. "Safe water and public health have always been and will continue to be my passion. The volunteers and staff of AWWA share that passion and it has been a delight and honor to work with them. I know AWWA will continue to excel because of their dedication."
As the leader of the authoritative resource on safe water, Hoffbuhr is among the most recognized voices in the water community. He was selected as the AWWA Executive Director in February 1996. He first joined the association staff as Deputy Executive Director in 1988, after more than 23 years of hands-on and management experience in dealing with water utilities in design, construction, operation and training.
Hoffbuhr's retirement comes less than a year after AWWA achieved a membership of more than 60,000 for the first time.
"He has been an integral part of the Association's success and will leave a proud legacy of accomplishments," said AWWA President Nilaksh Kothari. "AWWA will miss Jack's extraordinary knowledge of the water profession, his wisdom as a leader, and the depth of experience he brought to the Association. AWWA is stronger because of his service, and we are well-positioned for future success."
Prior to joining AWWA, Hoffbuhr had a long and accomplished career as a water professional. After a two-year stint designing wastewater and water supply facilities in the Peruvian Andes for the U.S. Peace Corps, Hoffbuhr joined the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service and held a variety of positions, including project engineer designing and constructing similar facilities for the Hopi and Navajo Indian Reservations in Arizona, several international assignments, and a special tour of duty with the Environmental Protection Agency.
Before joining the AWWA staff, Hoffbuhr had been an active Association member and volunteer for more than 20 years, with assignments on the Administrative & Policy Council, Technical & Educational Council, Education Division (chair), and numerous committees.
With graduate degrees in both Sanitary Engineering and Public Administration, Hoffbuhr is a Registered Professional Engineer in Colorado and a Board Certified Professional Engineer (Diplomate) in Water/Wastewater by the American Academy of Environmental Engineers.
He lives in Centennial, Colo., with his wife, Donna. Their two daughters, Kristen and Tamara, are pursuing their own careers.
AWWA is the authoritative resource for knowledge, information, and advocacy to improve the quality and supply of water in North America and beyond. AWWA is the largest organization of water professionals in the world. AWWA advances public health, safety and welfare by uniting the efforts of the full spectrum of the entire water community. Through our collective strength we become better stewards of water for the greatest good of the people and the environment.
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