Dear Valued Member, As you may be aware, WQA is moving through a period of dynamic organizational change and evolution. The focus of this activity is the search for an Interim Executive Director and in due course an Executive Director. Following our 2014 Mid-Year Leadership Conference, the board of governors set about the task of finding an Interim Executive Director, whose main goals will be to guide the organization and conduct a comprehensive review of WQA's financial management, governance structures, staff functions and core processes. This person will also serve the board as a trusted resource who will guide the Association and assemble the leadership team while we focus on finding a long-term executive solution. | WQA Interim Executive Director David Westman | We are excited to announce, that after an in-depth search and review of the feedback from all of the team members who participated in the interview process, we have selected David Westman as the new Interim Executive Director of the Water Quality Association. Mr. Westman has had an outstanding career in both the association and corporate realms, and has led or consulted on behalf of such groups as the College of Neurological Surgeons, American Dental Association and Emergency Nurse's Association. David also possesses a strong business and financial analysis background from his work with well-known firms such as KPMG and McGladrey in roles that included Managing Director of Strategy and Human Capital as well as Senior Consultant in Performance/ Compensation Management. He holds an MBA in Finance and Marketing from the University of Chicago and is also a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Association Executive (CAE). David's first day with WQA will be Monday, November 3. As soon as Mr. Westman is in place, we will immediately begin the search process for a candidate to fill the permanent Executive Director position. The recruitment and hiring process will likely take some time, perhaps months. However, we are committed to being expeditious in this search process while carefully evaluating our pool of candidates. Once a selection is made, we will work closely with the newly appointed executive director, interim executive director, and the extended board, to establish the necessary priorities, goals, systems, communications and processes to ensure a successful transition of responsibilities takes place. Please rest assured that the WQA is working to reach its full potential thanks to a talented group of WQA staff and member volunteers who are following the priorities set by the board for 2014. I sincerely believe we are on the path to a better, stronger WQA, and I look forward to sharing more updates with you very soon. Best Regards, The WQA Board of Governors |