2026 Emerging Leader Awards Nominations Survey

2026 Emerging Leader Awards Nominations Survey

WaterNow's annual Emerging Leader Awards recognize mid-level water utility professionals poised to take on leadership positions in the coming years. Awardees demonstrate promise and creativity in advancing sustainability, resiliency, or community engagement at their utility. Emerging Leader awardees receive a $1,500 stipend to support their leadership training and professional development, and are invited to participate in networking and educational opportunities throughout the year through the Emerging Leader Cohort Program. We welcome both peer and self-nominations.
Nominee's Information

Who would you like to nominate for the Award?
Name*

First NameLast Name
Title*
Email Address*
example@example.com
Employer*
Employer Location*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
The Emerging Leader Award is given to public water utility professionals. Is your nominee employed at a water utility, municipality, special district, or other public entity with responsibility for drinking water, wastewater, and/or stormwater services?*

YesNo
The Emerging Leader Award is awarded to mid-level utility and municipal staff poised to take on leadership roles in the coming years. Is your nominee currently in a mid-level position with their employer?*

YesNo
See the FAQ section on the Emerging Leader page for more information about how we define "mid-level."
Is the nominee a member of WaterNow?*

YesNoI don't know
WaterNow membership is not required for nominees, but awardees will be asked to become members if they are not already. Membership is free.
Your Information
Are you nominating yourself?*

YesNo, I'll enter my information below.
Name*

First NameLast Name
Email Address*
example@example.com
Title*
Organization or Agency*

Supporting Information

Tell us more about your nominee.
Please provide brief background information about the nominee and describe why you believe they deserve an Emerging Leader Award.*

0/250
Please describe a project or initiative led by your nominee that has advanced sustainability, climate resilience, and/or built community engagement and trust at your utility. What have been the impacts of this effort? Please include specifics about the leadership role played by the nominee in this project or initiative.*

0/500
Emerging leader awardees include mid-level utility and municipal staff of diverse backgrounds, poised to take on leadership positions in future years. This award includes a commitment to highlighting those who are underrepresented in the utility space, in terms of racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, cultural, geographic, ability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, and other aspects of identity. We welcome you to share any aspects of your nominee's identity or background that have shaped their leadership journey and professional goals.

0/500

Supporting Materials
Please upload any additional supporting materials such as video clips, newspaper or publication articles, reports, letters signed by supporting policy initiatives, or any other documentation that supports the nominee’s accomplishments and impact.

Cancelof
Please share any links to additional supporting materials here.
Should be Empty:

2026 Emerging Leader Awards Nominations Survey

Nominee's Information

Your Information

Supporting Information

Supporting Materials