Help Build California Water’s Future, Apply to Serve on an ACWA Committee by Marwan Khalifa Jul 25, 2025 Voices on Water Now is the time to apply for an ACWA committee, where collaboration leads to real impact across California’s water sector. Serving on a committee offers a unique opportunity to build professional networks, gain deeper insights into water policy and strengthen your leadership skills. It’s also a great chance to collaborate with peers, contribute to meaningful work, and help shape solutions that support your fellow agencies across California. I speak from personal experience, having recently served on and chaired ACWA’s Finance Committee while working as Chief Financial Officer for Mesa Water District. Our committee’s accomplishments included crafting strategies to reduce the association’s pension liability. Perhaps not the most riveting topic for non-finance professionals, but you know what was exciting? Seeing solutions take shape in real time, interacting with the ACWA Board of Directors and building lasting working relationships with other financial professionals within the ACWA community. To use a popular financial term, the experience represented a significant return on investment, and that’s a value anyone in any professional sector of our association can appreciate. ACWA recently launched the application process for those interested in serving on ACWA’s 13 standing committees for the 2026-’27 term. See the accompanying list of committees and use the QR code to learn more. ACWA committees meet throughout the year, providing key technical, policy and organizational input to the ACWA Board of Directors. Each committee has a specific mission, and together they function as a powerful network of knowledge and influence — a think tank grounded in real-world experience. But these committees only work because of the dedicated people who serve on them. In applying for a committee, please consider your availability. Committee work requires active, engaged participants who are ready to devote time and energy to advancing the work of the association. For young professionals in particular, joining a committee presents an unparalleled opportunity to contribute while learning alongside seasoned leaders from across the state. There is a real need for fresh ideas, diverse voices and committed professionals who want to be part of shaping California’s water future. In short, committees are where ACWA’s work begins and where lasting contributions are made. I encourage you to step up, serve and make a difference. Whatever your focus, our committees have a place for your expertise in water. Check out the application information and committee descriptions today and help your agency — and ACWA — lead the way forward.
