Recognizing Excellence in the Water Industry

Recognizing Excellence in the Water Industry

Summer is in full swing, and the WPI team has been active on both the international and regional stages with events that celebrate the spirit of professional growth and global collaboration. Most recently, that included two inspiring Professional Operator (PO) pinning ceremonies—the first of which took place in the Caribbean.

Strengthening Global Water Connections

On June 25th, a pinning ceremony was held in St. Vincent and the Grenadines during CAWASA’s 8th Annual Water Operators Conference. Representing WPI were Alison McGee, Chair of the Certification Commission for Environmental Professionals (C2EP), and John Solvie, Vice Chair of the Commission. Together, they joined Ignatius Jean, Executive Director of CAWASA and WPI’s Vice Chair, and Suzanne Joseph, Program Officer at CAWASA, to recognize five new Professional Operators.

The pinning ceremony was a proud and meaningful moment, marking the commitment of these operators to professional excellence and the essential work of safeguarding water systems. In addition to the ceremony, John Solvie also had the opportunity to present on certification exam development—sharing insights that support capacity building in the region and beyond.

This trip was more than a celebration—it was a powerful reminder of the shared mission that connects water professionals across borders. It deepened our ties with CAWASA and reinforced the global community we continue to build through our collective dedication to safe, sustainable water management.

Hear directly from Alison and John about their experience:

Alison:

“I want to express my sincere appreciation to Ignatius John, Suzanne Joseph, and the CAWASA team for inviting WPI to their conference. As Chair of C2EP, I had the distinct honor of celebrating the remarkable achievements of five new Professional Operators during the 8th Annual Caribbean Water Operators Conference, held in St. Vincent and the Grenadines at the end of June. On behalf of WPI, John Solvie and I conducted a pinning ceremony to recognize these five operators who have taken an important step in their professional journeys. It was a privilege to acknowledge their accomplishments and hear their personal stories as they joined an elite group of nearly 500 operators.

As a Professional Operator myself, I feel a strong connection with each of the newly inducted members. Their stories resonate with my own experiences and highlight the diverse paths we have taken to reach this pivotal moment in our careers. My commitment to the role of a Professional Operator runs deep, and I advocate for the recognition and development of our profession, understanding its vital importance.

I encourage anyone curious about this field to explore its many dimensions and possibilities. My passion for the water industry is unwavering, as I believe that the services we provide form the foundation of public health and safety. It’s essential that we cultivate a community of skilled and competent operators to meet the challenges ahead with expertise and confidence. This is what makes the Professional Operator Program significant.”

John:

“It was an honor representing Water Professionals International at the 8^th Annual Caribbean Water Operators Conference in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Thank you to Ignatius Jean and his team at CAWASA for being gracious hosts and organizing an excellent conference, which draws a diverse group of water professionals from across the Island Nations. C₂EP Chair Alison McGee and I were welcomed by attendees throughout the conference.

The Caribbean people were recovering from Hurricane Maria when I represented WPI at the 2019 Caribbean Water Operators Conference in Saint Lucia, and they are now recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Beryl. The conference included a demonstration of emergency reverse osmosis units that were deployed across impacted islands following Hurricane Beryl to provide safe drinking water. We drank treated seawater, which tasted as smooth as my well water at home. The Caribbean people embody an amazingly resilient culture that always finds a way.

My presentation on certification exam development solicited discussions throughout the conference about WPI’s Professional Operator program, the value of certified operators protecting public health and the environment, and certification program development and standards. Caribbean water professionals are always seeking innovative solutions to shape a sustainable future for the generations to come.

CAWASA hosted an impressive Professional Operator Pinning Ceremony that honored five new Professional Operators from Caribbean Nations. The value of the WPI’s Professional Operator Program cannot be overstated, both for raising the bar for utilities and for expanding the professionalism of operators on a global scale.”

Commending Local Excellence

On July 14th, WPI hosted another meaningful PO pinning ceremony—this time at the 2025 Ankeny Annual Water Workshop. Held just a short drive from WPI’s office, the event honored four new Professional Operators, including two instructors from Des Moines Area Community College’s (DMACC) Water Environmental Technology (WET) Program.

With the majority of our WPI team in attendance, the ceremony was both a celebration and a homecoming. It was a proud moment to see our local water professionals recognized for their commitment to excellence, and to witness our own community’s role in strengthening the water workforce.

The event also featured a presentation by Thomas Healy, WPI’s Vice President, who shared updates on WPI’s new 2025 certification exams—highlighting innovations designed to better meet the evolving needs of water professionals.

To close the ceremony, WPI President and CEO Paul Bishop reflected on the day’s significance, offering powerful insights into the value of certification, education, and continued investment in the next generation of operators. Reflecting on the recognition of the new Professional Operators, Paul says:

“The DMACC program is a model program for educating future water environment professionals. To see the program’s leadership and students attain the Professional Operator Certification is a testament to their hard work and dedication to their craft. It is an honor to recognize them and to celebrate their accomplishment with their peers from all across the great state of Iowa.”

At WPI, we take great pride in our collaborative partnerships and the dedicated operators who continually strive to elevate both their careers and the broader water and wastewater industry. Recent pinning ceremonies serve as a powerful symbol of this commitment—highlighting the growing emphasis on certification standards that not only meet industry demands but also recognize the leadership and expertise of exceptional professionals. These ceremonies are more than milestones; they represent progress, professionalism, and a shared vision for the future. We look forward to honoring even more operators in the ceremonies to come.