Before I introduce myself, I want to thank Adam for leading us through this tumultuous year. We had no idea what this year would bring, but Adam was the leader PNCWA needed. He is thoughtful, strong, and, most of all, kind. He carried us through with his stability, diligence, and grace. I am proud to follow in Adam’s footsteps and lead PNCWA forward.

My name is Haley Falconer and I am the Environmental Division Manager at the City of Boise, ID. I grew up in Montana, where I learned to value and protect the environment. When I studied environmental engineering in college, I knew that I could find meaningful work in something that I was good at and where I could make a difference in the world. I started volunteering for WEF in college and ultimately found PNCWA when I moved to Washington for grad school. Now, I live and work in Boise with my husband, two little boys, and rescue pup, Harriet.

This organization gives me purpose. It is a tangible way that I can give back to my community and help elevate our work as water professionals. It is a great honor and privilege to serve as the next president of PNCWA.

Adam mentioned the PNCWA hopes and dreams that were forever changed this year. While I certainly had a vision for what I hoped to accomplish as president those dreams have been reframed by the impacts of COVID-19. As I’ve processed that, I have come to realize that each of us truly is put in the position to serve for a particular reason. I am ready to serve as president and pave the way for our organization’s future. To me, this means holding on tight to what’s at our core — our people and the education we provide — and bringing those connections and how we share knowledge forward into a “new normal.” This is exciting in that we get to envision new ways to connect, learn, and strengthen the water industry in the Pacific Northwest.

I am thrilled with the development of the Summit Series. This is a new model of education that we will provide in addition to our annual conference. The Summits are three hours packed with information and opportunities to connect with one another. There are a variety of topics planned (one per month), and we are seeking committees who want to host a topic in 2021. Find more information about the Summits, including registration and sponsorship, here.

My WEF and PNCWA career is marked by saying “yes” to opportunities and by trying new things to make each organization better. Now is the time where we need you. We need your ideas, your time, and your connection. We have an opportunity to strengthen PNCWA, to create activities that work now and will outlast COVID. Most of all, we need your energy, optimism, and involvement. To quote the words of the past PNCWA President and current WEF Trustee, “Say ‘yes’ to an opportunity, share your idea, and join us in building the future of PNCWA.”