Staff & Advisors
Staff
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Ron Burke
President and CEO
Mr. Burke became the President and CEO of the Alliance for Water Efficiency on March 22, 2021. Ron spent the first twenty years of his career working on environmental policy and programs as an Environmental Scientist for the U.S. EPA, the Environmental Health Director and Deputy Executive Director for the American Lung Association of Metropolitan Chicago, the Associate Director for the Illinois EPA, and Midwest Office Director for the Union of Concerned Scientists. More recently, Ron was Executive Director of the Chicago-based Active Transportation Alliance for nine years and ran government relations for Lyft’s bike share and scooter share programs in the Central U.S.
Mr. Burke earned an M.S. from Washington University’s Department of Engineering and Policy and did his undergraduate work in life sciences at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.
Mr. Burke became the President and CEO of the Alliance for Water Efficiency on March 22, 2021. Ron spent the first twenty years of his career working on environmental policy and programs as an Environmental Scientist for the U.S. EPA, the Environmental Health Director and Deputy Executive Director for the American Lung Association of Metropolitan Chicago, the Associate Director for the Illinois EPA, and Midwest Office Director for the Union of Concerned Scientists. More recently, Ron was Executive Director of the Chicago-based Active Transportation Alliance for nine years and ran government relations for Lyft’s bike share and scooter share programs in the Central U.S.
Mr. Burke earned an M.S. from Washington University’s Department of Engineering and Policy and did his undergraduate work in life sciences at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.
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Kelly Connolly Kern
Director of Communications & Membership
Kelly Connolly Kern joined the Alliance for Water Efficiency in December 2022. In this capacity she oversees the organization’s strategic communications efforts and directs the membership programming. Kelly earned her baccalaureate and graduate degrees in Social Work from Gordon College and Baylor University, respectively. Throughout her career in nonprofit administration, Kelly has led strategic communications efforts to leverage both digital and traditional media for optimum impact. She has also managed millions of dollars of public funds while overseeing state and federal grants serving marginalized communities. Most recently, Kelly served as the Mayor Pro Tem of the city of Waco, TX where she crafted a strategic campaign messaging plan utilizing videos, social media platforms, email campaigns, and her website resulting in a highly informed and engaged constituent base. She championed an increase in living wage jobs, affordable housing, and equitable economic development.
Kelly has also taught courses on Public Policy, Social Justice, and Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion at Baylor University. She’s thrilled to be a new Chicago transplant and work alongside this great team in pursuit of water conservation and efficiency.
Kelly Connolly Kern joined the Alliance for Water Efficiency in December 2022. In this capacity she oversees the organization’s strategic communications efforts and directs the membership programming. Kelly earned her baccalaureate and graduate degrees in Social Work from Gordon College and Baylor University, respectively. Throughout her career in nonprofit administration, Kelly has led strategic communications efforts to leverage both digital and traditional media for optimum impact. She has also managed millions of dollars of public funds while overseeing state and federal grants serving marginalized communities. Most recently, Kelly served as the Mayor Pro Tem of the city of Waco, TX where she crafted a strategic campaign messaging plan utilizing videos, social media platforms, email campaigns, and her website resulting in a highly informed and engaged constituent base. She championed an increase in living wage jobs, affordable housing, and equitable economic development.
Kelly has also taught courses on Public Policy, Social Justice, and Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion at Baylor University. She’s thrilled to be a new Chicago transplant and work alongside this great team in pursuit of water conservation and efficiency.
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Liesel Hans
Director of Programs
Liesel Hans joined the Alliance in April 2022 and focuses on program leadership and management, knowledge development, and fostering partnerships and collaborations, while serving a collective of amazing water conservation and efficiency organizations and professionals. Liesel was previously the Water Conservation Manager at Fort Collins Utilities in Fort Collins, CO leading a team that continues to improve and build programs, policies, education, and incentives to help the community do more with less. Prior to this she worked at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory on energy policy, behavioral research, and the energy-water nexus. She received her PhD in Economics from Colorado State University where she focused on water and energy, rates, behavioral economics and was a member of the City of Fort Collins Water Board.
