Engaged elected officials are a key component of AMWUA's leadership
By AMWUA Staff
With foresight and an understanding of the water challenges that life in the desert can bring, mayors from Valley cities gathered to discuss water issues back in 1969. They formed a unique and innovative partnership, thus creating the Arizona Municipal Water Users Association (AMWUA). Over time it would become a collaboration of ten member municipalities, who represent 3.7 million people, working for the common purpose to safeguard water resources so cities can thrive here in the desert.
AMWUA provides a forum for our members to share information, evaluate critical water issues, reach a consensus on issues through discussion and debate, and strategize for the future. A key component of our member collaboration is the Board of Directors, which is comprised of mayors and councilmembers representing our ten municipalities.
AMWUA is fortunate to have a board of elected officials who are engaged and informed on water issues. This cooperation is also significant because each board member shares that water knowledge with their fellow councilmembers within their own municipalities. This ensures that our members' governing councils are up to date on relevant and vital water issues and policies. This AMWUA board structure is innovative and has united the cities to work together for the betterment and sustainability of our communities and collective economy.
The AMWUA Board of Directors that provides that key guidance and leadership is comprised of:
THE HONORABLE BART TURNER (PRESIDENT)
Councilmember of Glendale
Bart Turner was elected as a councilmember for the City of Glendale in January 2015. Councilmember Turner has served on the AMWUA Board of Directors since December 2014.
THE HONORABLE SHERI LAURITANO (Vice President)
Councilmember of Goodyear
Sheri Lauritano was elected to her first full four-year term with the City of Goodyear Council in March 2011 and served as Vice-Mayor for two years. Councilmember Lauritano has served on the AMWUA Board of Directors since August 2018.
THE HONORABLE SCOTT ANDERSON (Secretary/Treasurer)
Councilmember of Gilbert
Scott Anderson was elected to Gilbert Town Council in 2016. Councilmember Anderson joined the AMWUA Board of Directors in February 2020.
The Honorable Bridget Binsbacher
Councilmember of Peoria
Bridget Binsbacher was elected to the Peoria City Council in 2015 and served as vice mayor for two terms. Councilmember Binsbacher joined the AMWUA Board of Directors in January 2021.
THE HONORABLE DOREEN GARLID
Councilmember of Tempe
Doreen Garlid was elected for her first term with Tempe City Council in 2020. Councilmember Garlid has served on the AMWUA Board of Directors since July 2020.
THE HONORABLE RENÉ LOPEZ
Councilmember of Chandler
René Lopez began his first term on the Chandler City Council in 2015. Councilmember Lopez has served on the AMWUA Board of Directors since January 2017.
THE HONORABLE CURTIS NIELSON
Councilmember of Avondale
Curtis Nielson was elected in 2018 to serve as Councilmember on the Avondale City Council. His four-year term began in January 2019. Councilmember Nielson has served on the AMWUA Board of Directors since April 2019.
THE HONORABLE ANN O'BRIEN
Councilwoman of Phoenix
Ann O'Brien was newly elected as representative of Council District 1 on the Phoenix City Council in 2021. Councilwoman O'Brien joined the AMWUA Board of Directors in 2021.
THE HONORABLE DAVID ORTEGA
Mayor of Scottsdale
David Ortega was elected as the Mayor of Scottsdale in 2021 and previously served on Scottsdale City Council in 2000-2004. Mayor Ortega joined the AMWUA Board of Directors in January 2021.
THE HONORABLE KEVIN THOMPSON
Councilmember of Mesa
Elected to the Mesa City Council in August 2014, Councilmember Kevin Thompson began his first term representing District 6 in January of 2015. Councilmember Thompson has served on the AMWUA Board of Directors since November 2015.
In addition to the AMWUA Board of Directors, our Management Board, and advisory groups, which consist of city staff members specializing in water resources, conservation, communications, and finance, meet regularly and work collaboratively to ensure reliable, sustainable water supplies for generations to come. Learn more about the history of AMWUA.
For over 50 years, the Arizona Municipal Water Users Association has worked to protect our member cities' ability to provide assured, safe, and sustainable water supplies to their communities. For more information, visit www.amwua.org.
To stay informed, sign up for the AMWUA blog