In 2014, WPI (then ABC) launched the Professional Operator (PO) program—an industry-driven certification that has gained national and international recognition as a gold standard. Designed without borders, the PO certification empowers individuals anywhere in the world to earn their designation on demand. Today, its framework serves as a model for global environmental certification programs—and its influence continues to grow.
This March, we spotlighted a remarkable group of women advancing the PO program in Wyoming. They are the first in our series honoring POs who are dedicated to serving their communities and raising awareness of this vital work.
Two months ago, we spoke with Kathy Weinsaft, a Training Specialist at Wyoming Rural Water. While she shared her personal journey into the water and wastewater field, Kathy also played a pivotal role in introducing the PO program to Wyoming. Her passion and perseverance helped make the certification accessible in her home state.
“I actually was on one of the ABC committees (yes it was that long ago), that helped developed the standards for the PO Program. It has been my dream to have many POs in my home state. One of my fortes is nudging folks and not giving up. I kept putting classes on about the PO Program with the help of WPI and our Operator Certification Officer… I asked other outstanding operators, staff from WPI, and our Operator Certification Officer to help me. Through their help and outreach to Wyoming’s wonderful operators we now have two POs.”
Those two POs—Michelle Christopher and Alexis Spray—were interviewed in March about their pathways to certification. For them, becoming a Professional Operator validated the expertise, effort, and professionalism they’ve consistently brought to their roles.
Christopher, PO, shared: “I really want to promote water and wastewater operators as professionals… If we want to be treated and respected as professionals, we need to start acting like it. Obtaining this certification is a way of accomplishing that.”
Spray, PO, added: “I saw getting this certification as a way to better myself, and I am pushing to get other certifications so that I can be the best operator I can be. I see all these other great women in our field, and I hope to be one of them some day.”
These women have become leading voices in their field and champions of a program that uplifts operators. Kim Parker, Certification Officer for the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, emphasized the program’s benefits and the steps they are taking to bring the program to more operators:
“I think the WPI PO program is an excellent way for operators to demonstrate their passion and expertise and be recognized for their accomplishments. The Wyoming Operator Certification Program already tracks most of the data that PO applicants need, and we will be updating our database to make it easier for Wyoming operators to become POs.”
Accessibility and reciprocity remain top priorities for WPI and the communities it serves. As Weinsaft puts it, “you don’t know what you don’t know”—spreading awareness is essential to adoption. Her advice to others hoping to bring the program to their region is simple: inform your operators.
“Once [the operators] knew about the program it became important to present why they would want to participate. It was important for our operators to understand that they were already professionals, this was just a way of documenting that fact.”
Parker echoed this sentiment, envisioning a future where the PO designation helps with recruitment, recognition, and retention: “In the future, I hope obtaining a PO designation will be an incentive that will help recruit new operators into the field, a tool to help employers to find excellent operators, and perhaps even pave the way for operators to earn higher wages.”
Looking ahead, Spray, PO, hopes the program can expand to reach and inspire younger operators: “I hope to show the younger generation that anything is possible. That if you work hard enough, you can accomplish anything you set your mind to.”
Christopher, PO, agreed, using a quote from her former coworker: “I want all operators to know their worth. I hope my career inspires them to ‘get mad, get messy, get excited and solve problems.’”
While their visions for their fellow operators remain at the forefront of their minds, this team is proud of their work so far in having led the charge in implementing the PO program in Wyoming.
Parker shared: “I have a deep respect for water and wastewater operators. The PO program gives our operators an awesome opportunity to show their excellence by achieving a goal that most operators cannot.”
Weinsaft reflected: “My career is winding down but these amazing operators, with more to come, are going to carry these high standards into the future. I can’t think of anything that gives me more satisfaction.”
Their message to aspiring POs? Go for it.
“If you are an operator with a passion for what you do… strive for that badge of excellence! You should be recognized as a Professional Operator!” — Kim Parker
“If it’s something you’re curious about, apply. Nobody has ever been sad because they did something to improve themselves.” — Michelle Christopher, PO
“Just do it! Why wouldn’t you?” — Kathy Weinsaft
Weinsaft concludes, saying, “It… gives you bragging rights, allows you to help in the case of an emergency in another state, gives you more credibility… and ensures the community you are serving that they are in the best possible hands.”
WPI encourages you to take it from them—the PO designation is worth every bit of effort. And this team isn’t slowing down. As Weinsaft looks ahead, she says firmly,
“My goal is to have 6 [professional operators] by the end of this year. We can do it. I believe that with all my heart.”
And with this team’s dedication and determination? We believe they can do it, too.
Are you a Professional Operator or do you work with one?
We’d love to hear your story. Contact [email protected] for a chance to be featured in our PO Spotlight series.
