Suffolk County Water Authority CEO Elected To Lead National Drinking Water Organization

Suffolk County Water Authority CEO Jeff Szabo has been elected president of the Board of Directors for the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA), an organization representing the largest publicly owned drinking water systems in the United States.

According to the utility, the appointment highlights SCWA’s leadership in water quality, infrastructure management and public health protection. Szabo will continue his responsibilities as SCWA CEO while guiding AMWA in advancing water management practices nationwide.

“Jeff’s election as AMWA president reflects his deep commitment to delivering high-quality drinking water through innovative management strategies and his ability to tackle the challenges facing our nation’s water systems,” AMWA CEO Tom Dobbins said. “We are thrilled to have him lead as we work to ensure safe and reliable drinking water for communities across the country.”

Szabo is a member of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s National Drinking Water Advisory Council, which provides the regulatory agency with advice and recommendations related to national drinking water programs. He was also the chief architect of the Long Island Commission of Aquifer Protection, where he also previously served as chair.

SCWA Chairman Charlie Lefkowitz added, “Jeff’s leadership at AMWA is a testament to his dedication and the hard work of our SCWA team. This recognition not only honors Jeff but also highlights SCWA’s role as a national model for water utilities.”

Founded in 1981, AMWA is the nation’s only policy-making organization dedicated solely to metropolitan water suppliers. The group says it works with Congress and federal agencies to ensure public health protections through cost-effective regulations, while providing its members with resources to improve utility management, sustainability and security. AMWA is governed by a Board of Directors representing all regions, and its professional staff is based in Washington, D.C.