Moving from front-line operations to leadership is a major challenge — in ways many newly minted leaders don’t expect.

It’s no secret that the operator workforce is aging. Now’s the time to groom a new generation. Water Environment Federation’s Students and Young Professionals Committee is a great resource.

Terry L. Huber applies reasoned approach and long experience to ensure clean water for residents in his role as supervisor of the Lima Water Treatment Plant.

Jeff Pippel uses plain-spoken management skills and a sharp mentoring focus to build an award-winning career at West Virginia water and wastewater plants.

Herlon J. Fayard Jr. applies effective training, personal conviction and people-oriented management to achieve award-winning results.

Jim Boyer brings 30 years’ experience in coaching, teaching and mentoring to his role as utility superintendent in Spring Hill.