SACRAMENTO, CA – This month, the California Water Efficiency Partnership (CalWEP) welcomed its new leadership team of Co-Directors: Sarah Foley and Tia Lebherz. Sarah and Tia bring a unique blend of expertise to the organization and will help drive internal and external strategies to further CalWEP’s mission to support its 200+ members in maximizing urban water efficiency in California.
“The CalWEP Board of Directors is thrilled to have Sarah and Tia at the helm as we continue to grow and evolve the organization to support our members – including urban water agencies, businesses, and non-profits across the state,” said CalWEP Board Chair Greg Bundesen who is with Sacramento Suburban Water District. “They have demonstrated the ability to collaborate with stakeholders to achieve measurable impact. We can’t wait to see what they will accomplish as Co-Executive Directors.”
Sarah Foley has been with CalWEP, previously known as the California Urban Water Conservation Council, since 2012. She has extensive experience with both urban and agricultural water organizations in California. From 2002 to 2012 Sarah served as the deputy director of the Sacramento City-County Office of Metropolitan Water Planning. Sarah will oversee the organization's operations.
“Developing additional tools, training opportunities and resources for CalWEP members is our top priority as Co-Directors,” said Foley. “As California moves to make water conservation a way of life, we know CalWEP will be an active implementation partner to assist agencies in reaching their water objectives in cost effective ways.”
Tia Lebherz has a decade of experience working with environmental and water-focused non-profits and municipal organizations. She joined the staff of CalWEP in 2018 as the Director of Outreach and Special Projects. With expertise in outreach, advocacy, coalition development, and engagement, and a strong media and communications background, Tia will lead the organization’s external affairs.
“Expanding water efficiency and conservation will always be a critical need in our drought-prone state,” said Lebherz. “CalWEP will work to bring diverse voices to the table to collectively meet some of our greatest water challenges.”
CalWEP’s previous Executive Director, Mary Ann Dickinson, will now return to her position as President and CEO of the Alliance for Water Efficiency (AWE), a national leader in water efficiency. Mary Ann had been serving both organizations concurrently. Last year, CalWEP became the first state chapter of AWE.
“It brings me great pleasure to hand over CalWEP to these two incredibly capable and passionate women,” said Dickinson, “Their combined expertise is a win for CalWEP and I am confident that working together, they will lead the organization to many great successes.”
California Water Efficiency Partnership maximizes urban water efficiency and conservation throughout California by supporting and integrating innovative technologies and practices; encouraging effective public policies; advancing research, training, and public education; and building collaborative approaches and partnerships. The organization is made up of 207 members, the majority of which are retail and wholesale water providers in the state. More information can be found at https://calwep.org.
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