AC26 Emerging Leaders Track Bundle

CWEA Member: $85.00
Non-Member: $110.00

3.0 contact hours towards CWEA's CSM, certifications.
2.0 contact hours towards CWEA's ECI, certifications.
3.0 contact hours towards CWEA's LAB certifications.
3.0 contact hours towards CWEA's EIT, certifications.
1.0 contact hours towards CWEA's MT, certifications.
1.0 contact hours towards CWEA's AWT, certifications.

This series includes the following 50 minute sessions. 

Session 1: Leading Without a Manual: Elevating Field Experts into Strategic Leaders
In the water and wastewater industry, many of the most effective leaders begin their careers in the field—bringing years of hands-on experience, technical skill, and operational insight. However, transitioning from technical expert to organizational leader often presents a new set of challenges. These individuals are suddenly expected to inspire teams, communicate across departments, and align with strategic goals—frequently without formal leadership training.

This session explores how field professionals can successfully evolve into mission-driven leaders. Drawing on nearly two decades of experience in mechanical systems, utility maintenance, and asset reliability across four Southern California agencies, the presenter offers a real-world, inside-out perspective on what it truly takes to lead beyond the wrench.

Participants will examine the critical mindset shift required to move from task-oriented thinking to strategic influence. The session emphasizes the growing importance of emotional intelligence, effective communication, and leadership presence—skills that must complement technical excellence in today’s utility environment.

Attendees will also explore the tension between reactive maintenance demands and the proactive vision needed to lead utilities into the future. Core topics include building cross-functional trust, creating psychological safety within field teams, supporting workforce development, and fostering a culture of shared accountability.

Designed for working supervisors, lead technicians, and managers, this session provides actionable tools and relatable insights to help operational leaders align their teams with broader organizational missions and values. Participants will leave better equipped to translate their deep field experience into meaningful leadership impact—strengthening team performance, improving collaboration, and helping their utilities thrive.

Whether you’re currently in a leadership role or preparing to step into one, this session will challenge you to lead with both precision and purpose.

Learning Objectives:
Leadership Requires More Than Technical Skill. Transitioning from field expert to effective leader demands a shift in mindset—from task execution to strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, and cross-departmental collaboration.
Communication and Trust Are Foundational. Building psychological safety, fostering trust across teams, and developing clear communication practices are essential for uniting field crews with organizational goals.
Operational Excellence Can Drive Organizational Impact. With the right tools and leadership approach, field professionals can transform their hands-on experience into mission-driven leadership, bridging daily operations with long-term utility vision."

Session 2: Leading the Flow: Empowering Leadership in Wastewater Treatment Operations

Leading the Flow: Empowering Leadership in Wastewater Treatment Operations is a dynamic training designed to elevate leadership skills among water treatment professionals. Participants will explore practical strategies for leading teams, driving operational excellence, and fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and innovation. Through interactive discussions and real-world scenarios, this session empowers supervisors, managers, and emerging leaders to navigate challenges, inspire performance, and lead with confidence in a highly regulated and mission-critical environment. Whether you're managing daily operations or preparing for future leadership roles, this training provides the tools and mindset needed to lead effectively and sustainably in the water treatment industry.

Learning Objectives:
Will have clear examples on how to lead with purpose and confidence Develop the mindset and skills to lead teams effectively in a mission-critical, regulated environment.
Understand how to achieve operational excellence through people Learn how to inspire performance, foster accountability, and build a culture of safety and innovation.
How to apply leadership in real-world scenarios Engage with practical strategies and interactive discussions that connect leadership principles to everyday challenges in wastewater operations.

Session 3: Communicate Like a Leader: Practical Tools for Managing Projects and Expectations

Strong communication is not just about presenting information. It is about helping work move forward.

Early in their careers, many professionals discover that projects rarely stall because of technical challenges. More often, they slow down because expectations were unclear, updates were not shared, or stakeholders were left guessing about progress.

In this practical and engaging session, David Garrison shares communication strategies that help professionals keep projects on track, maintain trust with stakeholders, and guide tasks to completion.

Drawing from more than a decade working with associations, public agencies, and consulting teams, David explores how small communication habits can dramatically improve collaboration. Participants will learn how proactive updates, clear expectations, and simple communication rhythms can strengthen relationships and prevent misunderstandings before they occur.

Through real examples and interactive discussion, participants will leave with tools they can apply immediately to improve their effectiveness as communicators and project contributors.

Because in professional environments, the difference between frustration and trust is often just one message sent at the right time.

Learning Objectives:
Use simple communication strategies that keep projects moving forward
Set clear expectations with stakeholders and team members
Share updates that build trust and transparency
Apply practical tools to improve follow-through and accountability"

AC26 Recordings Sponsored By: 

Registrants who view the live webinar to see the slides and hear the audio and then enter the correct attention check code (directions below) will receive  contact hours towards CWEA's certification:3.0 CSM, 2.0  ECI, 3.0 LAB, 1.0 MT, 3.0 EIT, 1.0 AWT.

To receive your contact hours for viewing the recording, you will need to view each video in the series. Upon completion of the last video in the series, the system will automatically unlock the attention check code for you view. The two (2) different attention check codes that will be displayed, and you will need to enter these codes as 1st attention check code – 2nd attention check code (XXXX-XXXX) in the Attention Check Code component under the "Contents" tab.  

Please note, all user activity of CWEA certification holders on the Online Wastewater Education Network is subject to the CWEA Code of Ethics standards for professional conduct and ethics. Certification holders should receive credit for a training only once within the same contact hour period. Any attempt to undermine the certification process may be subject to ethics procedures and possible sanctions. It is not possible to receive contact hours for both attending the live webinar and viewing the recording.  

Once you have entered the correct attendance check codes, you will be able to create and download an electronic certificate of completion under the "Contents" tab.