The Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA) has selected Dan Hartnett, its interim chief executive, to serve as AMWA CEO on a permanent basis from 1 November 2026. Hartnett has led the association on an interim basis since July.
Based in Washington, DC, AMWA represents the largest publicly owned drinking water systems in the US. The association said it has spoken for these systems for more than 45 years and that its membership serves more than 140 million people with safe drinking water.
Unanimous board decision announced in Seattle
AMWA Board President Calvin Farr, Jr., who is also General Manager and CEO of Prince William Water, announced the appointment on 26 October at the opening of AMWA’s 2026 Executive Management Conference in Seattle, Washington.
The Board of Directors had selected Hartnett unanimously at its meeting on 25 October. The decision followed what the association described as a months-long, nationwide search.
“Since assuming the role of Interim CEO in July, Dan has provided thoughtful leadership, maintained strong momentum across the association’s programs and priorities, and demonstrated a deep commitment to serving our members and subscribers,” said Farr.
He added: “Dan’s experience on Capitol Hill, extensive knowledge of federal water policy, and longstanding relationships throughout the water sector have made him a trusted leader among his team, peers, and membership.”
Career path to the AMWA CEO role
Hartnett joined AMWA in 2007 as a Legislative Assistant. He has since held several leadership roles at the association, including Manager of Legislative Affairs, Director of Legislative Affairs, Chief Advocacy Officer and Chief Policy Officer.
Before joining AMWA, he worked on Capitol Hill as a staffer to former representative Rob Simmons of Connecticut. The association said this experience gave him a strong legislative background in the water sector.
Hartnett on his appointment
“It is an honor to be selected to serve as AMWA’s next CEO,” said Hartnett. “In my nearly 20 years with AMWA, I have had the privilege to work with countless dedicated volunteers, members, and colleagues to advance the association’s mission as the voice of the nation’s largest publicly owned drinking water systems.”
“I am eager to enhance these efforts in the months and years ahead. I want to thank the Board of Directors for the confidence they have placed in me, and to AMWA’s staff for their consistent support,” he said.
Responsibilities as chief executive
As AMWA CEO, Hartnett will oversee all aspects of executive leadership across the association’s operations, programmes and policy initiatives. AMWA said its staff will continue to advance the association’s mission and provide resources and support to its members.
His background in legislative affairs and policy reflects the association’s focus on federal water policy. H2O Global News has previously reported on AMWA’s policy work, including its response to the EPA’s final PFAS drinking water regulation and its reaction to the House draft FY26 Interior-Environment appropriations bill. The site has also covered the election of new members to AMWA’s board.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the new CEO of AMWA?
Dan Hartnett has been selected as the permanent chief executive officer of the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies. He has served as interim CEO since July.
When does Dan Hartnett start as AMWA CEO?
Hartnett takes up the CEO role on a permanent basis from 1 November 2026.
How was Dan Hartnett selected as AMWA CEO?
AMWA’s Board of Directors selected him unanimously at its meeting on 25 October 2026, following a months-long, nationwide search. Board President Calvin Farr, Jr. announced the decision at the 2026 Executive Management Conference in Seattle.
What is Dan Hartnett’s background?
Hartnett joined AMWA in 2007 as a Legislative Assistant and has since held roles including Director of Legislative Affairs, Chief Advocacy Officer and Chief Policy Officer. Before joining AMWA, he worked on Capitol Hill as a staffer to former representative Rob Simmons of Connecticut.
What does the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies do?
AMWA represents the largest publicly owned drinking water systems in the US. Its membership serves more than 140 million people with safe drinking water.
