End of Year Brings Change To Waterways Leadership
The end of 2019 brought major changes in leadership for two major waterways advocacy organizations.
On December 4, The American Waterways Operators announced that Jennifer Carpenter, AWO’s executive vice president and COO, has been promoted to the position of president and CEO, effective January 1.
In announcing the promotion, outgoing AWO president and CEO Tom Allegretti said: “I am absolutely delighted to announce Jennifer’s promotion to president and CEO. She is an extraordinary leader and fully ready to take us forward to confront the challenges we face today and those on our horizon. This promotion is richly deserved and fully earned during her career of exemplary leadership and substantial achievement. She is already our industry’s most effective advocate and highly respected both by AWO members and by all those with whom we do business… I could not be more pleased and gratified that she has been selected as my successor. It has been my privilege to work alongside her throughout my AWO career.”
Larson served as AWO’s senior vice president – national advocacy until January 2016, when she was made chief operating officer and simultaneously promoted to a new executive vice president position.
AWO Chairman of the Board Scott Merritt said: “AWO has been blessed with some excellent executive leadership over its 75-year history, none more exceptional and effective than Tom Allegretti. As our president and CEO for the last 26 years, Tom has set the highest standard for leadership and advocacy on behalf of the membership. He has led us through some challenging times and has piloted us through some significant sea changes in our industry. Of all his many accomplishments, the recruitment, development, mentoring and ultimately, his promotion of Jennifer as his successor, is at the top. His vision and actions have assured the success of the organization well into the future.” Allegretti will stay on for an unspecified time to help with the transition.
Torch Passes At National Waterways Conference
Earlier this year, the board of the National Waterways Conference Inc. announced that long-serving president Amy Larson would step down at the end of the year. Larson will still be involved with the NWC’s work, however.
In an end-of-year note in NWC’s newsletter, she said, “As I pass the baton, I am confident that NWC is stronger than ever. As for me, it has been a privilege to work with so many exceptional leaders over the years, and I’m so thankful to call you friends. I will join NWC as a member in January as Larson Strategies LLC, continuing to be involved in important policy issues.”
Julie Ufner took over as president and CEO at WCI effective November 4, immediately plunging into a round of congressional testimony.
Ufner brings plenty of experience in Washington, D.C., including as associate legislative director for environment, energy and land use at the National Association of Counties (NACo). Since 2002, Ufner 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 Corps of Engineers and the Environmental Protection Agency.
Ufner began her career in Washington with U.S. House of Representatives member Phil English (Pa.) who served on the Ways and Means Committee.
“My goal is to build on the successes of Amy and the NWC membership,” said Ufner. “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.”
