MONTEREY, CA–(Marketwired – May 04, 2016) – The Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) today presented its 2016 Excellence in Water Leadership Award to Mary Henrici, the recently departed general manager of the Rio Linda/ Elverta Community Water District.
Henrici took over the helm of the Rio Linda/Elverta Community Water District in June 2011 when the district faced lawsuits and compliance orders and was recommended for disbandment. Under Henrici’s guidance, the district launched what evolved into a complete turnaround that addressed issues ranging from financial practices to system maintenance and much-needed capital improvements.
Henrici also played a pivotal leadership role in reviving interest in the Sacramento River Reliability Project, which seeks to intertie the Sacramento River to a cooperative pipeline that would run through large parts of the Sacramento region. Three counties and 10 water districts have signed on to a scoping study for the project, which is viewed as a model of regional cooperation.
“What Mary has accomplished in her district speaks volumes about the power of strong, visionary leadership,” said ACWA President Kathleen Tiegs. “Mary stepped up and faced each challenge at her district head-on, restoring the faith of ratepayers and institutions throughout the region and state. She strengthened her district, bolstering morale and long-term water reliability. ACWA is honored to present this award to such a deserving recipient.”
The Excellence in Water Leadership Award – Building a World of Difference®recognizes groups or individuals who have made a remarkable and visible contribution to California water. The award, sponsored by Black & Veatch Corporation, was presented at ACWA’s 2016 Spring Conference & Exhibition, which continues through Friday in Monterey.
ACWA is a statewide association of public agencies whose more than 430 members are responsible for about 90% of the water delivered in California. For more information, visit www.acwa.com.
