Former U.S. Chief Water Diplomat and Water Policy Leader to Guide AWRA's Next Chapter of Scientific Leadership, Collaboration, and Impact
Chicago, IL. – The American Water Resources Association (AWRA) today announced that Aaron Salzberg has joined the organization as its new Chief Executive Officer, bringing more than 25 years of leadership experience spanning water policy, water resources management, international development, climate resilience, and hydrological science.
Throughout his career, Salzberg has worked across the water sector, most recently serving as Director of the Water Institute at the University of North Carolina. He also served as the U.S. Department of State's first Special Coordinator for Water Resources, where he led the development and implementation of U.S. foreign policy on drinking water and sanitation, water resources management, and transboundary water and conflict.
His experience includes advancing drinking water and sanitation programs, integrated water resources management initiatives, climate and water security efforts, and global hydrological research. Among his accomplishments, Salzberg led the development of the United States' first Global Water Strategy and the World Meteorological Organization's first Hydrological Research Strategy.
Salzberg's connection to AWRA spans more than two decades. As a policymaker and water leader, he viewed the organization as a trusted source of interdisciplinary science and a unique platform for bringing together researchers, practitioners, educators, and decision-makers to address complex water challenges.
"Water challenges are increasingly interconnected, crossing traditional disciplinary, institutional, and geographic boundaries," said Salzberg. "Organizations such as AWRA play a critical role in translating science into action, fostering collaboration, and equipping water professionals with the knowledge and networks needed to address emerging challenges."
Founded more than 60 years ago, AWRA has served as a leading forum for advancing water science, policy, management, and education. At a time when communities face growing pressures from climate change, aging infrastructure, competing water demands, ecosystem degradation, and increasing hydrologic uncertainty, AWRA is uniquely positioned to support evidence-based solutions and cross-sector collaboration.
As CEO, Salzberg will focus on strengthening AWRA's ability to serve the broader water community through high-quality programs, publications, conferences, and professional networks. Key priorities include expanding partnerships across academia, government, utilities, nonprofits, consulting firms, and the private sector; enhancing organizational sustainability; elevating the role of science in water decision-making; and supporting the development of the next generation of water leaders.
He emphasized that engagement from across the water sector, including professionals who may not currently be involved with AWRA, will be essential to advancing the organization's mission and impact.
Water professionals interested in learning more about AWRA, its programs, and opportunities for collaboration are encouraged to visit www.awra.org or contact Aaron Salzberg at [email protected].
About the American Water Resources Association
The American Water Resources Association (AWRA) is a multidisciplinary organization dedicated to advancing water resources management, research, education, and policy. Through conferences, publications, professional development, and collaboration opportunities, AWRA brings together scientists, engineers, managers, policymakers, educators, and practitioners to address today's most pressing water challenges and advance sustainable water solutions.