President's Message | Spring 2026
After more than 20 years as an AWRA member, it is a privilege to write to you as president of the Board of Directors. This is an exciting time for our association as we welcome new leadership and look ahead to continued growth, renewal, and opportunity.
My AWRA journey began at the state‑section level and continued as my career took me from New Jersey to Delaware to Philadelphia. In each place, AWRA provided mentorship, inspiration, and a professional community that supported my growth as a water resources engineer.
With more than 20 years in practice, I have come to value how important it has been to build a professional network beyond those I work with day‑to‑day and beyond the project design and implementation space. Through AWRA, I have had the opportunity to engage with researchers, policymakers, regulators, municipal and utility leaders, planners, students, and fellow practitioners. These perspectives have broadened my thinking and strengthened my work. I hope every member finds similar value in these connections.
As I begin my two‑year term as president, my goal is to build upon AWRA’s strong foundation. My focus will be on connection, collaboration, and learning, with particular emphasis on mentoring, strengthening our state and student sections, and creating opportunities for engagement across disciplines and career stages.
I am particularly looking forward to the Geospatial Water Technology Conference in Niagara Falls this May, where timely topics such as AI and smart water solutions will spark new ideas and connections. Later this year, that momentum continues when AWRA hosts its Annual Conference in Philadelphia. I am especially excited that the conference coincides with the nation’s 250th anniversary and provides an opportunity to showcase all that the City of Brotherly Love has to offer.
I encourage you to reach out to share what matters most to you and how AWRA can continue to bring value to your professional journey. Personally connecting with members is a priority of mine, and collaboration will remain central throughout my term. There is no end to learning, growing, and building lasting connections while making friends along the way.
Finally, while our work is important, it should also be enjoyable. Curiosity, enthusiasm, and even fun are central to how I approach leadership, and I hope they continue to define the AWRA experience.
If you are reading this, you are already contributing to AWRA’s mission. I look forward to celebrating our successes and continuing to learn and collaborate together.
With gratitude for this community and confidence in our shared future,
Shahjabin Alam (Juni), PE
AWRA President