The Kentucky Rural Water Association (“KRWA”) was formed in 1979 as a private 501(c)6 nonprofit organization whose members are utilities representing over 95% of the public drinking water and wastewater customers in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.  As the largest utility organization in the state, KRWA’s goal is to foster professionalism as well as provide non-regulatory training, technical assistance programs and advocacy efforts.   Based in Bowling Green, the organization represents the interests of over 300 public utilities and over 200 associate members, which are organizations that support and serve the industry.  KRWA has an annual operating budget of $3.2+MM and 20+ staff working in Bowling Green and remotely while serving members. KRWA is governed by 8 Directors representing member utilities and 1 non-voting Associate Director representing associate members, who are typically industry experts from throughout Kentucky.  Members of KRWA benefit from training programs, both virtual and in-person, major conferences that focus on professional networking and industry topics, technical assistance, apprenticeship program, legislative engagement in the state capital of Frankfort and in Washington DC, weekly eNews updates and quarterly publications and a low-cost financing program through the Kentucky Rural Water Finance Corporation affiliate.  KRWA is one of the largest rural water associations affiliated with the National Rural Water Association, based in Duncan, Oklahoma. KRWA’s website: www.krwa.org

The Executive Director serves as the Chief Executive Officer of KRWA, responsible to the Board of Directors for effective conduct of the affairs of the Association.  This executive will recommend and participate in the Board’s formulation of mission, goals and objectives and related policies.  Within that framework, the Executive Director plans, organizes, coordinates, controls, and directs the staff, programs, and activities of the association.

The Executive Director reports to the President of the 8-member Board of Directors.  The Board of Directors typically meets bimonthly with additional meetings at KRWA conferences and other meetings held as required in person, virtually or via conference call.  The Executive Director supervises the KRWA 20-member staff, about half of whom are based in Bowling Green while the others work virtually throughout Kentucky.   Other important interactions and working relationships: employees of KRWA members including utilities and associate members; elected officials at the local, state, and Federal level and their staffs; state and Federal EPA representatives; National Rural Water Association and other rural water organizations throughout the country; outside financial advisers and consultants.

Outstanding opportunity for an executive to lead a professional association with a 40+ year history of success and impact on members and the state.  An experienced staff and committed Board ensure the historical integrity of the organization and a strong foundation for KRWA going forward.  At the same time, the utilities which make up the association face challenges that include workforce development, technical issues, and funding challenges. KRWA must continue to provide outstanding services and programs as well as advocate on behalf of the membership in the years to come.