AWWA Announces New Executive Director

The Board of Directors of the American Water Works Association (AWWA) announced the selection of Gary J. Zimmerman as the association’s new executive director.

Zimmerman, 48, replaces Jack W. Hoffbuhr, who is retiring after leading AWWA for 12 years. The decision follows a seven-month search process.

Zimmerman joins AWWA following nearly two years as executive vice president of the Arabian Horse Association and a distinguished career in business management and development.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with the AWWA membership, board and staff,” Zimmerman said. “I can’t imagine a more important responsibility than supporting AWWA’s mission to be the authoritative resource on safe water. I am honored and very grateful that the board entrusted me with this position and look forward to building on AWWA’s 127 years of commitment to public health.”

The first 16 years of Zimmerman's career were in the paper and packaging industry. Following 12 years of progressive growth with Unisource Worldwide Division of Georgia-Pacific, Zimmerman was recruited to International Paper's xpedx Division as group vice president – South Central US. His technical savvy led to an entrepreneurial, e-commerce venture as COO of Dallas-based WebTransport in 2000, followed by executive positions with All Covered (IT Consulting) and 180 Connect (technical installation and service).

Born in Chicago in 1960, Zimmerman graduated from the University of Colorado, Boulder in 1982. During the academic year 1981, Zimmerman was selected as a United States Congressional Intern where he worked in the Washington, D.C. office of Senator William Armstrong. Later he attended the University of Denver, graduating in 1984 with a Master's in Business Administration.

“This is an exciting moment in the life of AWWA,” said AWWA President Nilaksh Kothari. “Gary brings a great depth of experience in the business and association worlds that will help AWWA grow and expand its mission.”

Source: AWWA