The Water Council has named Matt Howard as the first director of the Alliance for Water Stewardship, North America.
The Milwaukee-based Water Council was named the North American headquarters for the Alliance for Water Stewardship in June. The AWS is an international organization dedicated to sustainable water resource management.
Howard has worked as sustainability director for the City of Milwaukee or the past five years. There, he implemented programs and policies that reduced costs and helped drive long-term sustainability for businesses, residents and the city. Among his projects was Milwaukee’s first sustainability plan, ReFresh Milwaukee. He also helped raised $100 million for city initiatives and led programs that upgraded more than 1,300 homes and 200 businesses in Milwaukee, generating $30 million in economic activity.
Howard, who has almost 20 years of experience in policy development and also previously created a national Sustainable Manufacturing Initiative at the U.S. Department of Commerce, will join The Water Council beginning on June 8. In his new role, Howard will be responsible for developing The Water Council’s sustainability and stewardship programs.
“I’m thrilled to be a part of the dynamic team at The Water Council,” he said. “Water put Milwaukee on the map and now The Water Council and AWS North America will ensure the city’s flag is the global epicenter for water sustainability thought leadership and manufacturing. We’ve taken fresh water for granted too long. When implemented at sites across North America, the new AWS Standard will change water stewardship for generations.”
“We are extremely pleased to have Matt join our team as we help locations address their water issues through innovative technologies and novel water management approaches,” stated Dean Amhaus, president and chief executive officer of The Water Council. “With the Western half of the United States seeking solutions for the ongoing drought, Matt’s talents and experience could not come at a more important and pressing time.”