WASHINGTON, DC, March 14, 2006 -- The Association of State and Interstate Water Pollution Control Administrators (ASIWPCA) Board of Directors has accepted the resignation of executive director, Roberta "Robbi" Savage, the organization announced March 12.
She was hired on her 30th birthday in 1978. Since then, she's battled for implementation of amendments to the Clean Water Act in 1977, 1981 and 1986, as well as battles to maintain funding for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and, more recently, EPA and state jurisdiction over waterways and water quality rules. She also served as an author for Industrial WaterWorld magazine's "Regulatory Reports" column.
Anyone familiar with the significant contributions and accomplishments of ASWIPCA over the last 28 years -- which coincides with Savage's time at its helm -- toward improved management of our nation's waters also knows that she was a persistent and driving force throughout those initiatives, according to a statement issued by the board. Many of the policies and programs that were once took for granted can be attributed to Savage's dedication and commitment to real improvements in water quality and the educational efforts necessary to achieve those improvements, the board added.
"Robbi has advised the Board that, after much deliberation and for a number of reasons, she has made the decision to transition to new opportunities. We must respect that decision, and hope that we will have opportunities to work together in the future," the board stated. In its press release, the association included Savage's resignation letter, which detailed accomplishments over her tenure.
The resignation is effective April 30, at which time Linda Eichmiller, ASIWPCA deputy director, will serve as acting director, and Sean Rolland, legal policy analyst will serve as acting deputy director. Courtnay Fortier, the association's executive assistant, is being trained by the association's accountant to take over bookkeeping duties and Kathy Morgan will be the new conference coordinator.
"Linda, Sean, Courtnay and Kathy are valued staff members, and we look forward to working with them as the organization transitions its operations. The Board is also thankful to Robbi for offering to help with the staff transition and future initiatives," the board stated.
In addition to heading ASIWPCA since 1978, Savage also is the president of America's Clean Water Foundation (www.acwf.org), as well as creator of World Water Monitoring Day (www.worldwatermonitoringday.org).
Founded in 1961, the Association of State and Interstate Water Pollution Control Administrators (www.asiwpca.org) is the national, professional organization of state and interstate water quality program officials responsible for the day-to-day implementation of the Clean Water Act.
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Also see:
-- "States tell U.S. Supreme Court: 'We need Feds for clean water'" -- ASIWPCA files first-ever brief in support of state, federal jurisdiction in Clean Water Act cases
-- "Regulatory Reports: Federal Funds Drought Requires Watershed Mind Shift"
-- "Regulatory Reports: States Seek to Redefine NPDES Responsibilities"
-- "Regulatory Reports: Clean Water Challenges Abound for Industry"
-- "World Water Monitoring Day garners global response"
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