As we dive deeper into Women’s History Month, we want to take care to highlight the many sectors of the water and wastewater industry. On International Women’s Day, we had the privilege of spotlighting Margaret Doss, PO. Today, we explore a different side of this industry. Haley Vanness, CMP, ICE-CCP, is WPI’s Director of Credentialing and Programming and has been with WPI for over five years. In that time, she has become a mentor, friend, and remarkable leader for those at WPI and beyond. Haley’s path to the nonprofit sector exemplifies resilience, passion, and a commitment to serving others. Hear her story, in her own words, below.
From Neuroscience to Nonprofits: Haley’s Journey of Service
Haley’s story begins at a small college in Iowa, where she initially pursued a career in medicine, studying Neuroscience. “When I was in college, I thought I wanted to be a doctor… However, about a year in, I took a step back and realized that my passion wasn’t for medicine itself but rather for serving others,” she recalls. This revelation led her to explore alternative ways to make a meaningful impact, adding minors in Social Welfare and Psychology to deepen her understanding of service-oriented professions. She immersed herself in various campus and community organizations, with the goal of gaining understanding and experience that would shape her future.
After graduation, Haley worked in healthcare and HR but found contentment in volunteering with a local nonprofit youth theater. “I found myself seeking fulfillment elsewhere—spending my nights and weekends volunteering with a local nonprofit youth theater,” she says. It was here where she met Paul Bishop, President and CEO of WPI. She notes, “He introduced me to the world of associations and nonprofits.” Encouraged by his insights, she explored the field and eventually secured an entry-level position at WPI. “From that moment on, I knew I had found my place,” Haley reflects.
“This career has shaped me.”
Since joining WPI, Haley has grown tremendously, progressing from Certification Services Specialist to Certification Program Manager, then to Senior Program Manager, and now serves as the Director of Credentialing and Programming. “This career has shaped me—not just as a professional, but as a person and a community member,” she shares. Her journey has allowed her to serve others, find purpose, and continue growing both personally and professionally.
Versatility and Leadership: Embracing Multiple Roles
“I knew I had found my place.”
As the Director of Credentialing and Programming at WPI, Haley says she wears many hats and has learned to embrace the ever-evolving roles required in a small association. “We often joke that working for a small association requires being a true jack-of-all-trades,” she laughs. Initially joining WPI to manage in-house certification programs, Haley immersed herself in the credentialing space, earning her ICE-CCP to better her understanding and expertise. When staff turnover left a gap in meeting and event planning, what initially became a role she took on out of necessity bloomed into a natural affinity and passion. This led to Haley earning her Certified Meeting Planner credential.
Now, Haley’s responsibilities include working directly with WPI’s Board of Directors, Certification Commission, and conference planning, as well as coordinating various events throughout the year. “Through this work, I have gained invaluable experience in association management—an area I am eager to continue developing,” Haley explains. “The dynamic nature of my role keeps me continuously learning, growing, and finding new ways to support our mission.”
Women’s History Month: A Personal Reflection
This year, Women’s History Month holds special significance for her as she approaches her due date with her first child. Haley reflects that this experience has changed her relationship with womanhood. “As I navigate the final stages of pregnancy, my perspective has shifted in profound ways,” she shares.
There is no question that Haley is an inspiration to those around her. However, she remarks that in years past, she did not count herself among the trailblazing women celebrated during Women’s History Month. But through her journey with pregnancy, her outlook has changed, giving her a new appreciation for the spirit of women.
“I have come to understand that the impact we make each day—whether at work, at home, or within our own bodies—is meaningful,” she says. Despite the challenges of pregnancy, Haley feels stronger and more capable in every aspect of her life. She hopes that extraordinary women who may not recognize their own strength realize that this month is for them, too. “Their contributions, whether seen or unseen, are worthy of celebration, even if they don’t feel deserving—yet,” she adds.
“The impact we make each day… is meaningful.”
Ultimately, this past year has taught her a powerful lesson: all women deserve praise and celebration. “Being a woman in today’s world is not always easy, but still, we persevere. And that, in itself, is worthy of honor,” she concludes.
Haley’s journey in the water and wastewater industry is a testament to the power of resilience, passion, and service. In her time working for WPI, she has been a force of light and dedication, making her an essential contributor to the association’s success. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, let us honor the contributions of women like Haley, who continue to make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.
“But still, we persevere.”
