The Association of State Drinking Water Administrators (ASDWA) has named James D. Taft as its new executive director, effective Feb. 1. Currently Taft is chief of the Targeting and Analysis Branch of USEPA’s Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water.
During his 18-year-career at USEPA, Taft was responsible for developing a number of chemical regulations for drinking water and for developing tools to support those regulations. He also held several key positions within the agency’s Office of Wastewater Management.
According to ASDWA, Taft’s experience "should serve the association well as it moves forward in efforts to integrate elements of the Safe Drinking Water and Clean Water Acts." Among other things, ASDWA praised Taft for his vision, integrity and sound scientific and technical skills, noting that "these strong attributes should ensure the continued success and growth of the association."
ASDWA’s current executive director, Vanessa M. Leiby, will remain with the association through Jan. 31, when she will join Cadmus, an international consulting firm that specializes in drinking water issues.
Source: AWWA