Liesel lives in Fort Collins, CO with her partner, two hilarious kids, and a dramatic dog.
Liesel Hans joined the Alliance in April 2022 and focuses on program leadership and management, knowledge development, and fostering partnerships and collaborations, while serving a collective of amazing water conservation and efficiency organizations and professionals. Liesel was previously the Water Conservation Manager at Fort Collins Utilities in Fort Collins, CO leading a team that continues to improve and build programs, policies, education, and incentives to help the community do more with less. Prior to this she worked at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory on energy policy, behavioral research, and the energy-water nexus. She received her PhD in Economics from Colorado State University where she focused on water and energy, rates, behavioral economics and was a member of the City of Fort Collins Water Board.
Liesel lives in Fort Collins, CO with her partner, two hilarious kids, and a dramatic dog.
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Jeffrey Hughes
Director of Operations
Jeffrey is a member of the senior management team, directly overseeing administration, business operations, and governance activities; involved in financial management and strategic planning functions, as well as being responsible for human resources, information systems, facilities, and day-to-day office management. Prior to becoming the second employee of AWE in early 2008, Jeffrey worked in nursing home administration, municipal administration, and five years with the California Water Efficiency Partnership (fka California Urban Water Conservation Council).
Jeffrey graduated with a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Public Administration from California State University, Chico, and is a Certified Association Executive (CAE) conferred by the American Society of Association Executives.
Jeffrey is a member of the senior management team, directly overseeing administration, business operations, and governance activities; involved in financial management and strategic planning functions, as well as being responsible for human resources, information systems, facilities, and day-to-day office management. Prior to becoming the second employee of AWE in early 2008, Jeffrey worked in nursing home administration, municipal administration, and five years with the California Water Efficiency Partnership (fka California Urban Water Conservation Council).
Jeffrey graduated with a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Public Administration from California State University, Chico, and is a Certified Association Executive (CAE) conferred by the American Society of Association Executives.
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Andrew Morris
Director of Policy
Andrew Morris joined the Alliance for Water Efficiency in January 2023 and focuses on policy and programming. He brings to bear his experience with state and federal water policy advocacy, state and local plumbing code development, utility water loss auditing, and a range of water supply and efficiency program support activities for water utilities. While his legal training provides unique insights and experience, he serves in a non-legal role for the Alliance. Andrew previously served in a dual role as the Water Policy Officer at Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District and as Natural Resources Counsel for the Atlanta Regional Commission. His work focused on water planning, policy, and programing to improve regional resiliency and drought response and to address interstate water disputes. As part of this work, he held leadership and board positions in several national trade associations focused on water policy.
Andrew has also worked for the Georgia Environment Finance Authority and at a private law firm as an energy law attorney. He graduated with honors from the University of Notre Dame Law School with a JD and from the University of Georgia with a BA in History.
Andrew Morris joined the Alliance for Water Efficiency in January 2023 and focuses on policy and programming. He brings to bear his experience with state and federal water policy advocacy, state and local plumbing code development, utility water loss auditing, and a range of water supply and efficiency program support activities for water utilities. While his legal training provides unique insights and experience, he serves in a non-legal role for the Alliance. Andrew previously served in a dual role as the Water Policy Officer at Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District and as Natural Resources Counsel for the Atlanta Regional Commission. His work focused on water planning, policy, and programing to improve regional resiliency and drought response and to address interstate water disputes. As part of this work, he held leadership and board positions in several national trade associations focused on water policy.
Andrew has also worked for the Georgia Environment Finance Authority and at a private law firm as an energy law attorney. He graduated with honors from the University of Notre Dame Law School with a JD and from the University of Georgia with a BA in History.
