Larson To Step Down As President Of National Waterways Conference

The National Waterways Conference announced last week that Julie Ufner will take over as president and CEO, effective November 4. She will succeed Amy Larson, who will step down at the end of the year, ensuring a seamless leadership transition.

Ufner is currently associate legislative director-environment, energy and land use for the National Association of Counties (NACo). Since 2002, she has worked with NACo’s 3,069 counties on the development and implementation of federal policies with the U.S. Congress, the White House, and numerous federal agencies, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Environmental Protection Agency.

Ufner began her career in Washington with U.S. Rep. Phil English (Pa.) who served on the House Ways and Means Committee.

“My goal is to build on the successes of Amy and the NWC membership,” Ufner said. “NWC is the only national organization advocating for water resources issues with a collective membership representing navigation, flood control, water supply, hydropower, and recreation sectors. I am honored to become a part of this well-respected organization.”

David Yarbrough, director of the Tulsa Port of Catoosa and newly elected NWC chairman, said, “We are thrilled that someone with Julie’s expertise and experience will take the helm. She is a successful policy advocate, and well respected for her stakeholder engagement and partnership building acumen.”

Larson has served as NWC’s president since March 2008.

“It has truly been an honor and a privilege to have worked with so many dedicated professionals for the past 11-1/2 years,” she said. My decision to step down was not easy, but I know that NWC will continue as the nation’s premier water resources organization under Julie’s leadership. I will be forever grateful to have had the opportunity to lead this amazing group of people. Their dedication and support for me personally and for the nation’s water resources reflect their integrity, commitment and professionalism.”

NWC’s immediate past chairman, Randy Richardson, executive director of the Port of Memphis, praised Larson’s tenure at the association.

“NWC has been extremely fortunate to have had an exceptional leader like Amy Larson as president for the last 11 years,” he said. “I look forward to Julie’s tenure and wish Mrs. Larson great success as she transitions to consulting on water resources policy issues in Washington, D.C.”