Southern California Water Coalition Recognizes ACWA Members at 2023 Annual Dinner by ACWA Staff Dec 21, 2023 Water News The Southern California Water Coalition recently honored three ACWA members as part of its 2023 Annual Dinner and Awards Presentation. The Nov. 2 event united more than 400 prominent figures from various sectors, including business, water management, non-profit organizations, agriculture, and more, all coming together to celebrate and recognize outstanding colleagues. The evening featured a keynote address from Speaker Emeritus Anthony Rendon, representing the 62nd Assembly District in Southeast Los Angeles. Two awards were presented to acknowledge the contributions of three distinguished leaders in the water industry. Martin Adams, General Manager of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, received the Harriett M. Wieder Water Leadership Award for his commitment to providing affordable, reliable and sustainable water for all Angelenos today and into the future. Mike Markus, General Manager of Orange County Water District, joined Mr. Adams in being honored with the Harriett Wieder Award for his contributions to providing high-quality drinking water for the millions that live in Orange County. Steve Elie, Board Vice President of the Inland Empire Utilities Agency, was honored with the Kathy Cole Award for his significant dedication, unwavering perseverance, and exceptional collaborative spirit within IEUA and SCWC, where he currently serves as second Vice Chair and led the Legislative Task Force. “Marty Adams and Mike Markus, the Harriett M. Wieder Water Leadership Award recipients in 2023, exemplify unwavering dedication to advancing California’s critical water supply issues,” said Charley Wilson, the Executive Director of the Southern California Water Coalition. Wilson explained that the award, symbolized by a block of wood, resonates with the spirit of former Orange County Supervisor Harriett M. Wieder, who famously stated that sometimes, to drive change, one must use a 2×4 to capture attention. Wieder was the founder of the Southern California Water Coalition. “In the case of both Marty and Mike, their extraordinary leadership has indeed captured our attention and spurred remarkable change,” said Wilson. “SCWC is proud to recognize our second vice chair and longtime board member Steve Elie as the recipient of the 2023 Kathy Cole Award. This prestigious accolade, established in 2020 by SCWC, celebrates individuals who exemplify the dedication, perseverance, and collaborative spirit embodied by former Metropolitan Water District Executive Legislative Representative, Kathy Cole,” Wilson said. The award includes a whiskey decanter and two glasses etched with Mark Twain’s famous words, “Whiskey is for drinking, and water is for fighting.” Steve Elie, a true champion in the water policy field, is a deserving recipient of this honor. Serving as a board member of IEUA, SCWC, and other organizations, Steve’s contributions have been nothing short of exceptional. Steve’s journey on the IEUA board began in 2010, and his three re-elections underscore the trust and respect he commands from the community. He currently serves as the Board Vice President. As an accomplished environmental and water law attorney, Steve champions the causes of public entities and regulated public utility entities, particularly focusing on soil and groundwater contamination. Steve’s commitment extends to leadership roles in various organizations, including Chair of the National Water Research Institute and representing the Chino Basin Watermaster, Chino Basin Desalter Authority, Association of San Bernardino County Special Districts, and the Chino Basin Water Bank. “As a coalition builder, educator, and advocate for water, Steve’s enduring contributions and his ability to bring insight as well as levity and camaraderie to complex water policy discussions have been truly remarkable,” Wilson said. The networking event for water, business, agriculture, local public policymakers, labor groups, and environmental leaders commenced with a VIP reception followed by a dinner and program.