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Devin Smith
Researcher
Devin Smith joined the Alliance for Water Efficiency as a Researcher in January 2025. She enthusiastically contributes to the AWE team through her research expertise in support of improving water efficiency and conservation across North America. Within this role, Devin assists AWE programs through quantitative and qualitative data collection and reporting. In her previous position, Devin was a scientific researcher who specialized in studying the quantity and quality of Earth’s freshwater resources. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from Villanova University, and her Master of Science and PhD in Earth Sciences from The Ohio State University. Her research was driven by the idea that water scarcity is a function of water quantity and water quality. With this concept directing her work, Devin studied water resources in urban, agricultural, and natural environments around the world. She enjoys working on teams to solve complex, interdisciplinary problems at the intersection of climate change, environmental justice, and water resources.
When not thinking about water resources Devin can be found in the kitchen testing out new recipes or playing with her dog, Darcy. If you questioned how much Devin loves water resources, her dog is named after Darcy’s Law, the equation used to quantify groundwater flow!
Devin Smith joined the Alliance for Water Efficiency as a Researcher in January 2025. She enthusiastically contributes to the AWE team through her research expertise in support of improving water efficiency and conservation across North America. Within this role, Devin assists AWE programs through quantitative and qualitative data collection and reporting. In her previous position, Devin was a scientific researcher who specialized in studying the quantity and quality of Earth’s freshwater resources. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from Villanova University, and her Master of Science and PhD in Earth Sciences from The Ohio State University. Her research was driven by the idea that water scarcity is a function of water quantity and water quality. With this concept directing her work, Devin studied water resources in urban, agricultural, and natural environments around the world. She enjoys working on teams to solve complex, interdisciplinary problems at the intersection of climate change, environmental justice, and water resources.
When not thinking about water resources Devin can be found in the kitchen testing out new recipes or playing with her dog, Darcy. If you questioned how much Devin loves water resources, her dog is named after Darcy’s Law, the equation used to quantify groundwater flow!
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Rachel Austin-DeBruin
Manager of Membership and Events
Rachel joined the Alliance in Spring 2020. Her goal is to share the Alliance's mission with members and potential members. She builds relationships with utilities, corporations, and other program members to work towards the common value of water efficiency and conservation in North America.
Rachel achieved her Master's in Business Administration with Dominican University in River Forest (IL) and has been involved with nonprofits her whole career. Rachel spends her free time with her family, but especially the family dog, Mallow. Rachel and Mallow are working on their Canine Good Citizens certification so they can do more fun activities like agility coursing!
Rachel joined the Alliance in Spring 2020. Her goal is to share the Alliance's mission with members and potential members. She builds relationships with utilities, corporations, and other program members to work towards the common value of water efficiency and conservation in North America.
Rachel achieved her Master's in Business Administration with Dominican University in River Forest (IL) and has been involved with nonprofits her whole career. Rachel spends her free time with her family, but especially the family dog, Mallow. Rachel and Mallow are working on their Canine Good Citizens certification so they can do more fun activities like agility coursing!
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Amanda Christophe
Program Coordinator
Amanda Christophe joined the Alliance in August 2023 and focuses on building capacity for water conservation and efficiency efforts through project management, relationship building, community outreach, and research. Amanda’s interest in water grew in her previous role as a CivicSpark AmeriCorps Fellow with the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board, where she implemented climate adaptation and mitigation projects for wastewater treatment facilities across the region to build a more resilient water supply against climate impacts. Prior to this, Amanda graduated Summa Cum Laude from Indiana University, Bloomington, with a Bachelor of Science in Public Affairs focusing on environmental management, political science, and economics. She is passionate about environmental equity and justice, climate action, and nature-based policy and takes on a “think globally, act locally” approach to her work.
Amanda enjoys traveling, hiking, reading, and music. She is excited to join AWE to continue protecting our communities’ most precious resource.
