Government Affairs & Legislation Council

MI-AWWA collaborates with the Michigan Water Environment Association on policy issues, working with lobbying firm Midwest Strategy Group to influence legislation and regulations. As a member driven organization, much of our advocacy work is done through our Board and Government Affairs Council. If you are interested in getting involved in particular issue or in volunteering on the Government Affairs Council, please contact staff.

Council Activities

Legislation

Advocacy

Section Spokespeople

Resources

A Message from the Government Affairs Council Chair

There is a lot happening in Government Affairs as we head into the fall, with several opportunities to learn, engage, and represent Michigan's drinking water community.

Advocacy 101 Webinar | August 18

MI-AWWA and MWEA will host a joint Advocacy 101 Webinar on Tuesday, August 18, from 12:00–1:00 PM.

This webinar is a great opportunity to learn more about advocacy, the legislative process, and how water professionals can effectively engage on issues impacting our industry.

Register for Advocacy 101

Legislative Day | September 22 – Tentative

Our annual Legislative Day in Lansing is moving to the fall this year and is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, September 22.

Additional information will be shared as soon as the date and event details are confirmed.

Stay tuned for updates.

Government Affairs Council Meeting at MI-ACE | September 16

The next Government Affairs Council meeting will be held in person during MI-ACE in Kalamazoo on Wednesday, September 16 at 11:45 AM.

Council members should watch for a calendar invitation and are encouraged to submit potential agenda items in advance.

Opportunity to Serve: Water Asset Management Council

The Michigan Infrastructure Council (MIC) is seeking applicants for a position on Michigan's Water Asset Management Council (WAMC) representing a regional drinking water, wastewater, or stormwater authority.

The selected member will serve a three-year term from January 1, 2027 through December 31, 2029.

Interested applicants should either currently work for a regional drinking water, wastewater, or stormwater authority or include a formal letter of support from an authority with their application.

Applications are due Wednesday, September 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM.

Learn More & Apply

Stay Engaged

Government Affairs is strongest when Michigan's water professionals are informed and involved. Whether you attend a webinar, join us for Legislative Day, participate in the Government Affairs Council, or lend your expertise through opportunities like WAMC, your involvement helps strengthen the voice of Michigan's water community.

Government Affairs Council

  • Sara Rubino
    Government Policy Attorney Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner
    Council Chair
  • Wayne Jernberg
    Wayne Jernberg
    Managing Director of Utilities Grand Rapids Water Department
    Council Vice-Chair
  • John A. Willemin
    Sr. Vice President Fishbeck
    Council Vice-Chair
  • Alando V. Chappell
    Alando V. Chappell
    Board Trustee
  • Esther Baptiste
    Great Lakes Water Authority
    Council Member
  • Corey Barr
    Superintendent W/WW City of Manistique
    Council Member
  • Nicolette Bateson
    Nicolette Bateson
    Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer Great Lakes Water Authority
    Council Member
  • Harle Battjes
    Holland Board of Public Works
    Council Member
  • James Cassel
    James Cassel
    Sales Michigan Pipe & Valve
    Council Member
  • Carrie Cox
    Carrie Cox
    Chief Engineer Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner
    Council Member
  • Jaime Fleming
    Jaime Fleming
    Superintendent City of Wyoming Utilities Department
    Council Member
  • William Fritz
    William Fritz
    Council Member
  • Trista Gregorski
    Council Member
  • Scott House
    City of East Lansing
    Council Member
  • Teresa Johnson
    Teresa Johnson
    Deputy Public Services Director City of Kalamazoo - Dept of Pub Svcs
    Council Member
  • Matthew Kennedy
    Matthew Kennedy
    Engineer OHM Advisors
    Council Member
  • Michael McDaniel
    Director of Government and Customer Relations BlueConduit
    Council Member
  • John O'Brien
    Director Genesee County Drain Commissioner Water & Waste Services
    Council Member
  • Kirit Ravani
    Principal Engineer-Client Relations Somat Engineering
    Council Member
  • Lindsay Sagorski Munsell
    Project Engineer Grand Rapids Water Department
    Council Member
  • William Wolfson
    Chemist Great Lakes Water Authority
    Council Member
  • Jonelle Moore
    Jonelle Moore, M.B.A.
    Executive Director MI-AWWA
    Staff Liaison