Former NPCA Board Chair and Korea RPCV Steve Werner brings marketing savvy to Water For People
Werner brings marketing savvy to WFP
Steve Werner, Water For People's new executive director, is eager to increase the organization's resources and beef up volunteer support.
"I hope to expand our support for section committees and help them with fund raising and project-related work," Werner said. Recognizing the considerable initiatives that the sections take on behalf of WFP, Werner hopes to add additional staff at the Denver headquarters to support section efforts and increase awareness of Water For People.
Acknowledging Werner's experience in marketing and fund raising, Jerry Smith, WFP president, said, "With the addition of Steve to our organization, Water For People can expand our fund raising and program work around the world as we enter our second decade."
"I've always felt that to do well in the future, you have to understand your past," Werner said. He plans to capitalize on the creation of WFP by AWWA and the drinking water industry and leverage the solid and generous support of utilities.
Paul Sobiech, former executive director, will remain with WFP and handle special fund raising and program assignments.
"Because of family reasons, Paul asked to have new responsibilities with fewer hours, and the Board of Directors was happy to retain Paul's services," Smith said. "Paul has helped WFP to become known internationally during our first decade, and he will continue to be an important part of the team."
Before coming to Water For People, Werner was with Creative Leadership Solutions, a Denver-based international consulting company. He has also served as senior vice-president for programs at Habitat for Humanity International, regional director for CARE, and area executive director in San Antonio, Texas, for the American Cancer Society.
Werner has traveled to many developing nations around the world through his participation in the Peace Corps, the Kellogg National Fellowship Program, and the Salzburg Seminar.
He has served as chairman of the board for the National Peace Corps Association and held volunteer leadership positions with several international organizations.
Werner has firsthand experiences concerning the importance of safe drinking water. As young adults, he and his wife, Patti, were Peace Corps volunteers in South Korea. "We worked in a tuberculosis control program and saw a lot of people who were sick because of the water. We also had to pump water for all our personal use and consumption. Those experiences strengthened my view of the importance of access to clean, safe water."
The Werners have three children--a married daughter, a son in the Marine Corps, and a teenaged son--and have served as foster parents for more than 14 years. In addition to commitments to family and work, Werner enjoys golf, camping, and traveling.