Amanda Christophe joined the Alliance in August 2023 and focuses on building capacity for water conservation and efficiency efforts through project management, relationship building, community outreach, and research. Amanda’s interest in water grew in her previous role as a CivicSpark AmeriCorps Fellow with the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board, where she implemented climate adaptation and mitigation projects for wastewater treatment facilities across the region to build a more resilient water supply against climate impacts. Prior to this, Amanda graduated Summa Cum Laude from Indiana University, Bloomington, with a Bachelor of Science in Public Affairs focusing on environmental management, political science, and economics. She is passionate about environmental equity and justice, climate action, and nature-based policy and takes on a “think globally, act locally” approach to her work.
Amanda enjoys traveling, hiking, reading, and music. She is excited to join AWE to continue protecting our communities’ most precious resource.
Technical Advisors
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Mary Ann Dickinson
Technical Advisor
Mary Ann Dickinson is the Director of Land and Water Policy for the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, where she works on sustainable land and water resource integration. She is the past President and CEO of the Alliance for Water Efficiency, which she helped found in 2007.
Prior to joining the Alliance in July of 2007, Mary Ann was Executive Director of the California Urban Water Conservation Council, a non-profit organization composed of urban water supply agencies, environmental groups, and other entities managing statewide water conservation in California and implementing the nation’s first set of Best Management Practices.
Mary Ann has over 50 years of experience, having worked at the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, the South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority, and the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. A graduate of the University of Connecticut with a degree in environmental planning, Mary Ann has authored numerous publications on water conservation, land use planning, and natural resources management, and has co-produced two films which have aired on public television and community cable stations.
Mary Ann is currently the Co-Chair of the Water and Planning Network for the American Planning Association. She also is past Chair of the Efficient Urban Water Management Specialist Group for the International Water Association, past Chair of the American Water Works Association National Water Conservation Division, past President of the California Irrigation Institute, past President of the Lake Arrowhead Community Services District, and past Treasurer of the Texas Water Foundation. Mary Ann has presented numerous papers on water conservation internationally and all across the United States and Canada.
Mary Ann Dickinson is the Director of Land and Water Policy for the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, where she works on sustainable land and water resource integration. She is the past President and CEO of the Alliance for Water Efficiency, which she helped found in 2007.
Prior to joining the Alliance in July of 2007, Mary Ann was Executive Director of the California Urban Water Conservation Council, a non-profit organization composed of urban water supply agencies, environmental groups, and other entities managing statewide water conservation in California and implementing the nation’s first set of Best Management Practices.
Mary Ann has over 50 years of experience, having worked at the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, the South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority, and the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. A graduate of the University of Connecticut with a degree in environmental planning, Mary Ann has authored numerous publications on water conservation, land use planning, and natural resources management, and has co-produced two films which have aired on public television and community cable stations.
Mary Ann is currently the Co-Chair of the Water and Planning Network for the American Planning Association. She also is past Chair of the Efficient Urban Water Management Specialist Group for the International Water Association, past Chair of the American Water Works Association National Water Conservation Division, past President of the California Irrigation Institute, past President of the Lake Arrowhead Community Services District, and past Treasurer of the Texas Water Foundation. Mary Ann has presented numerous papers on water conservation internationally and all across the United States and Canada.
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John Koeller
Technical Advisor
John Koeller is principal of Koeller & Company, based in California and providing engineering and environmental consulting services since 1973. He is a registered professional engineer (California) with extensive experience in and primary focus on water-efficient technologies and products. Internationally recognized as a specialist in these fields, John is a consultant to various North American water authorities and private sector firms. John is currently a member of seven different ANSI U.S. national plumbing standards committees under the umbrella of ASME, CSA, and IAPMO, where he represents water efficiency interests. For Canada, he is a member of the Canadian Standards Association B45 and B125 Technical Committees responsible for developing product plumbing standards. He is a technical advisor to the international Alliance for Water Efficiency (AWE) and past technical advisor to the California Urban Water Conservation Council (CUWCC). His is also an advisor-consultant to the U.S. EPA's WaterSense® program, and other green building programs and initiatives.
John is the co-developer of Maximum Performance (MaP) testing for toilet fixtures and other products, another very successful initiative dealing with product performance. MaP Toilet Testing is now a leading web-based resource in North America for design professionals and consumers.
John Koeller is principal of Koeller & Company, based in California and providing engineering and environmental consulting services since 1973. He is a registered professional engineer (California) with extensive experience in and primary focus on water-efficient technologies and products. Internationally recognized as a specialist in these fields, John is a consultant to various North American water authorities and private sector firms. John is currently a member of seven different ANSI U.S. national plumbing standards committees under the umbrella of ASME, CSA, and IAPMO, where he represents water efficiency interests. For Canada, he is a member of the Canadian Standards Association B45 and B125 Technical Committees responsible for developing product plumbing standards. He is a technical advisor to the international Alliance for Water Efficiency (AWE) and past technical advisor to the California Urban Water Conservation Council (CUWCC). His is also an advisor-consultant to the U.S. EPA's WaterSense® program, and other green building programs and initiatives.
John is the co-developer of Maximum Performance (MaP) testing for toilet fixtures and other products, another very successful initiative dealing with product performance. MaP Toilet Testing is now a leading web-based resource in North America for design professionals and consumers.
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Peter Mayer
Technical Advisor
Peter Mayer is a professional engineer and urban water expert in the areas of water use, water efficiency, demand management, and water resource planning. For more than 25 years, Peter’s work has focused on urban water management, researching water use patterns, assessing the impact of water rate structures, evaluating water efficiency measures and programs, forecasting future demand with and without conservation, preparing water demand management plans and conducting water supply scenario analysis.
Peter was the lead author for the Water Research Foundation (WRF) “Residential End Uses of Water” studies published in 1999 and 2016 and a key contributor to the companion “Commercial and Institutional End Uses of Water” study. In 2013, Peter founded WaterDM – Water Demand Management. WaterDM’s clients include: the California Department of Water Resources, the Marina Coast Water District, the City of Tucson, Colorado Water Conservation Board, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, the City of Austin, AWE, Rachio, Flume, WRF, and Northern Water; and throughout his career Peter has worked with more than 100 water providers across the United States, Canada, and Australia.
Peter earned his Master’s Degree in water resources engineering from the University of Colorado in Boulder in 1995 and holds a bachelors degree from Oberlin College. He lives in Boulder, Colorado with his wife Amanda and two sons - Zachary and Miles. His hobbies include playing electric and acoustic guitar, skiing, hiking, movies, and reading.
Peter Mayer is a professional engineer and urban water expert in the areas of water use, water efficiency, demand management, and water resource planning. For more than 25 years, Peter’s work has focused on urban water management, researching water use patterns, assessing the impact of water rate structures, evaluating water efficiency measures and programs, forecasting future demand with and without conservation, preparing water demand management plans and conducting water supply scenario analysis.
Peter was the lead author for the Water Research Foundation (WRF) “Residential End Uses of Water” studies published in 1999 and 2016 and a key contributor to the companion “Commercial and Institutional End Uses of Water” study. In 2013, Peter founded WaterDM – Water Demand Management. WaterDM’s clients include: the California Department of Water Resources, the Marina Coast Water District, the City of Tucson, Colorado Water Conservation Board, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, the City of Austin, AWE, Rachio, Flume, WRF, and Northern Water; and throughout his career Peter has worked with more than 100 water providers across the United States, Canada, and Australia.
Peter earned his Master’s Degree in water resources engineering from the University of Colorado in Boulder in 1995 and holds a bachelors degree from Oberlin College. He lives in Boulder, Colorado with his wife Amanda and two sons - Zachary and Miles. His hobbies include playing electric and acoustic guitar, skiing, hiking, movies, and reading.